Thesis on "End of Days in Religion"

Thesis 8 pages (2575 words) Sources: 5 Style: MLA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

End times is a less sensational phrase than apocalypse and is used to refer to a religiously forecasted end of the world. It is often a controversial subject in the study of religions, and sometimes makes for a fascinating sociological and psychological study of a religion's adherents. In academic theology, the end times falls under the rubric of eschatology. Eschatology literally means the study of the end of things. In popular culture, the end times inspires waves of film and television shows that graphically depict a devastating and gloomy apocalypse. Popular literature also teems with novels about end times, such as Tim La Haye and Jerry Jenkins' series Left Behind. Self-help and other popular nonfiction book shelves overflow with books related to the end times. Some books center on religion, spirituality, and how the individual should approach the end times. Others focus on the historical signs or esoteric symbols related to the end of the world.

The end times is not always viewed as a negative event or process, although it often is. Regardless of how the end times are conceived and in which religion, eschatology is a natural counterpart to the creation myth. Both are universal among the world's great religions. Few religions are as concerned -- even obsessed -- with the end times as Christianity.

Christianity is not the only religion to cultivate interest in end times, but offers one of the most colorful and complex visions of the ultimate fate of humanity. Moreover, the Christian concept of the end times is familiar to and embraced by a wide number of Americans. Whole Christian ministries in the United States are devoted to the end times, such as the Endtime Ministries. The Endtime Ministries is one of several in the country that perceives current events and especially international politics, in terms of the end times. Almost unfailingly, the American obsession with end times is linked with apocalyptic visions that are rooted in the New Testament Book of Revelation. "For evangelical Christians with an interest in prophecy, the headlines always come with asterisks pointing to scriptural footnotes," (Gibbs).

End times theories can be loosely categorized as either historical or mythological. Historical end times take place in familiar temporal and special realities, whereas mythological end times are abstract and take place in spiritual or intangible worlds. The Christian end times as well as the Jewish and Muslim eschatologies, is historical. The Hindu end times stories offer good examples of mythological eschatology. Both historical and mythological eschatologies share certain elements in common that allow them to be studied together.

Regardless of the religion, end times theories share several key features that distinguish them from other theological issues. All end times theories correspond to the religion's overall cosmology and theology and should be viewed in that context. The end time always signifies some kind of catastrophic event or cosmic upheaval that has grave consequences for humanity. The gravity of the apocalypse is offset by the belief that it will be followed by "a perfected era," (Gorenberg 3). In all religions that have end times stories, the end of the world is foretold or predicted in scripture. Judgment is also a key feature of eschatology, as during the end times human beings (individually and/or collectively) are to be evaluated for their spiritual merits or lack thereof. Myths and powerful imagery always correspond to the end time stories. Finally, all religions advise their followers on how to approach or prepare for the end times. The end times is viewed as inevitability but one that can be accepted, even welcomed by the devout.

Rational responses to the end times are predictably dismissive: "throughout recorded history people have believed that the end of the world is about to happen, and it hasn't happened yet," ("End Times"). Not espousing end times -- or religion in general -- does not preclude interest in the role of eschatology in religious studies. End time stories also offers wondrous imagery and symbolism that can be appreciated for its own sake. For Christians, though, the end time is real and it's "going to happen soon," ("End Times"). A full third of Americans believe that the Bible is the actual "word of God" and therefore must be taken literally (Gibbs). Fundamentalist or evangelical Christians comprise the "largest single religious grouping in the United States,"

Some writings related to the end of days are downright disturbing. Hanegraaf cites popular end times guru LaHaye as claiming "as a direct result of the crucifixion of Christ, twenty-first-century Jews will soon die in an Armageddon that will make the Nazi Holocaust pale by comparison," (xxi). About two-thirds of all Jews are estimated to die, and this event is believed to be "right around the corner," (Hanegraaff xxi). LaHaye further claims that such historical events were predicted or "revealed" in the New Testament. Hanegraaf, LaHaye, and other writers reveal a major trend in evangelical Christian discourse. The phenomenon is known as Christian Zionism: a movement dedicated to carrying out the events foretold in the Book of Revelation by offering political and financial aid to Zionist groups. "For Christians who interpret the bible in a literal fashion, Israel has a crucial role to play in bringing on the Second Coming of Christ," (McKay). CBS reporter Mary Jayne McKay suggests that the relationship between Christian fundamentalists and Zionists may be preventing peace in the Middle East. "The Christian fundamentalists believe the only Israelis who are really listening to God are the hard line Jewish settlers who live on the West Bank and Gaza and refuse to move. The Christians trudge up to these settlements as if they were making pilgrimages to holy shrines." McKay also notes, "many fundamentalists believe that when Prime Minister Rabin signed the Oslo accords and offered to trade land for peace, it was not only a mistake, it was a sin." Eschatology has had more impact on international politics than it would seem; the end of the world is not just a quaint religious teaching. Gorenberg points out, "In Israel, belief in final redemption has driven the most dedicated opponents of peace agreements," (3). Even Islam chimes in, offering its own version of the end times as millions of Arab and Palestinian lives are at stake. "Among Muslims," Gorenberg claims, "expectation of the final Hour helps feed exaggerated fears about Israel's actions in Jerusalem," (3).

