Eschatology in study bibles: agenda or coincidence?

Eschatology in study Bibles: agenda or coincidence?

Yes, study Bible and publishing houses have preferences and agendas.  Some blatantly declare one position is correct (which is their own choice).  Others present multiple views but usually slant or weight the evidence in a particular direction (whether right or wrong, you decide).  Just take a cursory overview of the books they publish.  In this regard, we will focus on study Bibles.  It is nearly impossible to produce a study Bible that does not in some form endorse one particular view of eschatology (view of end times).  In a similar thread earlier I surveyed the views of the account of creation (Gen 1) as understood by popular study Bibles.  It is the intent of this article to begin a survey of how study Bibles handle how it all will come to an end (eschatology).  But just to be fair all orthodox Christians believe that Christ will return (the disagreement is when, where, and how).

To begin we need to have a grid or standard which we use to identify eschatology.  How will we identify when eschatology is the subject of the study notes (or book/epistle introductory comments)?  I am including a basic set a standards to identify this end times concept (by no means exhaustive):

1. What is the basic (or overall) hermeneutical grid/means employed? Over-emphasis on typology? Constant spiritualization of the biblical text?  Literal interpretation?  This could involve concepts such as: kingdom, land, seed, promises, forever, etc....

2. Similar to number one, how do they handle OT quotations in the NT?  Where or when are things/concepts fulfilled?  Partial? Inaugurated? Completely? Already-not yet?  You have to address these issues where ever your view of end times places you.  And yes that includes those who think it doesn't matter.

3. The kingdom concept, either kingdom of God or kingdom of heaven.  When this concept arises how is it interpreted?  Now? Future?  Either-Or?  Spiritual?  Geographical?  This is a major factor in eschatological interpretation.

4.  How do they handle specific end times texts? Just for consideration: Jer 31, Matt 24-25, John 14, Rom 11, 1 Cor 15, 1 Th 4-5, 2 Th 1, Rev 20.

5. How readily do they read certain texts into all the other texts of scripture?  This may mean a clear and obvious proof text to one theological position can be used as a grid to read all the other "not so clear" texts.  This is readily apparent when trying to identify the number of stages, age(s), or economies in the written scriptures.

6.  How should we then live now?  I don't understand how this relates the five points above.  I would suggest your eschatology has a impact on how you live today.  Whether it involves evangelism, discipleship, church issues, and especially social-justice issues.

Now with those basic statements in place we'll look at some study Bible examples.  Please remember the above list is not exhaustive but only an example of items to look for in identifying the position of a particular study Bible.  We'll use some more well-known examples (not obscure texts) which have multiple interpretations even among those who agree on eschatology.

So what do study Bible actually teach on this topic?
In future article I'll discuss study Bible individually.

Read, study and enjoy.

How does your Christian Worldview address the issue of Retirement?

Does Your Christian Worldview inform you on how to understand retirement?

How does your Biblical theology effect your view of retirement?  Is it a distinct Christian worldview or simply borrowed from the lost world around us.  Do we think, "it works for them?"  Or perhaps, "I've earned it or they owe me?"  Do we (even as a Christians) become a part of the mass of millions who have quit working (sorry, I mean retired)?  If we truly have a Christian or even Biblical worldview then how should we view retirement (assuming this is even a biblical concept)?

Let's consider this idea a second. Do we think, "I put in my time"?  How about, "my company owe's me"?  Fine we may be tempted to say these ideas for "secular" employment, whatever that means.  What about the local church or a Christian Para-church ministry?  Not enough contribution for  your 401k?  Did you opt out of it and make no plans?  Did the Lord call you to pastor that local church till you are old enough to retire?  Collect social security?  Draw a pension from that same local church?  Should the next pastor have to work a "secular" job so they can afford to pay for your retirement?  Your housing?  So is a brick mason, iron worker, or grocery worker called to these fields?  Or are only local church pastors called (and "owed" a retirement)?  Can a farmer retire?  Can he chose to stop growing crops to eat?

Does the Bible even address this issue?  If so, how would you identify what texts classify as qualifying to teach either descriptively or prescriptively on this issue?  Concerning the Old Testament, you are not from the tribe of Levi nor are you an OT priest.  Last time I checked, "I can afford it" was not a Biblical argument.  Come to think of it in the NT, isn't there a parable related to a man who stored things up in a barn so he could quit working and relax?  Seems as though that one doesn't turn out so well.  The only passages I can find relating to this idea identify families as taking care of their parents in their older years.  Lists for widows in the pastoral epistles might come close.  But I would guess neither directly teach retirement (and definitely not church membership).

I would encourage you to do a little historical research before jumping in with the masses and quitting your job (I mean retire).  If you have a Reformed view of theology, then how do you view work?  Ministry?  Retirement?  Which forms of employment are people called to?  Just pulpit ministry?

How many church budgets are strapped down because they are paying the retirement of the previous pastor?  How many pastors have to work multiple jobs just to pay their bills each month?  How many missionaries can't go to the field financially because the church is paying for someone's retirement?  Should churches cut missionary funding when they leave the mission field?  What about retirement for them?  Seems like a double standard to pay the retirement of a pastor on US soil but not to pay the retirement of a pastor on foreign soil.

Just some initial thoughts as my current generation prepares for a long life of labor paying our own bills and those of previous generations too.  How many in my generation feel a weigh and burden over a potential loss of something called Social Security, which will potentially run out before they can personally collect one dime?  I currently work with folks who would be retired but their companies collapsed and 401k's lost.  This is a reality.  Working till you can no longer may be closer to you than you think or want.  Economies collapse and people lose jobs.  I know this is kind of a side bar issue, but losing a job and ability to retire are realities.  Of course, can retire versus should retire are different questions.

This series must address the financial gurus who spend great amounts of time teaching people how to save for "retirement."  We no longer question the validity of retirement.  We just plan for it as a part of life.  Doesn't sound like a very biblical option.  In the end, this should not be a great surprise to many churches that are consumer driven and pragmatic ministry centered.

Thoughts and comments encouraged as always.

I'm definitely open to the idea of "retirement."  I just need some strong Biblical texts to show it is applicable to all not just some who can afford it.