eschatology

Introduction
Nature and significance
The theme of origins and last things
The forms of eschatology
- Messianism
- Apocalypticism
- Millennialism
Eschatological terminology
Eschatology in world religions and nonliterate cultures
- Nativistic movements
- Religions of Asia
- Religions of ancient civilizations
Eschatology in religions of the West
- Zoroastrianism
- Islam
- Judaism
  - Ancient times
  - Hellenistic Judaism
  - Medieval and modern Judaism
- Christianity
  - The New Testament period
  - The early church
  - The views of Augustine
  - Medieval and Reformation millennialism
Millennial science, scientific millennialism
- Early progressive millennialism
- Later progressive millennialism
Eschatology in modern times
- Influences on modern ideologies
- Renewed interest in eschatology

References & Edit History Related Topics

Images

Fresco The Last Judgment by Michelangelo covers the west wall of the Sistine Chapel, depicting Christ at the center surrounded by angels and human figures in dramatic poses.

The tomb of al-Mahdi in Omdurman, Sudan, features a large silver dome flanked by two smaller domes, with arched windows and a palm tree in front.

Fresco by Sandro Botticelli showing Saint Augustine seated at a desk, holding a pen and book, with shelves of books and scientific instruments behind him.

At a Glance

eschatology summary

Related Questions

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Philosophy & Religion Religious Beliefs

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External Websites

Learn Religions - Eschatology: What the Bible Says Will Happen in End Times
Jewish Virtual Library - Eschatology
Digital Commons at Hamline - Eschatology and Social Ethics: The Limits of Typology (PDF)
Encyclopaedia Iranica - Eschatology

eschatology

religion

Written by

Richard Landes

Professor of History and Director of the Center for Millennial Studies, Boston University. Author of Relics, Apocalypse, and the Deceits of History and co-editor The Apocalyptic Year 1000.

Richard Landes

Fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....

Britannica Editors

Last updated

Nov. 1, 2026 •History

eschatology, the doctrine of the last things. It was originally a Western term, referring to Jewish, Christian, and Muslim beliefs about the end of history, the resurrection of the dead, the Last Judgment, the messianic era, and the problem of theodicy (the vindication of God’s justice). Historians of religion have applied the term to similar themes and concepts in the religions of nonliterate peoples, ancient Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, and Eastern civilizations. Eschatological archetypes...

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