Consistent eschatology (Thoroughgoing eschatology) is a theory in theological and biblical studies that interprets Jesus "in exclusively eschatological terms".[1] The view was initiated by Johannes Weiss, and "picked up, developed, and popularized" by Albert Schweitzer.[2]
It is an exclusive futuristiceschatology, the consistent interpretation of Jesus' eschatology as an expectation of an imminent end, and the thorough-going eschatology,[3] the first position by Schweitzer.[4][5] He used a thorough eschatology to provide a solution to the historical problems associated with Jesus' life.[6] According to this view, asserted by Johannes Weiss (J. Weiß),[7] the proclamation of Jesus, his actions and ministry are dominated by the eschatological expectation of the impending return.[8] (For example, "the kingdom of God is at hand”. Mk. 1:15)
It has been described by one critic (George Eldon Ladd) as picturing:
Jesus as a deluded Jewish apocalyptist who proclaimed an eschatological kingdom which never came and which never can come. Jesus had no message about the rule of God in the world or his divine purpose for mankind in history. He believed, mistakenly, that God was about to break off history and establish his eschatological kingdom in which he, Jesus, would be elevated to the glorious status of the Son of Man.[1]
^Dawes, Gregory W. (1999). "5. Consistent Eschatology - Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)". The Historical Jesus Quest. - Brill(PDF). Brill. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
^Ted M. Dorman, "The Future of Biblical Theology," in Scott J. Hafemann (ed.), Biblical Theology: Retrospect and Prospect, p. 252.
