The End of the World: Why do end-of-time beliefs endure?

The Economist ^ | December 16, 2004 | Staff

[E. Pluribus Unum]

"Why do end-of-time beliefs endure?"

Because the end hasn't come yet?

[freemama]

Because we have read the ending of "the Book" and know what to expect?

[SubMareener]

And because there is hard evidence under the seas and in the mountains that the end-of-time, at least as how the contemporary folks knew it, has come before. And it has come much more quickly than most are willing to accept.

[theFIRMbss]

>Because the end hasn't come yet?

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[eccentric]

In the '70's, we were told 'nuclear war' at school and 'rapture' at church. No wonder I was depressed! One day, my mom said that even her grandmother had been waiting for the end of the world. What a relief!

Now I think we still have a hundred years or two --- but those Left Behind books sure were fun!

[A CA Guy]

From what I've read, every existing generation believes THEY are in end times.

[aimhigh]

Why do end time beliefs endure

I first thought you were referring to Global Warming>

[Fiddlstix]

BTTT

[The Spirit Of Allegiance]

"Yes, perhaps. But, to be sure, not everyone agrees that salvation, when it comes, will appear clothed in a shiny silver spacesuit."

How about a baby in a manger? Works for me.

[Steve_Seattle]

"Why do end-of-time beliefs endure?"

For the same reason that some Freepers are obsessed with stories that are posted more than once - they have nothing better to do.

[Steve_Seattle]

"From what I've read, every existing generation believes THEY are in end times."

Maybe it's because we're all going to die and we have a hard time imagining life going on without us, so we want to take the rest of the world with us.

[roostercashews]

I think that deserves a halleluiah. There's still time for me.

[A CA Guy]

That is most optimistic of you.

[Esther Ruth]

The last thing you want to find your self doing is mocking God's Word and the Bible. These "End Times Beliefs" are based on the Bible. When they are mocked and ridiculed, remember, it is not JUST a certain Church you may know who goes on about it to much, or some individual you know who may "be going on about it" to much but you are mocking the Bible and God. From Genesis to Revelations. And if it is the Holy God Breathed Inspired Word of God, He warns that anyone who takes away or removes one part of it will be cursed and separated from God. You cannot according to the Bible, say "I believe all of it except the book of Revelations". If and when we get to "that" point whether it be a year from now or longer, best to hold our tongues and maybe in private look up to Heaven in prayer and ask God Himself for an answer. The Bible specifically says that when these times do come that peoples heart who have unbelief will be hardened so that they will not even be able to believe. Don't let your hearts become hardened.

[Jeff Gordon]

WHY?

Everyone is going to die. The end-of-the-worlders just wish that everyone would die when they do. They can't stand the thought that life goes on.

[Jeff Gordon]

we want to take the rest of the world with us

I should have read some more before posting (#16). Needless to say you have the right answer.

[Conservative4Ever]

"Why do end-of-time beliefs endure?"

Cause there hasn't been a good scary King book in years.

Red

[infidel29]

If you can't add, remove or alter books in the bible without being cursed and driven from God, why then does the Lutheran/Protestant/Evangelical/Pentecostal/Baptist/Communal/Episcopalian(sp?) bible not contain the same books as the King James Roman Catholic bible since they all sprang from the teachings of Christ?

I believe all mankind is fighting the great battle of Good vs. Evil, I don't believe in the "rapture", I wasn't "born again", I did it right the first time.

[highflight]

What an interesting article.

The answer is clear; For everyone alive at this time, on this earth the END TIMES will occur between this moment and 100 years from this moment.

No-one living at this moment will be here in one hundred years.

I will take donations or bets of $100