Religious Studies 102 introduces students to post-biblical theology and religious practice and the contexts in which they appear. Through a consideration of representative figures and issues, students analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments and points of view. In particular, we consider how concepts of the body are incorporated in religious beliefs and practices.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Japan Disaster Could Mean End is Near
Franklin Graham, son of famous evangelist Billy Graham, says the recent disaster in Japan is a sign that the Rapture is closer than ever before. He uses Matthew 24 to support his argument. Read about it here.
This is a really interesting post. There seems to be a lot of talk about this recently. Honestly, I believe there is no way for us to know how close the Rapture actually is. We all know that the recent disaster in Japan was not the first earthquake that caused a tsunami. With the Biblical evidence that is quoted in this article, any natural disaster could be supported - no matter how large or small. I think it is the shock that comes with such a tremendously unbelievable disaster that makes people turn to the Rapture. It is easy to brush this kind of article off, only because it is such an unfamiliar concept for the world to end during our lifetime, but there is not much more we can do but try our best to stay faithful everyday we are alive.
I think it is very hard for people to accept when disasters such as the one happens and sometimes resort to believing something bigger than themselves could have caused it. On the other hand, I think its is also very common for people to find these type of ideas almost funny instead of serious because they think it is so improbable for the second coming of Jesus to happen in their life time. People respond to disasters in different ways and I think this article is an example of that.
It seems to me that whenever there is a disaster like in Japan, some religious figures tend to claim it is a sign of the coming End of Times. I believe that this may be due to the fact that it is incredibly difficult to think of a reason why God would allow any disaster like that to happen. How is it part of his plan? What good could it possibly serve?
I agree with Grace. Natural disasters like this happen in every generation, and many times that scripture is used to support the notion that an Apocalypse will soon occur. However I feel that scripture can be used just as adequately to refute that point because the Bible says no MAN, knows the day or hour...not even the Son. So who is to say when Christ will choose to rapture his people? I think the important thing is to be on guard, if you are a Christian, and to live as faithfully as you can. I guess it is different for non-believers and those who refute it. I guess that will just make the impending Rapture all the more interesting and tragic.
I agree with Grace and Charles on the aspect of Natural disasters. They have been happening for may generations and each time people say the world is coming to an end. I feel it is just the people using religion to explain an event instead of science. That again brings people back to the whole science versus religion topic. I also feel that when events as these happen people tend to look to scripture for a sense of comfort and explanation to why an event is occurring.
I agree with Grace and Charles as well. I believe that we cannot know when Christ will return. As to Joseph's point, I feel like that is a natural reaction. God, and His will, are mysterious. The Bible tells us we cannot understand His ways or His plans- but we should trust them.
I think that the article brings up an interesting point to ponder, however I don't think people should read that much into every natural disaster that happens. It's true that one day the rapture will occur, but when it will occur is the unanswerable question. I don't think God intends for anyone to know when it is to take place, and I think Christians should be patient and live faithfully until does.
This is a really interesting post. There seems to be a lot of talk about this recently. Honestly, I believe there is no way for us to know how close the Rapture actually is. We all know that the recent disaster in Japan was not the first earthquake that caused a tsunami. With the Biblical evidence that is quoted in this article, any natural disaster could be supported - no matter how large or small. I think it is the shock that comes with such a tremendously unbelievable disaster that makes people turn to the Rapture. It is easy to brush this kind of article off, only because it is such an unfamiliar concept for the world to end during our lifetime, but there is not much more we can do but try our best to stay faithful everyday we are alive.
ReplyDeleteI think it is very hard for people to accept when disasters such as the one happens and sometimes resort to believing something bigger than themselves could have caused it. On the other hand, I think its is also very common for people to find these type of ideas almost funny instead of serious because they think it is so improbable for the second coming of Jesus to happen in their life time. People respond to disasters in different ways and I think this article is an example of that.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that whenever there is a disaster like in Japan, some religious figures tend to claim it is a sign of the coming End of Times. I believe that this may be due to the fact that it is incredibly difficult to think of a reason why God would allow any disaster like that to happen. How is it part of his plan? What good could it possibly serve?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Grace. Natural disasters like this happen in every generation, and many times that scripture is used to support the notion that an Apocalypse will soon occur. However I feel that scripture can be used just as adequately to refute that point because the Bible says no MAN, knows the day or hour...not even the Son. So who is to say when Christ will choose to rapture his people? I think the important thing is to be on guard, if you are a Christian, and to live as faithfully as you can. I guess it is different for non-believers and those who refute it. I guess that will just make the impending Rapture all the more interesting and tragic.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Grace and Charles on the aspect of Natural disasters. They have been happening for may generations and each time people say the world is coming to an end. I feel it is just the people using religion to explain an event instead of science. That again brings people back to the whole science versus religion topic. I also feel that when events as these happen people tend to look to scripture for a sense of comfort and explanation to why an event is occurring.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Grace and Charles as well. I believe that we cannot know when Christ will return. As to Joseph's point, I feel like that is a natural reaction. God, and His will, are mysterious. The Bible tells us we cannot understand His ways or His plans- but we should trust them.
ReplyDeleteI think that the article brings up an interesting point to ponder, however I don't think people should read that much into every natural disaster that happens. It's true that one day the rapture will occur, but when it will occur is the unanswerable question. I don't think God intends for anyone to know when it is to take place, and I think Christians should be patient and live faithfully until does.
ReplyDelete