Well, I have chosen the “Shall Not Occur” category because it was the closest to my view that was available. “Not Quite Sure” would be closer. Based on my very basic studies in the apocalypse subject, I have discovered that the term “apocalypse” originates in an ancient Greek term that translates to “revelation”. In the earliest sense of the word, apocalypse referred to a chosen vision sent by a divine being, initially of a Hebrew variety known as YHWH. Such visions were generally of an eschatological nature and referred to a cosmic justice whereby the “just” were saved from worldwide destruction as “the wicked” were slain. Now, by the time of the book of Revelation in the Bible, everything was a battle between good and evil, with the actions of human beings being tied up in this dualistic struggle. Yet, if one looks at the proto-apocalyptic material, and by this I mean the works of the Hebrew Bible that have distinctly apocalyptic features yet are before the books of Daniel and Revelation, such as Isaiah and Zecharia, there are decidedly more social elements, such as vengeance of God toward “foreign nations” as opposed to evil in general. Now, if one looks at the development of biblical material from the Hebrew into the Christian time periods, one sees transitions from social to cosmic struggles. The proto-apocalyptic material is generally agreed upon by scholars as originating shortly after the time of the exile of Judah. Hence, the social motives involved in much of these writings most likely include trying to maintain faith and providing hope for disillusioned Semitic groups who were suffering social injustices. This probably became more cosmic as everything became more cosmic in later Christian thought. Christians are notorious for demonizing their opposition, as a look at medieval Church history will tell anyone. Even the term “satan” originates in the Hebrew word for “adversary.” Bearing all of this in mind, I believe that the concept of apocalypse most likely came about in a Semitic social propaganda movement, intended to provide some hope for justice in a time of strife. Later, as the followers of Jesus faced the same, they built even further on a framework of transcendence to a cosmic struggle in order to further legitimate their claims and convert more to their causes. Hence, I doubt that any of the Christian apocalyptic claims have much basis in reality. They just seem too tied up in the sentiments and wishful thinking of their time. One must realize that, to the Christians of the time of Revelation’s composition, the Apocalypse meant hope, not despair. Of course, this is just what I believe. What I know if far more limited. For all I know, my belief could be dead wrong. Maybe there is a cosmic struggle. As far as the more modern conceptions of the term apocalypse go, I guess a general worldwide destruction is implied, not necessarily through divine means. With that in mind, I simply say, “Maybe.” There are gigantic asteroids hurling through space constantly, some of which are large enough to instantly eradicate all life on Earth upon impact. That one of these asteroids should bombard the planet is inevitable. It could happen two hours from now or three billion years from now, but it will happen. Human beings also now possess thermonuclear weapons with warheads of enough megatons to obliterate entire countries. Due to the fact that they are in the possession of governments run by people who are extremely inept and care only about immediate gains to their interests, and will soon enough f fall into the hands of governments and terrorists of a fanatical religious outlook that doesn’t care about “worldly matters” such as life on earth but once again sees things in terms of a cosmic struggle, I’d say that the possibility of mankind’s suicide is not only present, but likely. Yet, such an outcome as a worldwide annihilation is something that I as a solitary person am far from being able to prevent. Thus, I have chosen to live my life in the here and now, enjoying it to the fullest, rather than dreading something that I can only know to be a possibility among a myriad of others and ultimately something over which I have no control.

December 30th, 2001 at 6:41 pm in It Won't Happen

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