Posted by Chris O on July 21, 2008, at 13:44:26
In reply to Lou's request rclarification-uhnfow-earat? » Chris O, posted by Lou PIlder on July 21, 2008, at 8:44:34
Lou:
My understanding is that many ancient Jewish sects around the time of 1st century Judea believed the world was running down (due to sin) and that there was an Apocalypse on the horizon. There was also a belief that a Messiah was coming to save them from their dire situation with respect to Rome. I think this is common knowledge in both academic and theological circles.
In terms of the modern western world, we seem to have moved away from that (anti-progressive) belief system sometime around the Renaissance and Enlightenment. In general, we have a more progressive view of history, thinking that we can improve things (make our lives longer, make Earth a better place to live). While elements of Apocalypticism remain in some segments of the population (increasingly so in the past two decades), the general philosophical belief that guides most westerners is quite different from that of the ancient Jews and Christians. Sorry, I'm not going to cite a long list of books to prove this belief. Again, I think it's pretty well agreed upon.
Good luck!
poster:Chris O
thread:840495
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20080404/msgs/841256.html