In Reply to: better and better??? posted by ray on November 16, 2002 at 15:35:38:
I half agree with George (for the reasons he gave about Christians being part of many of the major social advances) and I half disagree with him because 20th Century history is a pretty sad thing, which for most people put an end to the "things are getting better" theology. Plus, even secular scientists have become the new Jeremiahs, warning of global doom due to our mishandling of this planet and its resources.
From what I read, the "better and better" preterist theology is based upon the quote from Paul in 1 Cor. 15:24-25, where he said, "Then cometh the end, when he (Jesus) shall have delilverd up the kingdom to God, even the Fther; when he shall hve put donw all rule and all authority and power. For he (Christ) must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet."
Many Christians interpret this to mean that Jesus reigns 1,000 years in the Millennium, then the New Heaven and New Earth comes and Jesus hands over the kingdom to God the Father. But preterist theology teaches that Christ "reigning" is him reigning in the world right now, and thorugh the actions of Christians bringing down communism, behind Solidarity in Poland, etc. "all enemies are being put under Christ's feet" and then finally Jesus will return. So if Jesus through us is putting all enemies under his feet NOW, then things must be getting better and better.
Two different ways of looking at those verses.
If you're going to buy a book, I'd first suggest buying "The Last Days are Here Again" by Richard Kyle, which is well worth your money. You won't regret it. (It doesn't espouse preterist theology, but is an excellent documentation of "Endtime doctrine" thorughout the ages, from the early church till now.