Book excerpt: The doctrine of the final judgment enshrines many important truths. It streses man's accountability and the certainty that justice will finally triumph over all the wrongs which are part and parcel of life here and now. The former gives a dignity to the humblest action, the latter brings calmness and assurance to those in the thick of the battle. The doctrine gives meaning to life. . . . The Christian view of judgment means that history moves to a goal. . . . Judgment protects the idea of the triumph of God and of good. . . . Judgment means that in the end God's will will be erfectively done. --from chapter 4