There are quite a few Christians in history that believe that the world will end within our lifetimes. It is funny to answer this question because part of the problem most definitely stems from one of my world issues, the media. Often times the media portrays images that are then allowed to fester in the brains of many people and then they can draw some of the most irrational conclusions about what was presented to them. Most Christians believe that world would end during their lifetimes because of the word that was being presented. It is clear to followers of the Bible that the world is coming to an end at some point, but no one knows when. So naturally one would view the bad world events to be symbols of the world ending. Christian scriptures often refer to their belief that Jesus will come again, this idea is often referred to as the “second coming”. Eschatology is the study of time ending from a biblical perspective. In the books of Revelation, Matthew 24, and 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-18 there are stories that focus on how the world may end. Often times these four ideas are broken into four categories. In Revelation the idea about the “Millennium” comes about it. It basically says that Jesus will rule for 1000 years, but it is unclear when this will occur. The next proposed idea based on bible readings was the “Tribulation” and this is when a 7 year rule occurs under a world religious-political leader known as the Antichrist. The next potential event occurs because of the Antichrist’s request for a war. The war is known as “Armageddon” and during this war most of the people on Earth will die. It is believed that during this time God’s wrath and anger will be poured out and a serious of prophecies from Daniel, Matthew, and Revelation will occur. Finally, in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 an idea known as the “Rapture” was concluded. It is described as a miraculous event in which Jesus Christ will descend from the heavens to Earth. From this prediction is it said that both the “born again” Christians who have passed away and are still living will ascend to heaven. Those who have not been “saved” will remain on Earth. The people that ascend into heaven will leave behind all of their material possessions on Earth and go to live with God. Though all of these ideas have been prophesied all are ambiguous. They are therefore open to interpretation and this is another reason why many people believe that the world will end at some point during their lifetime because they are applying the biblical text to everything that happens within their lifetime.

I must first start off by saying I am disappointed in myself for not getting these blogs done in a timely fashion. I am a hard working student and doing this does not show how hard I can work. Though this is true I believe that for each of my blogs I put my best foot forward. At one point I was on a roll with the blogs and actually had fun! (shhhh do not tell anybody) I believe that because with each blog I put my best effort into it I am worthy of a “B” or higher. I say that because often times when writing I would get carried away which led me to write over 1000 words each week! Often times I would finish writing and look at the word count and be in utter amazement because I knew my thoughts were just being spilled on the paper (or internet). According the guidelines that Dr. Homan provides I can say that I meet most of the requirements for not only a “B”, but in some aspects an “A”. I think that based on the comments I received from classmates they enjoyed the idea of my project and were happy to see that it was actually being implemented. My project was composed of two parts which allowed me to work throughout the entire semester and combat the issue that I view as a world problem. Based on the writings that I have posted I believe they validate my understanding of the material being read and also being taught in lecture. I learned a little late, but typing Dr. Homan’s lectures is so much easier than trying to write in a notebook! Through my writings I demonstrated an ability to think beyond the basics and even more so I my project implementation this ability can be seen. I respected the well known rules of plagiarism as well as tried my best in keeping my writing free of grammatical errors, though at times I may have slipped up. If anything I think that my project deserved an “A”, but of course I would say that because I worked so hard on it. I was really excited to see that many of the girls walked away from the group sessions and even the presentation Dannielle and I gave with a new found confidence and clear head. After everything is done I plan to write a letter to Fischer Elementary School to thank them for everything they did in making this project such a great success. I believe that this semester I can say that I embodied much of Xavier’s mission because of my continual service from January up until today! I think that I was attempting to create a more just and humane society. Many times we can only assume we did so, but I was happy to hear the feedback of the school which made me realize that I was doing something to better our GLOBE. So knowing that I was not finished with the blogs on time I have to accept the grade that is given, but regardless I know that I have made a difference. I have contributed locally, but all in the name of making the world I better place for future generations to come to. Every Xavier student should be held accountable for living up to the mission of the school they selected to attend. By doing this we are all becoming one which is what our Lord wanted and we are working together to improve his wonderful creation.

This entry was posted on Sunday, April 26th, 2009 at 3:20 pm and is filed under Week 14: Grade. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.