So, Through a series of discussions here, here, and via email, the question seems to be “what are Jamie’s eschatological beliefs?” Well, well, wouldn’t we ALL like to know the answers to this question.
I have taken to reading blogs that are written by well trained theologians. A theologian I am not. Theology has only recently grabbed my interest and boy, I’m hooked. I am fascinated. Why have I not been taught this before? Why is that the average Jane (or Joe) in the pew isn’t encouraged to explore the width and breadth and beauty of the different interpretations of Scripture? Why have I always been taught that people who hold different interpretations of Scripture are just wrong, (and probably going straight to hell) instead of being taught the scriptural basis for WHY they believe the way they believe.
Thanks to Virgil, I am exploring preterism. (And Virgil, I think I’m leaning towards a partial preteristic view….but that remains to be seen). Thanks to TA for enlightening me to the beauty of reformed theology (even when I pushed back hard). Thanks to Scot McKnight for putting brilliant, sensitive and thoughtful words to my current frustrations with the evangelical church. Thanks to Rob Bell to helping me understand the Gospel in a more holistic sense. Thanks to NT Wright for helping me understand that “Heaven’s nice, but it’s not the end of the world.” Thanks to people like Phil, John and Molly for showing me what it looks like to come out of one set of theological beliefs, into another. Perhaps not unscathed, but stronger and loving Jesus more. To Brian McLaren for showing me what a generous orthodoxy might look like.
There is so much to learn about why people believe these different views. The Church Universal is exciting and intriguing. All this to say, that I’m still not sure what my eschatological beliefs are, BUT I’m questioning people, I’m searching the Scriptures, and I’m seeking God for the answers. While I’ve been frustrated and hurt by the local church, I’m discovering that the Church (both visible and invisible) is beautiful.
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