The end is near!

Cellist

I'm reading a book by Roy Strong entitled, "The Arts in Britain - A History" and I came across an interesting point (one of many, lol).
It states, 'What sets the 1640s and 1650s apart is this all-pervading sense that mankind was living in the last age of the world. The apocalyptic atmosphere which was unleashed by the Civil War in 1642 cut right across society and was to ebb and flow in intensity for two decades according to the turn of events and then, in 1660, with the return of the monarchy, plunge underground. There was nothing novel in the ideas themselves, but what was new was that men and women actually believed that they were living out the prophecies of Daniel and Isaiah in the Old Testament, and also those of St. John in the book of Revelation. .... Everywhere one looks during these two tumultuous decades one is aware of a keen expectancy, that something cosmic could happen at anytime.'

Does this remind you of anyone?

Cellist

Do Not Call

Sounds vaguely familiar! :-)

nvrgnbk

Apocalypses: Prophecies, Cults, and Millenial Beliefs Through the Ages

27-Feb-07 17:12

Post 41 of 280
since 19-Feb-07

This book by Eugen Weber is very important. It dedicates only two or three paragraphs to J.W.s. For that very reason it's a good read for those who are undecided. It shows that the "unique" message of the organization is really nothing of the sort.

P.S. I wasn't sure where to post this.

Great post cellist! The book described above is sure to interest you. It is very scholarly and speaks in a respectful tone about the hundreds, if not thousands of groups that have preached: THE END IS NEAR!

Balsam

Cellist,

Some of our history books here in the USA indicates that the same hysteria existed for Americans in the mid to late 1800's. Many cult religion sprang up, the Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses (called then Bible Students). Americans thought that the age they were living in was what Ezekiel, Isaiah, Revelations was talking about. But that time period came and went and still it lingers in the JW's teachings because of the 1914 dating which had been 1874 previously.

I read somewhere that it is common for Christians to draw attention to Armaggedon anytime bad events start happening. Bill Graham daughter felt we were headed for Armaggedon because of 9/11 when the twin towers were hit by planes. It is a menality that affects so many Christians.

Cellist

That sounds like an interesting book. I'll have to look for it.

Cellist

greendawn

The Millerites then the adventists then then the JWs carrying the same old story but the dubs are the ones that made the most money out of it even though they will never admit where their end of times hysteria came from. The JWs always go on about unusual things happening in our days so the end must be near just like those people of the 17th century.

anewme

Cellist, last year there was a post about this very subject! It was eye opening and amazing to read of the long list of years published by religious groups to be the END OF TIMES! The 1700 and 1800s were mentioned by Balsam. But your information dates this bizarre excitement dating all the way back to the 1600s! And NVRGNBK points to a book that says claims were made of Armageddon's Coming going back further than that.

Well it all makes perfect sense doesnt it? A religion uses these scare tactics to boost interest and attendance and money in the plate! Maybe Ezekiel used it and old St. John!!! Who knows???
One thing for sure is known.....THAT ALL THAT HUMAN EFFORT AND WORRY AND DEVOTION AND CONTRIBUTION WAS WASTED TIME AND LIFE! ADD IT ALL UP AND WEEP FOR MANKIND FOOLED BY FALSE RELIGION!

Anewme

Pahpa

Christians down through the centuries have thought they were living in the "end times." They could point to the events of their time that seem to fit the "end time" descriptions in the Bible. Even some of the prominent Reformers like Luther and Calvin believed this. But the end did not come.

This should be a note of caution for Christians. Many Evangelicals and other fundamental Protestant organizations are preaching the same message today. (It is not the exclusive territory of Jehovah's Witnesses.) But the fact remains that Jesus said we would not "know the day or hour" and that it would come as a "thief" in the night.(Matthew 24:36, 44)

Unfortunately, disappointment in human organizations and their prophecies have caused some Christians to abandon their faith in God. This is even reflected in the Forum discussions.

nvrgnbk

One thing for sure is known.....THAT ALL THAT HUMAN EFFORT AND WORRY AND DEVOTION AND CONTRIBUTION WAS WASTED TIME AND LIFE! ADD IT ALL UP AND WEEP FOR MANKIND FOOLED BY FALSE RELIGION!

Wow, anewme. You stated this so beautifully.

Thank you,

Nvr

anewme

I was thinking on it today that what a waste it is! Why, if all the people who felt the end was near, and all of us who talk about the people who believe the end is near, got together and REALLY DID SOMETHING FOR THE EARTH, THINK WHAT A POSITIVE EFFECT IT WOULD HAVE!!!!

Point is: Take care of this beautiful earth folks. Its going to be around in good shape or bad shape and it only has us to care for it.

The end is near!

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