HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies (Jul 2022)

Can we locate our origin in the future? Archonic versus epigenetic creation accounts

  • Ted Peters

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v78i2.7656
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 78, no. 2
pp. e1 – e8

Abstract

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Myths of origin in archaic culture – including the Hebrew Scriptures – locate reality at the point of origin. The Greek term, αρχη, means both origin and governance. How something originates governs its definition; it was assumed by our ancestors. Hence the term archonic. Until we get to Christian eschatology and the promise of the new creation. In the New Testament, we find that God’s eschatological consummation will retroactively define what has always been. God’s redemption will epigenetically redefine what occurred at our genesis. Who you and I really are as creatures will be determined by our completion in the Kingdom of God. The new creation, Omega, determines what was true at the point of origin, that is, at Alpha. Contribution: This article develops a theology of nature that incorporates natural science and augments the journal series in this subject area. Furthermore, this article develops a retroactive ontology based on the New Testament promise of an eschatological new creation.

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