Dave's Progress. Chapter 43: It's the End of the World as we Know it...And I Feel Fine!
" And I heard, as it were, the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying come and see and I saw, and behold, a white horse... And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts, and I looked and behold, a pale horse, and its name that sat on him was death, and hell followed with him"
The Holy Bible, The Book of Revelations.
Just thought I would write a quick post about an unusual phenomenon which appears to be taking place in the US at the moment, and that is the peculiar way of thinking that I shall call here "end of worldism". I think I first learnt about this strange occurrence in an unusually intelligent television programme by Tony Robinson (he of previous "Black Adder" fame), where he explained about the increasing influence of the Christian right in American politics, who appear, by all accounts, to believe in the very near coming of the Apocalypse and its signifying of the second coming of Christ.
OK, so far, so harmless. But when George Bush was in power, Robinson pointed out that the Christian right held an unusual and growing amount of influence in the corridors of power, and their beliefs were actually coming to influence policy. So, I'm sure we all remember that Bush said that "God" had told him to invade Iraq. He then went on to say- "I believe in freedom. I believe God wants people to be free. Heck, that's part of my foreign policy". OK, so far, so stupid. If this had been anyone else or anywhere else, they may have been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
But, what was it about "end of worldism" which actually made it dangerous? Well, for a start, I think it did have some influence over the Israel/Palestine situation. As part of the prophecy which records the second coming of Christ was that it would only happen when "the Jews return to Zion" (forgive me if I make any errors here), this played heavily into the hands of the Israelis and their take on the conflict. "End of worldism", then, could have resulted in America's government at the time taking a less sympathetic view to the Palestinians plight and perhaps less chance of peace.
Secondly, the "end of worldists" sought, according to Robinson, to stop or prevent action being taken against climate change. As the evidence of climate change became more obvious, "end of worlders" thought about this as a positive thing. Just think about it, with an increasing number of natural disasters around the world being put down to climate change, the last thing a believer in the apocalypse and the second coming would want would be to prevent such disasters as they seemed to be evidence of their prophecy coming true.
Last of all, I have taken an interest in "end of worldism" and the peculiar position of the American Christian right as it's values seem, recently, to have infected Hollywood. As many of you will know I am an avid watcher and lover of films, and it seems now that quite a few coming out of Hollywood are dealing with the imminent apocalypse. To mention just two, the recent "Knowing" starring Nicholas Cage and the epic "2012", both deal with the coming of the end of the world. I am hoping, though, that Hollywood soon gets over this fad, as it has with other passing fancies. Indeed, I thought "Knowing" was quite a decent film until it descended into an "end of world" diatribe. It is as if the crazy man in the street with a placard stating "the end of the world is nigh" had been invited both into the White House and the executive offices of the Hollywood studios.
However, now that Barak Obama is in power, a decidedly different future may be written in the stars. As far as I know, the end of the world will only come about when the Sun stops shining, which, if I'm correct, will be in around fifty billion years' time. By then, both me and you will be nicely unconscious and oblivious to it all. I believe Obama has also already taken a more sympathetic view of the Israeli/Palestine conflict, and after the US's refusal to sign the Kyoto treaty, is taking climate change all the more seriously. So folks, it may actually be that it is the end of the world as we know it...and I feel fine!
That's all for now from your normal, average delusional and paranoid man.
The Holy Bible, The Book of Revelations.
Just thought I would write a quick post about an unusual phenomenon which appears to be taking place in the US at the moment, and that is the peculiar way of thinking that I shall call here "end of worldism". I think I first learnt about this strange occurrence in an unusually intelligent television programme by Tony Robinson (he of previous "Black Adder" fame), where he explained about the increasing influence of the Christian right in American politics, who appear, by all accounts, to believe in the very near coming of the Apocalypse and its signifying of the second coming of Christ.
