Inaugurated Eschatology within South African Pentecostalism Futuristic and Realised Eschatological Approaches in Equilibrium

Abstract

Pentecostal eschatology differs from one sub-tradition of Pentecostalism to the other in a South African context. Sub-traditions such as classical Pentecostalism and the New Prophetic Churches (npc s) have been engaged in more than one form of eschatology. The differences are explored here to understand their implications for Pentecostal eschatology. The Pentecostal prophets in npc s do not exclusively focus on a futuristic eschatological approach as opposed to classical Pentecostalism. Pentecostal prophets in npc s embrace a realised eschatology of the kingdom in the here and the now. The challenge is that this approach presents some form of abuse in these churches. How do we address these abuses emanating from an overemphasised realised eschatology? How do we deal with the tensions between realised eschatology and futuristiceschatology? What could be the relevant eschatology that balances both extremes of a futuristic eschatology and realised eschatology? These questions are addressed here through an inaugurated eschatology.