Monstrous

Apocalypse Soon => The End => Topic started by: Devious Viper on August 06, 2006, 01:10:26 AM

Title: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: Devious Viper on August 06, 2006, 01:10:26 AM
Not every religion has an End Times scenario, but most do speculate about what the future holds. Even if one person's Judgment Day is another person’s Golden Age, each major faith has something to say about what will happen in the world to come (even if that world is another version of this one). Here is a quick quide to what Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Jews believe about Last Things.

Buddhism
In keeping with cycles of creation and destruction, some believe the Buddha's teachings will gradually fade away, but that in time, a new Buddha will be born and offer a path to nirvana. Others believe, however, that such future speculation is irrelevant; for them, the only time is now.

Christianity
All Christian traditions teach that Jesus will return in glory at the end of time. Today, it's mostly Protestant evangelicals who speculate a lot about specific End Times events. Many think true believers will be raptured (taken into heaven). Then, Jesus Christ will return before, during, or after a great Tribulation, which will be followed by 1,000 years of peace before the Final Judgment. For Roman Catholics, the End Times means the Last Judgment. Jesus will return to earth, and all the dead will be resurrected to appear bodily at his tribunal, where he will judge between those who will suffer for all eternity in hell and those who will join him in eternal bliss. This world will pass away, to be replaced by a new heaven and new earth ruled by Jesus.

Hinduism
Hindus believe that time is cyclical, with each cycle divided into four eras, or yugas. Most Hindus believe we are currently in the final cycle, Kali Yuga, which began in 3102 B.C.E., will last for 432,000 years, and is marked by an absence of virtue. Some believe that this yuga will end when the god Kalki, an avatar of Vishnu, destroys the wicked and saves the good. After Kali Yuga passes, the world returns to the first era in the cycle, Satya Yuga, a golden age.

Islam
Just before the Day of Judgment, people will fall further away from Allah: zakat (charity) will be a burden, women will outnumber men, lying and alcohol use will increase as modesty and shame decrease. Christians will begin to rule the world. Then a great leader known as Imam Mehdi will appear, after which Jesus shall reappear on earth as well and urge his followers to become Muslims. The Dajjal, or anti-Christ, will appear and lead a great army against the Muslims. In a great war, Muslims (and Christians who believe in Jesus after his return) will conquer Christians and non-Muslims. But before the trumpet is blown signifying the end, Muslims will also suffer, with the Ka’ba being destroyed and the Hajj pilgrimage ending. On the last day, when the trumpet is blown, only the true Muslim faithful will survive.

Judaism
Traditional Jewish sources teach that in the end of days the Messiah, a descendent of King David's dynasty, will return to usher in an era of permanent world peace, recognition of God, and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and the resumption of worship there. Some ancient and medieval rabbinic sources speculate that the Messiah will not come until all Jews return to traditional observance, while others believe it will follow a period of catastrophe. The liberal Jewish movements generally do not believe in a Messiah figure but do emphasize a future messianic era of peace and togetherness.
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: Andrea Warfare on October 21, 2009, 11:07:07 PM
Educational.

Which do you think will prove to be correct in the end?
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: Muerte on October 22, 2009, 05:30:12 AM
  Darling, if he actually replies, I might fall over from pure shock.
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: Strife on October 22, 2009, 07:37:45 AM
lol that was in 2006 he isnt gonna reply....and he is a guest so....Ya  :-D
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: Muerte on October 22, 2009, 03:02:39 PM
  Actually DV was a mod (possibly a Guardian as well).
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: Andrea Warfare on October 25, 2009, 07:44:15 PM
Oh wow ha nevermind
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: Dreamer on December 24, 2009, 06:54:38 AM
There will be a time where Jesus Christ will come back. And I think that's how it is.
He is a sign of the end of time on earth.