OK, so far, so harmless. But when George Bush was in power, Robinson pointed out that the Christian right held an unusual and growing amount of influence in the corridors of power, and their beliefs were actually coming to influence policy. So, I'm sure we all remember that Bush said that "God" had told him to invade Iraq. He then went on to say- "I believe in freedom. I believe God wants people to be free. Heck, that's part of my foreign policy". OK, so far, so stupid. If this had been anyone else or anywhere else, they may have been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
But, what was it about "end of worldism" which actually made it dangerous? Well, for a start, I think it did have some influence over the Israel/Palestine situation. As part of the prophecy which records the second coming of Christ was that it would only happen when "the Jews return to Zion" (forgive me if I make any errors here), this played heavily into the hands of the Israelis and their take on the conflict. "End of worldism", then, could have resulted in America's government at the time taking a less sympathetic view to the Palestinians plight and perhaps less chance of peace.
Secondly, the "end of worldists" sought, according to Robinson, to stop or prevent action being taken against climate change. As the evidence of climate change became more obvious, "end of worlders" thought about this as a positive thing. Just think about it, with an increasing number of natural disasters around the world being put down to climate change, the last thing a believer in the apocalypse and the second coming would want would be to prevent such disasters as they seemed to be evidence of their prophecy coming true.
Last of all, I have taken an interest in "end of worldism" and the peculiar position of the American Christian right as it's values seem, recently, to have infected Hollywood. As many of you will know I am an avid watcher and lover of films, and it seems now that quite a few coming out of Hollywood are dealing with the imminent apocalypse. To mention just two, the recent "Knowing" starring Nicholas Cage and the epic "2012", both deal with the coming of the end of the world. I am hoping, though, that Hollywood soon gets over this fad, as it has with other passing fancies. Indeed, I thought "Knowing" was quite a decent film until it descended into an "end of world" diatribe. It is as if the crazy man in the street with a placard stating "the end of the world is nigh" had been invited both into the White House and the executive offices of the Hollywood studios.
However, now that Barak Obama is in power, a decidedly different future may be written in the stars. As far as I know, the end of the world will only come about when the Sun stops shining, which, if I'm correct, will be in around fifty billion years' time. By then, both me and you will be nicely unconscious and oblivious to it all. I believe Obama has also already taken a more sympathetic view of the Israeli/Palestine conflict, and after the US's refusal to sign the Kyoto treaty, is taking climate change all the more seriously. So folks, it may actually be that it is the end of the world as we know it...and I feel fine!
That's all for now from your normal, average delusional and paranoid man.
Comments
Your assessment appears 'spot on'. How many times I have watched the same scenarios played out over and over, Being a citizen of the states has afforded me the choice to participate or not. Yet as I watch, I notice that many would have my choice cancelled, or removed from allowance. I must simply "comply". A 'state' I do not relish.
Politics here, whether or not, under the guise of religion is deplorable. It's a word that means, "I no longer have a choice, but fantasy of freedom."
Given that a part of the Christian sect has decided they must be "hated by all men", they've set out to set themselves up, dragging the rest of the country along for their inaccurate ride. Indeed an all out civil war would not surprise me. What can't be done in peace is done in private (ie., force).
Still, if "it's the end of the world as we know it..." I'll be fine too.
My best regards, Dixie
I was a little unsure of what I was writing here as I do not live in the States, nor am I some sort of expert on its political situation. My post was merely derived from a highly informative programme on tv. So I appreciate your interseting comment and it would be nice to know more of your opinion, you being a citizen of the good old US of A.
Anyway, good to know that even if it is the end of the world, we both feel fine!
Yours in peace and with great respect,
David.
I cannot really add much to what you have alluded to in this posting. Or, for that matter, the interaction that has occurred in you comments with Dixie.
I shall tiptoe lightly around any discussion regarding politics or religion. All I will mention is this. In regards to Barak Obama, I was hoping that this would be the dawn of a new age and a new hope for the world. Although, like you, I believe the Sun will produce our ultimate demise.
So when Barak Obama stated: "Instead of alienating ourselves from the world, I want America, once again, to lead.." Well, if anything, I consider his statement to cause possible resentment. The world should be a place where we all work together as one.
Anyway, thanks for another stimulating blog. Sorry if my response was a bit of a sideline response.
With respect, Gary.
Thanks for your comment, once again.
I think it was my Dad who told me to steer clear of religion and politics when making conversation. So here I am wriring a blog about both.
As I said to Dixie, I was a little unsure of what I was writing, so can only hope that this blog is, at least, factually correct, and doesn't offend anyone.
Perhaps, next time, I shall stick to stuff I really know about.
Yours with Very Best Wishes,
David.