Cascade Books The End of All Things Is at Hand: A Christian Eschatology in Conversation with Science and Islam

This book proposes a bold vision of the “end” of human life and the cosmos based on the hopeful vision of Christian faith. In a dialogue with the best of Christian tradition, the natural sciences’ conjectures of the “end,” as well as Islam’s rich teaching on the doctrine of the Last Things, a fresh constructive eschatology is recommended. While based on wide and deep academic learning, the conversational style of the book makes it suitable for various kinds of audiences, from pastors, to students, to scholars, and to interested lay folks. Review "If the end is nigh, why should we care about anything? Offering a broad overview of relevant topics and angles on growing sentiments of impending doom, Karkkainen argues that Christians--and all the people of good will--should go about planting their trees, both literally and metaphorically." --Olli-Pekka Vainio, University of Helsinki "Dare we hope for new creation in the self-giving of the triune God? Karkkainen boldly proposes that we must dare to hope to experience the full meaning of life in the present. He then develops the particulars of his reflection in conversation with both science and Islam! This brilliant reflection shows us once again why Karkkainen is one of the leading theologians of our time." --Frank D. Macchia, Vanguard University "In this thoughtful and comprehensive book, Karkkainen makes Christian eschatology come alive. In conversation with Islam and science, he brings together a concern for the life to come with our personal and communal responsibilities today. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to know what Christian eschatology might say about our shared human and cosmic destiny." --Lois Malcolm, Luther Seminary About the Author Veli-Matti Karkkainen is Professor of Systematic Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary and Docent of Ecumenics at the University of Helsinki.