Pentecostals have often been accused, and rightly so, of an other-worldly eschatology that leads to escape from, rather than engagement in, society. In contrast, this article seeks to demonstrate that Pentecostal spirituality and worldview carry the seed of a more fruitful approach towards social engagement and transformation, and proposes (a) proleptic anticipation, (b) holistic soteriology, (c) openness to God, and (d) prophetic imagination as starting points for an eschatology that takes both Pentecostal characteristics and the well-being of society seriously. Further, the study points out dispensationalism, fatalism, understanding of time, and waning eschatological expectations as issues that must be addressed for this potential to be realized. Finally, it concludes with implications for pastoral leadership and preaching, highlighting the need for an eschatological pulpit to avoid the damage of the contemporary therapeutic culture in the life of the church.
Truls Åkerlund
Høyskolen for Ledelse og Teologi
Halen som logrer med hunden
Om pentekostal eskatologi og sosialt engasjement
The tail is wagging the dog: On Pentecostal eschatology and social engagement
Abstract
Pentecostals have often been accused, and rightly so, of an other-worldly eschatology that leads to escape from, rather than engagement in, society. In contrast, this article seeks to demonstrate that Pentecostal spirituality and worldview carry the seed of a more fruitful approach towards social engagement and transformation, and proposes (a) proleptic anticipation, (b) holistic soteriology, (c) openness to God, and (d) prophetic imagination as starting points for an eschatology that takes both Pentecostal characteristics and the well-being of society seriously. Further, the study points out dispensationalism, fatalism, understanding of time, and waning eschatological expectations as issues that must be addressed for this potential to be realized. Finally, it concludes with implications for pastoral leadership and preaching, highlighting the need for an eschatological pulpit to avoid the damage of the contemporary therapeutic culture in the life of the church.
Keywords: Pinsebevegelsen, sosialt engasjement, eskatologi, endetid, profeti