-jē noun
( -es )
Etymology: Greek eschato s last, farthest + English -logy; akin to Greek ex, ek out of, from — more at ex-
1.
a. : a study or science dealing with the ultimate destiny or purpose of mankind and the world
a theological student with a dominant interest in eschatology
also : central concern for such an ultimate destiny or purpose
it was a big step in the movement away from eschatology when Luther formulated his doctrine of baptism without reference to the last things — J.R.Coates
b. : a doctrine or theory or conclusion concerning the ultimate destiny or purpose of mankind and the world
the horrible eschatology which hypnotized even the greatest among medieval philosophers and theologians — G.G.Coulton
it presupposes an eschatology or set of assumptions concerning the end events of history — O.J.Baab
especially : Christian doctrine or theory or a particular Christian doctrine or theory of this kind
one or other of the Protestant eschatologies — Notes & Queries
2. : ultimate destiny or purpose especially according to Christian doctrine
man's increasing indifference to eschatology , his crass mistaking of means for ends — W.H.Gardner
in the apocalyptic writings the eschatology of the individual comes to the front, although at first associated with an eternal kingdom on earth — L.E.Fuller
3. : a science that deals with or a doctrine or theory about things of final importance to mankind
the Marxian economic eschatology — B.B.Seligman