Since all Abrahamic religion agrees on coming of Jesus Christ who is the Messiah, the chosen, the anointed one.
Even though the Jews script does not mention Jesus, but the description fits Jesus Christ the most.
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: Raziel on October 10, 2010, 06:18:07 PM
Wrong dreamer. Islam and Judaism both think of jesus as a prophet. Hinduism  sources have been known to imply or outright state that jeus was merely an avatar of vishnu(i think) and there is one other after him(i think).

Buddhism merely believes that there will be another savior for another time. As is the trend in history.
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: Ravening on February 08, 2011, 12:42:30 AM
There will be a time where Jesus Christ will come back.

Already has, if ever gone for long.

Though... There is a saying, not sure if it's from the bible, which goes along the lines of if someone claims to be Christ, do not believe it.  Kinda reminds me of the 'if you see Buddha on the road, kill him' saying.

There won't be any sort of need for thunder to herald his return.
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: AWBrielle on February 08, 2011, 12:56:05 PM
Wrong dreamer. Islam and Judaism both think of jesus as a prophet. Hinduism  sources have been known to imply or outright state that jesus was merely an avatar of vishnu(i think) and there is one other after him(i think).

Buddhism merely believes that there will be another savior for another time. As is the trend in history.

Members of my family practice Hinduism, and so I can tell you that he's not an avatar of Vishnu; however, he is regarded as an incarnation of one single God, as with every deity in the Hindu faith, and so he, too, is worshipped.

Basically, you can see similarities in every single religion that are far too obvious to ignore. I'd say the end is a combination of all of these in their raw forms.

As far as we know, the names "Kalki" and "Imam Mehdi" and even "Jesus" may be referring to the coming of the same being at the end of time, and either a new era will begin, or that's just the end.

Just my thoughts. You don't have to agree with them! :)
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: Raziel on March 31, 2011, 06:17:43 PM
Cool which traditions do your family members practice. As I understand it, there are variations and disagreements upon the nature of some things.
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: ViciouslyMe on March 31, 2011, 08:29:13 PM
I honestly don't believe any religion will be the "correct" one. In the end, its not about religion. Its about the teachings themselves. Not the worshiping or anything, but the kind of person you are. Stupid to say, but I think its closer to the truth.
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: ravinclaw on April 01, 2011, 01:55:55 PM
AWBrielle, I think you make a pretty remarkable point. Most of the world could be worshiping the same thing but are too closed minded to consider it possible.....ironic aint it:-D  But then again what the hell do i know.
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: AWBrielle on April 02, 2011, 03:06:16 AM
Cool which traditions do your family members practice. As I understand it, there are variations and disagreements upon the nature of some things.

A very good point. Some call Shiva the ultimate God, others call Vishnu the ultimate God, and so on and so forth; the members of my family who practice Hinduism believe that there's a single entity, but all deities, so to speak, are incarnations of that singular deity. As one cannot know God, they cannot identify him. (I'm speaking purely based off of what I know they believe, here.)

AWBrielle, I think you make a pretty remarkable point. Most of the world could be worshiping the same thing but are too closed minded to consider it possible.....ironic aint it:-D  But then again what the hell do i know.

Thank you! And the way I see it is that there's one ocean, but many names. There are various rules so as to allow people to reach a specific understanding about their purpose, or whatever they're to know; I don't think it has anything to do with worship, rather, with the self, but that's just my opinion. Either way, some people just take their stuff too seriously.

