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.