Riječki teološki časopis, Vol. 9 No. 1, 1997.
Conference paper
HOW CATECHING TODAY ABOUT ESCHATON?
Milan Šimunović
; Teologija u Rijeci - područni studij KBF Zagreb, Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Abstract
SUMMARY
Starting from the fact that the expectation of the coming century or New God's World, in other words, eschatological consciousness which needs to be in the principles of the Christian belief and life, this article is trying to answer the question how to place the mentioned theme in the process, of the New Evangelisation. In this sense, it is endeavoured to speak up about the "De Novissimis" or precisely, about the realities which will be shown in a final meeting and union with God and the rest of successful people. This is the way we should see the need of authentic Christian attitude referring death and dying, as one of the stages to human termination. It gets completely new importance when it happens on Christ way and together with Christ.
This stage represents the end of sin and various evil during lifetime, from baptism on. Speaking of judgement that will happen at the end of life and world, there in no intention to frighten but imply on necessity to emphasise the responsibility and seriousness in life. For, there is a possibility for human being to succeed and enter the joy of eternal life, or to thoroughly fall into an eternal death. Walking toward success or to the entrance of paradise, there is a possibility that a human being has to go through the stage of purgatory, which means purification of last zones of resistance that keep him from living his eternal life with God.
When describing paradise, we emphasise the communication and community in permanent growth in full life, in human being's prosperity in a world of God's life.
Regarding Hell, it is pointed out as necessity to redress the vision of God who "is punishing and determining someone for destruction". On contrary, a human being decides himself for Hell. With certain lifestyle, refusing God's love, he excludes himself from community and rejoice with God and other successful people. Biblical pictures needn't have to be repeated in sense of threat, but as an invitation for responsibility and possibility of destruction if conversion is not accepted.
In a word, we start from the fact that eschatological dimension, the complete human achievement in a sphere of forthcoming, has to be in centre of preachment and catechesis, in the light of authentic biblical interpretation of the Magisterium of the Church, Second Vatican Council, as well as current theological reflections, considering that the eschatological hope does not reduce but, on contrary, dynamize the completion of earthly duties. A human being receives new incentive for intensive life, stronger and productive moral on earth with a power of Eschaton, where in fact his Eschaton begins.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
96858
URI
Publication date:
26.6.1997.
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