By Father Frank Chacon and Jim Burnham

Section 282 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church assures us that knowing what happens at the end of human history is “decisive for the meaning and orientation of our life and actions.” Our view of the end times determines our view of salvation history. Knowing what happens at the end of our lives and at the end of human history is of supreme importance for understanding why God made us and what He has planned for us both in this life and in the next.

This booklet gives the basic teachings of the Catholic Church on the end times, and deals with some of the more common errors in this area. A correct understanding of the last things helps us live this life with great peace and hope. It also gives us a deeper appreciation of how much God loves us and how great a gift we have in being made in His image. Unlike some pagan religions that believe human history repeats itself endlessly with no ultimate purpose, we Christians believe that human history in this world is moving toward a climactic finale. This end will fully reveal the meaning of human history.

• Binding: Paperback
  Pages: 39

Father Frank Chacon was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest for the Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico on May 13, 1989, by Bishop Jerome Hastrich. While a newly ordained priest, Father recognized the critical need for good, basic Catholic apologetics. He and Jim Burnham decided to collaborate and produce user-friendly Catholic apologetics materials.

Jim Burnham is director of the New Mexico Roman Catholic apologetics group, San Juan Catholic Seminars. He gives seminars on defending the Catholic faith throughout the country. Jim co-authored the book, Christian Fatherhood, with Steve Wood. He is a member of Catholic Answers' Speakers Bureau and appears regularly on Catholic Answers Radio.