The Place of Hope in Pentecostal Eschatological Reflection
The study of last things is a doctrine of utmost importance within Pentecostalism. This is due to the cooling it underwent during the Middle Ages, from the moment the Church allied itself with the State. Furthermore, Pentecostals have a peculiarity in relation to eschatology, due to the events that impacted their immediate context. Moments of war and crises marked the identity of the expectation of the Second Coming of Christ.
It can be said, however, that both benefit and harm arise from such an eschatological vision. Regarding the positive side, for example, emphasis was placed on literal interpretation, with strong influence from Jewish apocalyptic literature, reviving its futuristic aspect as the event of greatest expectation. On the other hand, this caused a side effect in the believer’s relationship with the world, as well as a posture of escapism or even stagnation and alienation in relation to the world in which one lives, since this world is considered entirely disposable; that is, it presents an alarmist eschatological vision that promotes fear.
However, with the conception of hope derived from the eschatology of theologians such as Jürgen Moltmann, the perfect balance for Pentecostal eschatological deficiencies is found. Hope is an important ally of faith. Therefore, it impacts the Church in such a way that it moves forward looking toward the future, yet exercising an active role in its demands on behalf of society.
According to Moltmann: “an existence of eschatological hope mobilizes the church for a journey of constant transformation, because faith rests on hope and launches itself outside this world. Not as an escape, but as one who seeks the future, meaning: ‘crossing frontiers, transcending, being in exodus‘” (MOLTMANN, 2005, p. 34).
Therefore, Pentecostal eschatology has its virtues and weaknesses, its pros and cons. The pursuit of recovering a more faithful interpretation of the Holy Scriptures and its radical way of life are inherent qualities that, combined with hope, cooperate for the progress of the Church on earth, thus avoiding escapism or the demonization of the world.
MOLTMANN, Jürgen. Theology of Hope. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993.
