So it didn't happen. The internet is abound with jokes, judgements and taunting. Alot of it comes from the mouths (and fingers) of Christians, critiquing what was rightfully an ill found theology.
Several of my readers asked me last week why I was absent from speculation, linking and commentary. I was actually really busy these last few weeks, but as Saturday grew closer and closer, I felt the pit of my stomach aching for what was going to be a bad weekend for Christians. It was bad for those who hoped Camping was correct and it was a bad weekend for those who will now be lumped in with the disappointed. It will also be a bad weekend because many other Christians are slowly showing our stripes, and earning the the stereotypes of judgemental, arrogant and know it all.
The simple fact: It is easier to make fun of a bad eschatology than a developing a good eschatology.
While many pointed out that Camping was wrong, I did not see many good theological contributions as to why he is wrong. We can point our fingers, but the task of eschatological leadership is hard. While the church (and society) can postmodern away the stickier pieces of eschatology, those in it for the long haul must roll their sleeves up.
We need to learn to talk about judgement.
We need to learn to talk about finality.
We need to relate to secular apocalyptic vision.
We need to understand the actions of immanence pertaining to the words of Christ.
We need pastors who teach about eschatology.
In the words of Robert Jenson, "We need to become fiercely eschatological."
Eschatology is the orientation of the church. Without the promised 2nd coming, we have a worthless faith. We essentially sit around talking about Christmas while it is December 27th. Instead, let this infatuation with the return of Christ stay on our minds.
Glory be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and shall ever be, world without end.
Talking about eschatology in the church has become so dangerous that I just keep my head down and keep muttering the phrase "no one knows the day or hour"
Posted by: humble | 05/22/2011 at 11:43 AM
humble: .....and you are not alone in feeling this........
Posted by: wondering | 05/24/2011 at 07:45 AM
It was true, that when Jesus spoke those words in [Matt 24:36] no one knew that day or hour, save for the Father alone, since no one had yet been found worthy to unseal what God had sealed.
However is is a fallacy to believe that something that is true in the past, it is true for all time.
Have you not read how the lamb who was slain ascended [Acts 1:9-11] out of site of the eyes of men, to appear at the right hand of God [Rev 5:6] between the throne and the four living creatures?
Once he appeared at the throne, He was specifically given the scroll from Him who was seated on the throne [Rev 5:7] and was worshiped by the host of heaven.
This one was found worthy, and possessed the right to unseal the mysteries, and did [Rev 5:9]. He also to proceeded to reveal these mysteries to his servants as He did so [Rom 16:25][Eph 1:9][Eph 3:3-4,6,9].
So immediately after the circumstances of [Acts 1:9-11] the conditions of [Matt 24:36] were no longer true, obviously.
Posted by: Andrew Thule | 05/24/2011 at 11:13 AM
Andrew, I think you might be confusing the mysteries in Rev. 5:9 with something we all want to know. Ask this: Is the mystery about the day of the event, or is it about the mystery of God, Christ, and the Church? also, what verse mentions the actual word "mystery"? I can't seem to find it.
Posted by: Russell Purvis | 05/25/2011 at 07:57 AM
Andrew, I too am confused. Where was your point of contention? I also disagree with what you said about a former truth not being true in the future. Can jyou help us out some?
Posted by: Chad | 05/25/2011 at 09:01 AM