Understanding Eschatology

• Eschatology is a term that comes from the Greek word 'eschaton', meaning 'last'. It refers to the part of theology concerned with the final events in the history of the world or of humankind.
• This study includes concepts such as death, judgement, and final destiny of the soul and of humankind, also known as afterlife.
• Eschatological beliefs differ significantly among religions and even within religions.

Christian Eschatology

• Christian eschatology focuses on the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the dead and the Last Judgement.
• Christians generally believe that the righteous will live forever with God in a place of happiness, referred to as Heaven.
• They also believe in Hell, a place of punishment for the wicked or those who fail God's judgement.
• Some Christian denominations believe in Purgatory, a place or state where souls are purified so they can enter Heaven.

Islamic Eschatology

• In Islamic eschatology, the eschatological events include the end of the world, resurrection and The Day of Judgement (Yawm al-Qiyāmah).
• Muslims believe in Heaven (Jannah) and Hell (Jahannam), as places of reward or punishment in the afterlife. Allah's mercy determines those who enter Jannah.
• The Mahdi, the prophesied redeemer of Islam, plays a significant role in the eschatology of some Muslims sects.

Hindu Eschatology

• Hindu eschatology is linked to concepts of cycles of epochs including Yuga Cycle, cosmic cycles, and continuous process of creation and destruction.
• Hindus believe in reincarnation, where the soul is reborn in a new body after death.
• The ultimate goal is to achieve Moksha, liberation or release from this cycle of rebirth, resulting in eternal peace and bliss.

Jewish Eschatology

• Jewish eschatology is based around concepts like the Messiah, resurrection, and the afterlife.
• Jewish texts often mention Sheol as a place of darkness, where all dead souls reside, but interpretations vary vastly.
• Some Jews believe in the concept of Gehenna where incredibly wicked individuals are punished.

Buddhist Eschatology

• In Buddhist eschatology, the ultimate goal is achieving Nirvana, freeing the individual from the cycle of death and rebirth.
• Buddhists believe in a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (Samsara) determined by one's actions (Karma).
• Buddhism mentions a future enlightened Buddha, Maitreya, who will appear on Earth, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma.

Different belief systems have varied eschatological teachings, highlighting diverse perspectives on the end of times, afterlife and the ultimate fate of human beings. These concepts have a profound impact on the moral, ethical and social behaviours of followers.