All right, I'll stop my 3-AM preaching.
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: rave phillaphia on April 10, 2011, 07:08:21 PM
you need to read up on Hinduism a bit more. There is no "Ultimate God". There is a quote from Hindu scripture (I will look up if it is Vedic or Purana later) that discusses how there are over 300,000 deities, then there are only 13, then there are only 11, then there are only 7, then there are only 4, then there are only 3, then there is only 1, then who are the other 300,000? Basically there is ultimate reality, which lay outside of the cycle of rebirth (samsara) and liberation from this cycle is moksa. Then like in the previously stated quote there is one God, but this is a concept more so than a God. Brahman is the ultimate 'God'. Brahma (God of Creation), Visnu (God of Balance), Siva (God of Destruction), all are equally capable of creating, destroying, and granting boons. There is also the Goddess, who goes by Devi or Durga. Sometimes she is in place instead of Brahma as one of the top because she is worshipped more. The Goddess is the manifestation of Sakti (power), also maya (illusion) and prktri. It depends but a Hindu would say, I worship this Deity as the Ultimate to Brahman, NOT as the Ultimate God. It is not like western religions (ex. Zeus as ultimate God).

If you want a good book about Hindu mythology read "Classical Hindu Mythology: A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas" edited and translated by Cornelia Dimmitt and J.A.B. van Buitenen.

All religions acknowledge birth, life and death. People create stories about how in the unjust times the earth will reharmonize itself because they have hope it will change. Ultimately humans recognize that they are not in control that is why they create these stories.
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: AWBrielle on April 10, 2011, 07:40:16 PM
@ Rave:

You DID notice that she said she's from a Hindu family - didn't you?

THANK YOU.

@Rave - Not to mention that members of my family are, in fact, priests of the faith. Thank you kindly for explaining to me how Hinduism "works."  :roll:
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: rave phillaphia on April 10, 2011, 07:45:52 PM
let me guess American Hindu though, right? She also said that there are members in her family that practice Hinduism, which doesn't mean that she actually does though.
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: AWBrielle on April 10, 2011, 08:14:35 PM
Removed my post. Rave, make as many assumptions as you want.

I'm kindly backing out of this conversation as I feel I'll only be arguing a very verifiable point against a budge-less wall.  :roll:
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: rave phillaphia on April 10, 2011, 08:52:52 PM
I am sorry, I know I shouldn't have said that second statement. I just get frustrated when I am trying to be helpful and give information that has been recommended to me by other people who are part of the culture/religion and others jump on me because automatically the people who are part of it are experts on the religion to the point where no one else is allowed to disagree. I didn't mean to aim at you I am just frustrated when I get Americans telling me they know it because they are related. For example, my great grandmother was Jewish and a survivor of the Holocaust and converted to Catholism, but I don't go and say I am the most expert of Judaism because of my family (or Catholism for that matter). Instead I go and research what scholars say and what anthropologists (the good ones, not the ones that exotictise the traditions) have found when they interviewed the people on a mass scale and the historical context. Not to mention the stories themselves. I really do appologize for being rude.

http://www.youtube.com/user/HinduAcademy#p/u/11/jzco3wWMY_U (http://www.youtube.com/user/HinduAcademy#p/u/11/jzco3wWMY_U)
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: rave phillaphia on April 10, 2011, 09:09:46 PM
But when I read that it said "members of my family" it didn't say she followed the tradition, so I wouldn't have assumed that she practiced or did not practiced. Like "members of my family practice Catholism" that doesn't mean all my family does or that I do. It just says that I have been around the religion so I know about it. So I didn't want to assume that she practiced Hinduism because members of her family does.
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: AWBrielle on April 11, 2011, 06:56:00 AM
Understood, and therefore apologies. I said it that way because there are a few members of my family that do not practice Hinduism.
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: AWBrielle on April 12, 2011, 09:12:56 PM
OK..... semantics are interesting, but what do you say about us trying to get back on topic?  :lol:

I think the original post was talking about the views different faiths have on the end of times......


In Norse myth the endtimes are called Ragnarök (Dusk of the Powers). Ragnarök will be heralded by the Fimbulvinter - three winters with no summer in between. In this time all fetters will shatter and the boundaries between the worlds will open up. There will be a great war between the Gods and their enemies and many of the Gods will fall in that battle.
Sol (the Sun) and Måne (the Moon) will be swallowed by the wolves Skoll and Hate respectively, which have been pursuing them. And the chaos powers will wreck havoc on the worlds.

