Perhaps I'm a bit simple about some things, but I do not get this obsession that people have with the 'End of the World'.
Look, all recorded civilizations have had an 'apocalypse' in their theology. It's hardly a new concept.
Yes, we are told that this world will end, and a new one (in some manner and form) will be put in its place. *After* the Second Coming. We are also, however, told that *no one* knows when this will be.
So....why all this obsessing with it? If you know the world's ending tomorrow, what changes? Do you suddenly start living by the principles you've espoused all along? Do you try to stop it? Do you rejoyce in the damnation of those who don't agree with you? Do you tremble in fear in a corner? Or go on living your life, because there's nothing to be done about it?
We know the world will end, for us, personally, if nothing else. (Death puts an end to this world for us.) We don't know when, we don't know how. So stop looking for the signs! Just live out your convictions, because it's going to surprise you no matter what happens.
Agreed. Also, every generation thinks they're living in the end of the world. The New Testament works are all written like they're expecting the end at any minute. And eventually, some generation will be right. But we don't know which or when, and obsessing over it doesn't change that.
ReplyDeleteGreat point, Amber. It's important to live right always. Besides God sees all and knows all -- even what we are doing NOW. It's not like we are going to suddenly surprise Him by behaving so well right before He comes back.
ReplyDeleteOh, thanks for your comments on my blog. I laughed when I read what you wrote about today's book review. I may follow-up with a comment or two if you care to check back. I'm not sure if you subscribe to follow-up comments so I thought I'd let ya know. I always enjoy reading your perspective on things. :)
Sanil,
ReplyDeleteSee, I *meant* to mention that as well.
Every generation looks around, and thinks, 'this is it! it can't get any worse!' and sees signs of the apocalypse around them. Thus far, they've all been wrong. One day, they'll be right, but in the mean time, people have spent entire lifetimes flipping out and being paranoid about it.
Susanne,
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of something. Unfortunately, it's going to have to be anecdotal, since I can't recall the fine details enough to reference it. Anyway:
There was an eclipse during the Colonial era. People were flipping out, believing it to be the end of the world.
And a group of men (the town council or something like), just got up, calmly, did everything as they always did, and met as they always did.
People asked them, what are you doing? Can't you see that the world's ending?!
And one of the men responded that, should it in fact be the end of the world, they would have God come and find them at their appointed posts.