Reference

Robert John Russell's eschatological hope for the New Creation is deeply intertwined with his understanding of theology and science as mutually informative disciplines. He envisions a future where the eschatological promise of the New Creation is realized through the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Russell proposes that this New Creation will transcend current natural laws, offering a realm where divine action can operate non-interventionistically.

Key Points on Russell's Eschatological Hope:

1. Integration of Theology and Science: Russell believes that the convergence of eschatology (the study of the end times) and scientific understanding, such as cosmology, can provide a coherent narrative for the New Creation. He asserts that God's ongoing action as Creator will culminate in the New Creation.

2. Non-interventionist Divine Action: Russell's approach suggests that God's actions in the world will not necessarily violate the observed laws of nature but will function within them. This principle is essential for his vision of the New Creation, where divine action can occur in harmony with the cosmos.

3. New Heavens and New Earth: In Russell's view, the eschatological hope includes a transformed existence that maintains continuity with the current creation while being wholly renewed. This renewal is often centered around the idea of resurrection, which he believes represents a foretaste and promise of the world's ultimate future.

4. Addressing Entropy: Russell engages with the scientific concept of entropy (the tendency towards disorder) by arguing that in the New Creation, there will be a new order that transcends the current second law of thermodynamics, allowing for a state of perpetual flourishing without decay.

5. Time and Eternity: For Russell, time in the New Creation will differ profoundly from our current experience. He hopes for a mode of temporal existence where time does not entail loss and decay, implying an eternal present where God's presence is continuously transformative.

For more specific insights into his theological framework and detailed discussions, the article "Time and Eternity: In Appreciation of Robert John Russell, Bridge Builder" provides an appreciation of his work in marrying cosmology with eschatology. Additionally, the resource "Cosmology, Evolution, and Resurrection Hope" explores Russell's nuanced view of the end times in the context of contemporary scientific understandings.