Why I Don’t Believe in Eschatology
Okay, confession time: the title is a little clickbaity. But I also really do mean it. And I think it matters. Here’s why.
First off, let’s clarify: the word eschatology is not in the Bible. That’s not necessarily a problem. After all, neither is the word Trinity, and that doctrine is foundational to the Christian faith. And just because Christmas trees don’t appear in Scripture doesn’t mean having one in your living room is wrong. (Unless it’s February. Then it’s very wrong. Take it down. Seriously.)
But back to the point — eschatology, as a term, didn’t exist in the vocabulary of early Christians. It wasn’t introduced until around the 17th century, during the rise of post-Reformation theology in Europe. The word gained real traction in the 19th century, especially among Protestant systematic theologians.
Again, the problem isn’t the word’s late arrival. The issue is the meaning it carries.
Eschatology = “The Study of the End”
The word combines:
- Eschatos = last, final
- -logy = the study of
So, eschatology quite literally means “the study of last things” or “the end times.”
But here’s where I push back: Revelation isn’t the end.
It’s not a wrap-up or a closing chapter.
It’s a re-beginning.
It’s Eden restored. The garden becoming a garden-city. The curse removed. Heaven and earth reunited. It’s not the end — it’s the again.
And sure, I realize this might sound like a matter of semantics. But let’s not forget: semantics shape theology, and theology shapes how we live.
If my framework is built around endings, I live clinging to this world. I fear death. I avoid Revelation because it seems scary and unfamiliar. But if my theology is rooted in re-beginnings, then I’m filled with hope. I long for a better land. I ache — in the best way — for the ultimate homecoming.
A Better Word and a Better Way: Palingenesiology
Let me humbly propose an alternative: palingenesiology.
It's built on the Greek word παλιγγενεσία (palingenesia), meaning rebirth or regeneration.
- Palin = again
- Genesia = birth or genesis
It appears in Matthew 19:28, where Jesus promises “the renewal of all things.” This word captures not just the personal transformation of salvation, but a cosmic one — the full-scale renewal of everything broken.
Palingenesiology = the study of new beginnings.
The study of Genesis again.
The study of Eden again.
The study of a restored world where Christ is King, the curse is no more, and all things are made new.
So Let Me Ask You:
Would you rather study a theology of endings that feels fearful and heavy? Or a theology of re-beginnings that breathes life and hope into every part of your soul?
Me? I’ll take palingenesiology — every time.
Why I Don’t Believe in Eschatology
Okay. Admission: the title is a bit click-bait-esque. But also, I really do mean it. And I think it’s significant. Here’s why.
First, remember that the term eschatology is not in the Bible. Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with that. The word trinity isn’t in the Bible either. But the concept certainly is. And Christmas trees aren’t in the Bible. But that doesn’t mean having one in your living room is wrong. Unless it’s February. Then it’s very wrong. Take down your Christmas tree! But I digress.
All that I mean by that is to say the term eschatology didn't exist in early Christian writings — it came into formal theological use in the 17th century. The first recorded use in this form is traced to Christian theologians in post-Reformation Europe, particularly in German and Latin scholarship. It appears in theological systems around the late 1600s, but it really took root in the 19th century, especially among Protestant systematic theologians.
But even then, I don’t have a problem with its later introduction into our theological vocabulary. What I have a problem with is the meaning of the word itself. The word itself is a combination of ology meaning study of and eschatos meaning last or ending, i.e. “The study of end times.” But Revelation isn’t the last. It isn’t the end. It’s the re-beginning— the re-beginning of Eden, the re
I realize that in some ways its a matter of semantics, but semantics are important. Language creates theology. And our theological vocabulary influences the way that we live. If my theology says that everything is going to “end” then I live like this is the world that matters. I don’t want to die. I’m afraid to read the book of Revelation because it sounds so scary.
But if my language and theology are a study of re-beginnings, then I am filled with hope, I long for a better land, and I ache (in a good way) for the ultimate homecoming.
So, may I humbly suggest a replacement— palingenesiology
Palingenesia is a very rich and rare word meaning “Rebirth” or “Regeneration.” It stems from the root words
Pálin = again
Genesia = birth or genesis
Found in Matthew 19:28 when Jesus speaks of the “renewal of all things” speaks to a complete renewal or fresh start, either cosmically or personally.
Palingenesiology—the study of new beginnings. The study of Genesis, again. The study of a land where Christ is King, the curse is removed, and all things become new.
Which would you rather study?
The study of endings which is fearful and depressing
Or the study of new beginnings which is hopeful and life-giving?
Palingenesia
(Genesis Again)
Our Longing for Eden and our Long Journey Home
🌱 1. Ἀρχή (archē) – “Beginning” or “Origin”
- Root word for archangel, archetype, etc.
- Used in Genesis 1:1 (LXX) and John 1:1:
“In the beginning (ἐν ἀρχῇ)…”
- It refers to the starting point of something, often used philosophically and theologically to describe first principles.
🌄 2. Καινὴ κτίσις (kainē ktisis) – “New Creation”
- 2 Corinthians 5:17:
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation (καινὴ κτίσις); the old has passed away…”
- Kainos (καινός) = new in kind or quality
- Ktisis (κτίσις) = creation or created thing
- This phrase beautifully captures spiritual rebirth or a new beginning in Christ.
🔄 3. Παλιγγενεσία (palingenesia) – “Rebirth” or “Regeneration”
- A very rich and rare word:
- Pálin = again
- Genesia = birth or genesis
- Found in Matthew 19:28 when Jesus speaks of the “renewal of all things” and in Titus 3:5 regarding the “washing of regeneration.”
- Speaks to a complete renewal or fresh start, either cosmically or personally.
