Are Christians eager for the end of the world?

Question

My perception is that many Christians seem to be eager for the world to end. They seem to joyfully point out all the apparent "signs" of the "end times". This is based on my observations of questions/answers posted on R&S by those portraying themselves as "Christian".

My question is this: are Christians really eager for the world to end and if so, why? Is life on Earth really so miserable? I'm looking for perspectives from both Christians and non-Christians. Thanks!

I appreciate the thoughtful answers from both theists and non-theists so far. Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Yes they are really really eager for the end of the world.

Many many christians have little faith. It's only through seeing such "apparent" signs that they can strengthen their faith. It's funny really, as that flies in the face of what is written in that book.

There is a desperation for this apocalyptic end to justify to themselves that they made the correct choice and that they did infact have faith after all.

Answer 2

The only reason anyone would be eager for the end of the world would be because they have misconceptions of the world ending or they are mentally ill. There are many interpretations of what will happen.
Some old thoughts and some new. Everything from Armageddon and rapture, to light ships taking everyone out of here before the earth cleans itself and everyone is annihilated.
Mostly it is fore told in Revelations and other books that Jesus will be coming back and setting up his kingdom on Earth. So You see there is not going to be an ending of this world. It will only be transformed and Christians are looking foreword to his coming.
Rev. TomCat

Answer 3

First off, I am a Christian. And yes, there are a lot of books and writings out there about the "end times" and signs of the end. But, personally, and speaking for some of my closest friends, I do not look forward to the end of the world. I don't want non Christians to have to suffer, or to be condemned or anything that you believe shall happen, before coming to know my God, and being saved. I think every true Christian looks forward to the time that God calls them home, because they know what a wonderful thing and time it'll be to be in His presence, and to be in perfect peace. I don't look for my end, or the world's. I don't hope and pray that I die soon so that I can go to heaven. I am here for a reason and while so many things about this world are horrible, or saddening, and I will do what I can for the Lord while I'm here. I look forward to being in heaven when it's time, but I'm not ready to go running for it now, and will enjoy my life here. I think that the writings and sayings out there about end times are overplayed by the media and the world, and not always by true Christians...and those that are, well, probably have their hearts in the right places, but would benefit more from sharing their faith and trying to teach and share that with people, rather than scaring them into believing, which I wouldn't think would be a true saving faith. Good luck with your search and don't read too much into the information on "signs" and what not...yes, I believe there are some, but I think that man tries to think of God's plans like they would plan or think them, which we cannot possibly.Sure, it's in the Bible, but people can look and find signs in everything from tea leaves to rocks and spit. Find your own belief and leave the rest to your higher power.Best wishes and God Bless.

Answer 4

I am a christian and I wouldn't say that I am eager for the world to end, it is just that there is mystery about the events following up to and at the time of Christ's return. He gave us alot of information about some of the things that will happen and that are happening now but there are alot of other things that He only gave us clues about. Some things are to be hidden till the end of this world as we kow it and I feel an anticipation. Yes you could say I am joyful when I think of His return, and about the rapture etc.... wondering what it will be like. I think the reasons some are eager is because it will be so differant then things are now. We all want to know what Heaven and the New Jeruselem will be like when His kingdom is set up there because there will finally be peace. It's human nature to be curious like a child is when his parents are saying they have a surprise. The child tries to figure it out and tries to imagine what it is. Mostly I am eager because I finally get to meet Jesus, the one who gave up His life for me so that I could have everlasting life.

Answer 5

Not exactly. Christians are eager for Christ's return. This includes the end of the world, yes, but it's not the end of the world, per se, that we are looking forward to.

I look forward to Christ's return because He will make everything right in the end; but I would not say that I'm looking forward to the world's end, as I certainly don't look forward to people suffering.

Edit: The links posted by heartfelt_atheist do not resemble my views at all.

Answer 6

Yes, for the most part Christians are waiting for the world to end and looking forward to it. They follow the rules of their organization and suppress them selves in the hopes of a reward after Judgment Day.

Keeping in mind that this is a generalization, political affiliation of Republican lines up with Fundamental Christians, Democrat lines up with a free form of interpretation- look into history and one can see that Republican power aided unrest in the Middle East, while Democrats aided peace. Why would I point this out? Armageddon is a hill in Jerusalem and the war to end the world, bring heaven to earth.

The world is full of ignorance and violence this is a fact of life throughout history (if you choose to dwell on the bad side of the coin), but Christians use it to pray for the rapture [when they will be saved from suffering], Rather than trying to assist world peace, clean environment, safety and security of all, practice peace, love, acceptance, etc, why not sit back and wait for a god to do it all for you?

Again this is generalizing all Christians as Doom Day Activists, but in my opinion these followers miss the point of a religion that was based on the teachings of a great man [one of many in history] who's mind and self awareness was beyond his time, as well as ours!

Answer 7

that's a curious question that many non Christians ask approximately Christians. i think interior the bible, how that's written is to point that activities could ensue very quickly. and various different Christians usually have self belief that. yet another linked puzzled requested is why is all of it with regard to the existence after and not the existence now with Christians. Like coming up a greater helpful ecosystem for our youngsters and grandchildren at present does not remember because of the fact Jesus is coming all the way down to earth quickly. it relatively is exceedingly annoying... deliver me down south. For me spending an eternity with homophobic, bigoted and straightforward minded christians could be hell.

Answer 8

No, I'm not anxious at all. Christianity has always looked toward Christ's return, and many from each generation have believed that his return is near. Most of the thinking about the end times is based on misreading the book of Revelation.

Answer 9

I think that completely depends on your own position in life. Also your general attitude.
You are young and still think you will live forever but it just ain't true, unless you make it in the rapture. Which is prophetically upon us momentarily.
I on the other hand have a disease slowly killing me. I want to be taken in that rapture and not die.
The world will not end for everyone just the unsaved.
You are going to find as many different reasons for their actions as you find believers and we all want you to understand and be one of the saved. Such a terrible thing to wish on others you don't even know huh?

Answer 10

I think much time is wasted on futile concerns with death and the illogical assumption the world is ending soon for unreal reasons . Better to put a premium on life and cautions that are real such as people swept up in fallacious fervor .