Our greater responsibilities herein

Ideas and beliefs have consequences. And ‘end-of-the-world’ predictions and tirades are pervasive. They have infected the whole world. Even when viewed as nonsense, the cumulative effects of this incessant pounding and their urgent warnings still take a toll. Few are immune. And incredibly, millions keep falling for it. So check this highlighting recap out:

Socially, it leaves its mark on the human psyche and on our dreams and goals— especially on those of our youth.
Culturally, it diminishes our willingness to make commitments and get involved in social injustice and human needs issues, or to invest in long-term efforts to transform institutional structures. After all, if the future is fixed and terminal, why bother? So many who otherwise would be diligent stewards and productive workers tend to sink into helplessness, piety, and/or isolation.
Politically, many fear the personal views of end-time Bible prophecy might influence the foreign policy decisions of the President of the United States and other world leaders—especially concerning the Middle East.
Environmentally, it’s a major reason why environmentalists face an uphill struggle—again, if there is no future for the future, why bother “polishing-brass-on-a-sinking-ship?”
Theologically, wolf-cries of nearness and missed times and dates have been an embarrassment and discredited the Bible and the whole Church, making it appear like a joke in the eyes of the world. Therefore, many reason, why take Christianity seriously about anything?

The alternative and positive worldview of a world that never ends could blast many out of their complacency and motivate us to make a more viable and significant difference in our world for the benefit of present and future generations. Why so?

Socially, because one’s view of the future determines one’s philosophy of life.
Culturally, because the proliferation of end-of-the-world tirades and dates in American life is a significant reason why the optimism and activism of the 19th and early 20th century has changed to pessimism and withdrawal today.
Politically, because world leaders need to know their efforts for world peace are not in vain but attainable, and have solid reasons to support that optimism.
Environmentally, because a world that never ends demands we earthlings take better care of it than a world that’s about to end, which is what we keep hearing from so many different sources, nowadays.
Theologically, because the Church’s long string of end-saying, fatalistic pundits is in dramatic contrast to and flies directly in the face of the optimistic beliefs of our forefathers in the faith who came to this country and founded its great institutions under Judeo-Christians principles. Sad to say, many Christians today would rather contemplate “the End” than pitch in with the job at hand.

Not surprisingly, this dramatic change of paradigms in thought and belief herein being proposed will necessitate that we moderns become more responsible for passing our world onto future generations in better condition than we found it—socially, culturally, politically, environmentally, and theologically.

In conclusion, endsaying (crying out “the end is near”) must be termed for what it is—not just a deceptive con game but an age-old crime against humanity. It must be refuted, reformed, and replaced with solid substance, positive hope, and confidence in the future. This is exactly what readers of this author’s book will find throughout its pages. continue reading…

Sources:

1The Perfect Ending for the World by John Noe