Tema nou-testamentară a apropierii și întârzierii parusiei în gândirea creștină a secolelor 17-19

The New Testament Theme of the Nearness and Delay of the Parousia in 17th-19th Century Christian Thought

Abstract

Between the 17th and the 19th century, the tension between the nearness and the delay of the parousia widens, as millenarian views reappear and rationalism is brought about by the Enlightenment. Premillennialism is present throughout the period, but postmillennialism seems to prevail. Signs of the times abound and time-setters are very active. The human soul seems better off as a result of the First and the Second Great Awakening, since both revivals promote an optimistic view of history and the necessity of reformation for the millennium to begin. In contrast, the Millerite movement of the 19th century adverts to the soon coming parousia.