However, just before being swallowed, Sol gives birth to a daughter that willl take her mother's place in the sky. And when the dawn comes anew the surviving Gods and Goddesses will gather at Idavallen (a green field in Asgård) to remember what has passed. And in Yggdrasil (the World Tree) a man and a woman has survived, hidden in and protected by the tree, and they will be the ancestors of humanity renewed.

Hmm. So here, too, is the speaking of the "second coming," so to speak, of very important mythological figures. I really find the similarities between all of these "end of time" theories!
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: Loki on May 01, 2011, 02:32:05 PM
Good point but as every cult, Hinduism cannot be reduced to a few dogmas. Today there are different sects, each revering a particular Hindu God: Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Kali, ....  and this is just a confirmation of God being one and several.

Telling that all religions worship the same God is also oversimplifying ...  One has to find the religion that particularly fit his personality and deep beliefs.

I was born a Christian but I quickly got sick about this. Why? Probably because I got no interest in the stories of the Jewish people. My ancestors are celts, not from Palestine. Also, Catholicism is controlled by the Vatican, an assembly of old religious-servants that do more bad than good.

So I experienced different beliefs before finding the avatar of God that fits my style, a monstrous God of course, not that stupid dove. How can you worship God if you have no physical representation in your mind?

The end of it should be in line with such a representation.  And its where I now should pay tribute to The Book of Revelation (a somehow Christian book) which contains a lot of nice monsters: The Great Prostitute, the riders of apocalypse, gog and magog, several dragons and other exotic beasts.  This is something I would die for to experience  *<:)
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: Nina on May 01, 2011, 03:19:51 PM
Quote
This is something I would die for to experience   *<:)

And just maybe, u will ;)
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: Raziel on June 02, 2011, 09:23:59 PM
*snip*
And its where I now should pay tribute to The Book of Revelation (a somehow Christian book) which contains a lot of nice monsters: The Great Prostitute, the riders of apocalypse, gog and magog, several dragons and other exotic beasts.  This is something I would die for to experience  *<:)


I've always wondered why the end of the book is so freaky crazy acid trippy, when jesus was all love and peace. I don't know if he personally mentioned a deadline coming do you?

Having said that though, which one would you personally prefer?
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: AWBrielle on June 02, 2011, 09:59:35 PM
I've actually studied Revelation, and am re-studying it with a group of non-religious people who have an interest in theologies on the whole. Just out of curiosity, do you realize that Revelation is comprised of symbolism? For instance, the chapter on the dragon and the woman -- dragon = Lucifer. In the beginning of Revelation, it mentions that the stars are the angels; the dragon swipes 1/3 of the stars with its tail and falls to the earth with them, etc. etc. Just sayin'. I'm sure you both already knew that it was symbolism, I just thought I'd clarify :p many scholars believe it was written that way as, if it was publicly circulated otherwise (e.g. The End is coming, and this is how it's gonna be, and Lucifer did this, and Jesus was this, etc.) - at that time, its author, John, the apostle, would have been killed by the Romans. Just a historical tidbit.

That said, yes, it does point to The End, and I'm sure that some things can be taken literally. I have yet to study it more in detail, but once I do I'm sure more of it will make sense, to me at least...
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: Raziel on June 03, 2011, 10:00:20 AM
Yes, revelation is obviously comprised of religious symbolism.  :roll:
However, I am merely curious why I can't recall jesus ever setting a definitive deadline or sign when these times are supposedly arriving.

And I'd like to ask if you can recall a time when he becomes all symbolic using the dragon, the whore, and the beasts or possible analouges himself. Beause a lack of consistency makes revelation look like a good adrenaline pumping read, but not exactly a believable one. :|

We must also understand that the bible was written around 300 years after Jesus' death :cry:(&resurrection :lol:)  So within that time frame, a bit might have been changed, as well as the fact that the ones who compiled the bible may have pulled a Disney on us. (no offense Walt. I Love YOUR SHOWS!)
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: Nina on June 03, 2011, 10:41:38 AM
I dont think that Jesus actually ever said anything about End of All, at least not as detailed as John did.

