Gathering the Glory: Language, Resurrection and the Eschatological Significance of Missions

Europeans are increasingly challenged by the multiplicity of languages that surround them. In this paper I offer a thought experiment on what our best answer regarding the phenomenon of language in the new creation might be, and I suggest that this might help Christians to engage positively with the...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Kramer, E. J. David 1977- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Interlibrary Loan:Interlibrary Loan for the Fachinformationsdienste (Specialized Information Services in Germany)
Published: 2023
In: European journal of theology
Year: 2023, Volume: 32, Issue: 1, Pages: 60-78
IxTheo Classification:CD Christianity and Culture
NBN Ecclesiology
NBQ Eschatology
RJ Mission; missiology
Further subjects:B Pentecost
B Eschaton
B Resurrection
B languages
B Babel
B New Creation
B Mission (international law
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Summary:Europeans are increasingly challenged by the multiplicity of languages that surround them. In this paper I offer a thought experiment on what our best answer regarding the phenomenon of language in the new creation might be, and I suggest that this might help Christians to engage positively with the multiple languages in their daily lives and local churches. I argue that we should expect the presence of a diversity of languages in the new creation. I do so on the basis of a biblical-theological analysis of key scriptural passages, support from the doctrine of the resurrection, and an appreciation of the significance of missions for language in the eschaton. These steps lead to a weighing of conceivable alternatives and a defence of my preferred solution. I conclude that these results encourage a generous and hospitable attitude towards speakers of other languages and provide a renewed incentive to make space for them in our churches and our lives.
ISSN:2666-9730
Contains:Enthalten in: European journal of theology
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.5117/EJT2023.1.004.KRAM