Abstract

The paper explores the problem of death as a central issue of every eschatology, including the Catholic one. Death as a phenomenon and anthropological fact shapes the beginnings of the Old Testament’ Eschatology, sharpening its statement in the New Testament’ theology crucis. During the history of theology, the theology of death remained within the frame of its interpretation as a consequence of sin and unwanted fate, whereby its positive connection to freedom was left out. Only thanks to some of the contemporary approaches that place death in direct relation to freedom, observing it as a conscious act of an individual, both death and freedom, although at first opposed, become the categories that, theologically observed, transform themselves. In conclusion, the paper attempts to answer the question regarding freedom to die, in the light of some contemporary eschatological debates, and to place the awareness of death in the context of freedom and life, and not as their opposition.