The Book of Revelation was written by st John, not Jesus. Also, there were four of the evangelists (Mark, Mathew, John and Luke, if my sunday class is still a bit inside my head properly), so every part of the New Testament can be very different from other, considering it was written by different men at different times. As AWBrielle stated, I also believe that most stuff are written symbolically for mere political reasons. What we have of Bible now, is not very much like it was ;) we should prolly hack the Vatican tunnels to get the REAL deal.

Wow, that sounds fun xD whos in with me?  :lol:
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: ViciouslyMe on June 03, 2011, 12:21:46 PM
Does sound fun, but whos to say their old one doesn't have the same problem? You say the problem is symbols used for politics, and if memory serves me right, religion has always played a political role.
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: AWBrielle on June 03, 2011, 01:50:37 PM
...er, okay. First and foremost, I'm not Christian, I'm an agnostic of... sorts. But anyway.

Does sound fun, but whos to say their old one doesn't have the same problem? You say the problem is symbols used for politics, and if memory serves me right, religion has always played a political role.

I believe when she said "for politics," she didn't mean it that way. I do know that Constantine and his mother sat together and picked out which books to start spreading out, and also incorporated religious rituals. Biblical Christianity is very different than ritualistic Christianity (in the modern day, ritualistic is all that is practiced, and throughout the middle ages, etc., it was strictly enforced). Seriously two different things.

Also - the "old one" of which you speak, if you're referring to the original text, is on a scroll that's been archaeologically dated, as with all other Biblical scrolls. :P

By political, she is referring to what I wrote here:
Many scholars believe it was written that way as, if it was publicly circulated otherwise (e.g. The End is coming, and this is how it's gonna be, and Lucifer did this, and Jesus was this, etc.) - at that time, its author, John, the apostle, would have been killed by the Romans. Just a historical tidbit.

This particular book was written around 95 AD, according to scientific data - around which time those who openly spoke of Christ's teachings in a way that did not condemn, or else did not worship the Roman emperor as a god, would be publicly executed. The Book was addressed to seven Churches in which contacts and the like resided, so that's why scholars believe it was written in code. If anyone intercepted it, they'd think it was full of ramblings of a crazy old fart.

That's just a theory, though, I mean. I don't know. I didn't live back then. :p

Yes, revelation is obviously comprised of religious symbolism.  :roll:
However, I am merely curious why I can't recall jesus ever setting a definitive deadline or sign when these times are supposedly arriving.

And I'd like to ask if you can recall a time when he becomes all symbolic using the dragon, the whore, and the beasts or possible analouges himself. Beause a lack of consistency makes revelation look like a good adrenaline pumping read, but not exactly a believable one. :|

Jesus was not the author. John, the apostle (one of the 12 disciples) was the author, so.... But hey. Revelation does have some crazy sh*t. I won't lie.

We must also understand that the bible was written around 300 years after Jesus' death :cry:(&resurrection :lol:)  So within that time frame, a bit might have been changed, as well as the fact that the ones who compiled the bible may have pulled a Disney on us. (no offense Walt. I Love YOUR SHOWS!)

Er....no. It was canonized around 300 years after his death - canonized means that the books that did not conflict with each other too much and were written by primary sources were compiled to form one main book, which is today known as The Bible.


Just for clarification purposes, for those who really need to know: I went to Catholic school for around 7 years, and I've studied Christianity from an objective point of view. Religious background is Hindu, but again, as I've stated, my beliefs are completely comprised of my personal experiences, and I wouldn't be able to properly peg it on any proper religions. Therefore, please don't believe that I'm defending Christianity or the Bible in any way (and by this I'm also not bashing it - I'd only bash the people who've f*cked it up, not the religion itself). I'm just providing information. :p
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: Raziel on June 04, 2011, 11:38:14 AM
Quote
...er, okay. First and foremost, I'm not Christian, I'm an agnostic of... sorts. But anyway.

