Abstract:
Generally speaking, the Vineyard movement shares with Jürgen Moltmann an eschatologically-oriented vision of Christian faith. However, a significant point of variance between Moltmann’s eschatology and what one finds in typical Vineyard circles has to do with its scope. Moltmann embraces a kind of Christian universalism in which all humanity (with all creation) will be finally saved by the redemptive, liberating work of Christ—regardless of Christian faith in this life. On the other hand, most Vineyard churches retain an exclusivist eschatology in which only those who profess faith in Christ will be saved in the end. This paper traces Moltmann’s universalism through several of his major works to show that it is not anomalous, but an integrated and consequential element of his eschatology. Those who are reading Moltmann in the Vineyard, who hold a more exclusive eschatology, must wrestle with this difference to determine whether or not the pieces of Moltmann’s eschatology they most appreciate can be held with integrity apart from their universal implications. Such reflection may have significant impact on how we understand the gospel itself and our gospel-driven, eschatologically-oriented mission.
The full paper is attached to this post.
