Fact or Fiction: The Social and Cultural Beliefs That Drive Dooms Day Prophecies

Abstract

Throughout history, people have been predicting the end of the world. This thesis will explore different dooms day prophecies and attempt to learn why humans are so fascinated with the end of their own existence. From the Millerites to the New Age Mayanists, each group has its own reason for believing in the apocalypse. The following research will help readers to understand why the dooms day phenomenon has played such an important role in our culture, and has aided in shaping our modern day world. Christians and New Ager’s alike have set in motion a philosophy that over the years has grown into a financial and in some cases, profitable business venture. Some end of days groups and cults have made millions selling Armageddon to the world, their followers so consumed with material success that they often forget the true nature of their religion’s eschatology. Still other dooms day groups attract followers who live in abject poverty in the name of their god or spiritual leader. The research will open the doors on dooms day beliefs and shed light on the subject that has for centuries both fascinated and scared us as humans.