That's all cool, I don't exactly fit into a proper category myself.
Quote
Jesus was not the author. John, the apostle (one of the 12 disciples) was the author, so.... But hey. Revelation does have some crazy sh*t. I won't lie.

Anyway, that's just it.  I don't see Jesus going into detail about the stuff John speaks of in revelation, i don't think he mentioned anything. And while i suppose  while one may explain john writing revelation under divine influence, it just seems like a tacked on sequel like ferngully 2. It sorta breaks the message preached by the rest of the new testament.

(John maybe the author of revelation, but when you consider the fact that the founder himself did not really seem interested in the last days, you start to think it might not be such a big deal. sure he mentions stuff about nation turning against nation, brother against brother........etc. He also says that the end of days does not come immediately..... No specifics really.)

Quote
Er....no. It was canonized around 300 years after his death - canonized means that the books that did not conflict with each other too much and were written by primary sources were compiled to form one main book, which is today known as The Bible.


Just for clarification purposes, for those who really need to know: I went to Catholic school for around 7 years, and I've studied Christianity from an objective point of view. Religious background is Hindu, but again, as I've stated, my beliefs are completely comprised of my personal experiences, and I wouldn't be able to properly peg it on any proper religions. Therefore, please don't believe that I'm defending Christianity or the Bible in any way (and by this I'm also not bashing it - I'd only bash the people who've f*cked it up, not the religion itself). I'm just providing information. :p

My apologies. I used written, when i meant "compiled."(i think i did use that verb after written but i guess the damage to my thought was done......)

And while i suppose that yes, conflicting sources are a bad thing for a book like the bible, and yes having a ridiculous amount of differing versions is a bad idea, even for the christian version of the text, they(Christianity) DID play a little now you see it-now you don't with some present in the Hebrew text while making its own version. (the one with the new testament.)

So yeah. What else do ya think they left out?
Especially when they would convert a weak unresisting sun worshiping emperor on his death bed....... some would say forcefully.

Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: AWBrielle on June 04, 2011, 11:47:27 AM
Plenty of things were left out due to "differing accounts." We have the book of Enoch, for example, the Maccabees, and I can't remember the name of it, but there was a book on Jesus's childhood which was a firsthand account, supposedly, but it was kept out because some of the things he did weren't exactly the hippie format we know today. Which, by the way, I found interesting. Gave me a better insight, because I feel like it was a more accurate description. That's just IMHO.

I have a copy of the Bible (don't remember which version) that has some translating notes by a Yogi. From what I understand, it's really interesting, but I've yet to read it. I wanna see what his take on Revelation is. But as per my dad, he goes into the meaning behind, you know, not "take it literally," which is why, according to my dad, it's a bit more believable. I wouldn't know. :p
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: Nina on June 07, 2011, 11:46:05 PM
well, considering Native American prophecy... we ARE doomed indeed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODYS74dppRM
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: ViciouslyMe on June 07, 2011, 11:59:26 PM
Oh God, I remember hearing about that. Is that the one from way back or is this recent?
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: Nina on June 12, 2011, 05:07:33 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ8K3ofGWrQ
Title: Re: Multifaith Guide To The End Times
Post by: jordyn on March 11, 2012, 10:53:49 AM
I like its symbolism. when jesus was asked why he spoke in riddles and parables his reply was so that only those with wisdom will learn the truth, those without will remain confused." ive learned more from stories about wheat, widows and rich men then all the poreaching in the world. The only thing clearly stated in the bible concerning the end? "None shall know when the earth will end except God" to my knowlege he hasn't said anything to anybody...yet.