Heaven a Place on Earth? Comparing Neo-Calvinist and Classical Theistic Eschatology

The Neo-Calvinist vision of the eschaton seems to rely heavily on a new-earth-centered paradigm of eternity over against the more classical theistic rendering of a beatific-God-centered perspective and yet both positions claim to be grounded in the Reformed tradition. These seemingly disparate views, which declare a similar foundation, raise interpretive questions of a biblical and theological nature which need further exploration and explanation.

Therefore, this essay will cull the scholarship of both camps and investigate the differences and similarities and whether synthesis can be achieved. It will seek to accomplish this task in the following manner: First, the essay will demonstrate the classical theistic and Neo-Calvinist positions concerning the eschatological hope. Second, it will compare and contrast the various elements of each while highlighting positional overlaps. Finally, it will address if there is the possibility of a united eschatological expectation in the features presented by each opinion.