The Christian belief in the end of days is often supplemented by a New Age twist. The prophesies of French esotericist Nostradamus and the Mayan Calendar are two of the most significant examples of how New Age theories of the end times correspond with Christian ones. The result is a curious melange of apocalyptic philosophies that makes for great film and fiction fodder. Movies with explicitly apocalyptic titles like Armageddon offer an example of the role end times plays in the public consciousness.

In Christianity, three central theories guide eschatology. Those three theories are millennialism, premillennialism and dispensationalism ("End Times" 1). These theories are interrelated. The BBC shows how premillennialism and dispensationalism are actually "flavors" of millennialism ("End Times" 2). The basic tenet of millennialism is that Jesus Christ will return to earth (the "Second Coming"). Millennialism's most optimistic branch touts the idea that a millennium of peace shall ensue after the Second Coming. In fact, what can be called liberal millennialists do not hold tight to the exact amount of time that Christ's dominion will last. It will basically be an exact millennium (1000 years) more or less ("End Times" 2). The Millennium of Christ's rule is characterized by one of the core eschatological beliefs: that God will judge each and every human being -- and human beings collectively -- during the End of Days. Some Christians believe that "justice for everyone" and "peace" are the core traits of the end times ("End Times" 2).

Premillennialism is more pessimistic than straightforward millennialism, although both views are based on Christian eschatology. The Jehovah's Witnesses, the seventh Day Adventists, and the Exclusive Brethren hold fast to a warlike end times. According to the premillennialists, the end times are by definition a time of struggle and strife. Moreover, Jesus Christ arrives as a warrior: he "leads an army and kills the bad guys," ("End Times" 3). Peace is not a concern of premillennial eschatology. Most versions of premillennialism include a concept of Christian believers being cared for and saved from destruction by God ("End Times" 3).

The radical views held by groups like the Jehovah's Witnesses have direct consequences for daily life. Most premillennialists assume a laissez-faire approach to political and social issues because "any attempt by Christians to reform society is religiously wrong, as it would get in the way of God's plan to end the world," ("End Times" 3). Reforming the world is at best conceived of as useless, because the end is nigh.

The final "flavor" of millennialism is called dispensationalism. The founder of the Exclusive Brethren sect J.N Darby promulgated the notion that human history is broken down into spiritual… READ MORE

How to Reference "End of Days in Religion" Thesis in a Bibliography

Related Thesis Papers:

Religion Christianity and Islam: Religions of Abraham? Essay

Religion

Christianity and Islam: Religions of Abraham?

Although religious scholars have come to no definitive conclusion as to whether Abraham is the "father" of the three predominant religions practiced in… read more

Essay 4 pages (1093 words) Sources: 4 Topic: Religion / God / Theology

---

Relevance or Irrelevance of Religion in Our Society Term Paper

Relevance of Religion in Our Society

Relevance or Irrelevance of Religion in our society

Religion has been linked by several scholars to be an instrument that brings about mental peace… read more

Term Paper 5 pages (1518 words) Sources: 5 Topic: Religion / God / Theology

---

Religion and Politics Religion Today the Average Thesis

Religion and Politics

Religion Today

The average day of most individuals is that of waking up early, rushing to work to give 110% of themselves and their efforts and then… read more

Thesis 6 pages (1783 words) Sources: 4 Style: APA Topic: Religion / God / Theology

---

Religion Versus Science Term Paper

Religion vs. Science: the issue of cloning and stem cell research

The debate about religion vs. science is one that has been ongoing since the start of the industrial revolution… read more

Term Paper 3 pages (1210 words) Sources: 3 Style: MLA Topic: Religion / God / Theology

---

Religion of Consumerism Versus Lakota Using Phenomenological Approach Term Paper

Religion of Consumerism

Consumerism is the term used to describe a person who equates their happiness with the act of purchasing and possessing material things. (Barber, 2007). Lakota is a… read more

Term Paper 3 pages (765 words) Sources: 4 Style: MLA Topic: Religion / God / Theology

---

View 100+ more related papers  >>