Expert: Sal - 8/17/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello; My name is Charles & I live in India.
Do you know what is the official stands of the Catholic Church with reference to Eschatology.

there are the preterists, the futurusts and there among the futurists there are also the Pre-millenial and post-millenial views. As a Universal Church we need to have an official stands on this based on the study and wisdom that we have gained.

Hence can you pl enlighten on the same.

thanks a lot in advance for your time

Kind Regards
Charles

ANSWER: Dear Charles:

The Catholic Church teaches that the Millennial reign of Christ is not a literal 1,000 years. I don't know much about what happens at the return of Christ. I think it is more important to live a holy life now and the rest will take care of itself. Whatever is going to happen at the end of the world is preordained. I believe we should concentrate on living a Catholic life.

Best Wishes,
Sal

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Sal

Many thanks for the answer; that puts a lot into perspective for me.
On the last visit of our beloved Pope to Asia he was asked about the book of Revelation. And he mentioned in his answer that the book was written to the Christians who lived during that time about the things to happen during that time.

Does this mean in light of your view above our Catholic Church is more Preteristic in view of Eschatology. Does the non-literal Reign will also mean a non-literal return; ie. a more real return and reign within our Hearts through the Holy Spirit?


BTW - I also have some questions to ask on Eastern Vs Western Orthodox Churches & Catholic Church; as the Other Orthodox Churches claim that they are the only True Church. And I know that our Pope visited the Patriarch in Constantinople and celebrated mass there. Just wanted to understand if there is any Theological difference. Shall I open a separate Thread for the same?


Answer
Dear Charles:

The Catholic Church believe that the Book of Revelation prophecies have an immediate fulfillment and a future fulfillment. The book was definitely written to Christians of that day. I believe that preterists believe that the prophecies had only an immediate fulfillment and no future one.

The Catholic Church definitely believes that Jesus will literally reign. However, that reign will not be for only 1,000 years. The reign of Christ will last forever.

Ask any future questions as a new question not a follow-up.

Thanks,
Sal