The Christian Understanding of History

By Eric Rust

An examination of the problems of our historical existence, in the context of God’s revelation through His Son as the key to historical meaning.

ISBN: 9780227171202

Description

The problem of world-history and its meaning is acute. In a scientific age we are also becoming historically conscious, realising how many of our contemporary problems cannot be solved without an understanding of their historical perspective. The whole conception of world-history is rooted in Christianity, and the Christian faith proclaims God’s special revelation through His Son as the key to historical meaning.

How does this Salvation History relate to the complex events of our historical existence? Does God only work in Salvation History or is there also a general revelation of His presence? In this comprehensive and magisterial study, the author suggests answers to these and other questions, believing that only by examining the problems in the light of the biblical revelation, and the meaning it gives to history, can they be understood.

Additional information

Dimensions 216 × 140 mm
Pages 312
Format

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Trade Information JPOD

About the Author

Eric Charles Rust was Tutor at Rawdon College, West Yorkshire.

Contents

Part I. The Basic Principles
I. The Enigma of History
II. History as a Process of Nature
III. Utopian Illusions
IV. History and the Eternal Order
V. Salvation History and the History of Religions
VI. Salvation History as Historical Myth

Part II. The Course of Salvation History and Its Eschatological Framework
VII. Israel: The Covenant and the Promises
VIII. The Failure of the Nation and the Doctrine of the Remnant
IX. The Travail of the Exile and the Deepening Revelation
X. The Fulness of Time and the Coming of the Kingdom
XI. The Son of Man and the Kingdom of God
XII. Paul’s Understanding of History
XIII. The Gospel and Hellenism

Part III. Salvation History and World History
XIV. History and Eschatology
XV. Secular History and Fallen Man
XVI. Fallen Man and Community
XVII. Salvation History and the New Humanity
XVIII. Secular History and the Divine Sovereignty
XIX. The End of History

Indexes

Extracts