eschatological

Eschatological is an adjective relating to eschatology, the field of study concerned with the end of the world, the final destiny of humanity, and the ultimate fate of the cosmos. In religious contexts, it describes beliefs, narratives, and expectations about events at the end of time, such as judgment, resurrection, heaven and hell, and the establishment of a future ideal order.

Etymology and scope: The term comes from the Greek eschatos meaning last or final and logia meaning study or discourse, via Latin into modern usage. While rooted in Christian theology, eschatology now appears across many religious traditions and in secular philosophy, where it can refer to theories about how history might culminate or what ultimate purposes history serves.

Applications in religion and thought: In Christianity, eschatology includes varied viewpoints such as premillennial, amillennial, and postmillennial perspectives, along with apocalyptic literature. Other traditions address end-time concepts as well—for example, Islam speaks of the akhira (hereafter), Judaism discusses Olam Ha-Ba (the world to come), and Hinduism contemplates cyclical endings of ages. In secular contexts, eschatology may appear in discussions of existential risk, political futures, or ethical considerations about humanity’s long-term trajectory.

Usage and nuance: The term can describe doctrinal beliefs, liturgical themes, or symbolic literary motifs. It is often associated with dramatic or transformative expectations about the end state of humanity or creation, but scholars emphasize careful distinction between literal doctrinal claims and metaphorical or allegorical expressions.