The Improbability of the Destruction of the Earth: the Substance of a Lecture

The Improbability Of The Destruction Of The Earth: The Substance Of A Lecture by J G Broughton Pegg asks whether the end-of-the-world destruction of the cosmos should be read as a literal event or as a spiritual transformation within the Christian church. Drawing on New Church interpretation, Pegg clarifies the distinction between figure (literal form) and correspondence (spiritual meaning), arguing that many biblical passages describing cosmic upheaval convey internal truths about the church and the soul rather than physical destruction. He critiques literal readings of such prophecies, citing John Wesley, Clarke, and other commentators, and contends that the prophecies of Revelation and the Gospels should be understood as symbolic representations of spiritual states—often referencing the sun, moon, and stars as symbols of divine love, faith, and doctrinal knowledge. Pegg asserts the earth and heaven endure, and that God’s infinite love aims to bring eternal happiness to humanity. The work advocates careful, rational interpretation of Scripture and warns against doctrinal literalism that conflicts with reason and divine character.