How does the eschatological future impinge on the present? Is the
kingdom of God present outside the confession of Christ in movements
towards social justice? Is Christian hope a stimulus to social
involvement or an alternative? And how does the present impinge on the
eschatological future? What is the relationship between our actions now
and the new creation? Is there eschatological continuity between the
two? Jurgen Moltmann, one of our most influential contemporary
theologians, has had much to say both on eschatology and its
relationship to mission. This book explores his thought along with
evangelical responses to it. Eschatology has been central to evangelical
debates about social involvement ever since the Laussanne Congress in
1974. The book examines how evangelicals themselves have related hope
and mission. The book highlights the important contribution Moltmann has
made while offering a critique of his thought from an evangelical
perspective. In so doing, it touches on pertinent issues for evangelical
missiology. The conclusion takes John Calvin as a starting point,
proposing 'an eschatology of the cross' which offers a critique of the
over-realized eschatologies in liberation theology and triumphalistic
forms of evangelicalism. ""This is a work of major importance, engaging
with crucial themes and leading Christian thinkers. A must read for all
reflective evangelicals. Tim Chester's work is always good, but this is
the best yet."" --Martyn Atkins, Principal, Cliff College, Calver; UK
""Despite the attention of Moltmann and despite intra-evangelical debate
on the nature of mission over the last three decades, the task of
bringing Moltmann and evangelicalism into dialogue has remained on the
table for some time. Tim Chester takes up the agenda. His combination of
practical experience in mission and theological ability, equip him well
for this task and the result is a study which brings academic reasoning
to bear on Christian thought about eschatology and its vital connection
with the missionary responsibility of the church. it rewards our careful
attention."" --Stephen Williams, Professor of Systemic Theology at Union
Theological College, Belfast ""Eschatology in relation to mission is
often reduced to plans for 'finishing' the Great Commission as soon as
possible, or to lurid end-time scenarios that feed our fantasy more than
they fuel biblical mission. so it is refreshing to have this
wide-ranging, in depth study of the theme that engages with one of the
most well-known theologians of biblical hope, Jurgen Moltmann, alongside
a number of renowned evangelical scholars, yet stays rooted in the text
and vision of the Bible itself. This is searching theology in the
service of biblical mission--as all theology ultimately should be.""
--Chris Wright, International Director, Langham Partnership
International Tim Chester co-leads The Crowded House, a church planting
initiative in Sheffield. He is the author of From Creation to New
Creation, The Message of Prayer, Good News to the Poor, Delighting in
the Trinity and editor of Justice, Mercy, and Humility: Integral Mission
and the Poor. He is part-time author in missiology at Cliff College and
was previously Tearfund's Research and Policy Director.
