Mariia Bardyn. Apocalyptic expectations in a globalized world: major trends in the theology of modern Protestantism

Two thousand years ago, in the Book of the Revelation was predicted all the problems of today, including earthquakes, epidemics and viruses, environmental change, and others. All the global problems facing humanity today was described in detail in the last book of the New Testament.

An ancient Christian prophet described the threats we now face, both global warming and the mutation of viruses. It is worth noting that the Book of the Revelation gives hope for salvation, after the end of the world will come the Eternal Kingdom of God.

What will be in the end of the world are asked by scientists and ordinary people, believers, and even skeptics and atheists.

Whereas, the Book of Revelation is the most famous prophecy of the death of all mankind. A prophecy of probable natural and man-made disasters that threaten humanity today.

John the Theologian couldn’t describe the book in modern terms, but the symbols and meaning, the mysterious prophecies are hidden in the text can be deciphered today.

It is worth noting that, public consciousness is becoming increasingly focused on the completion of the historical process, the probable demise of civilization. In today’s world, people are learning how to live in a world after a global catastrophe.

The theme of the “post-apocalyptic” state of mankind – the world after the “Apocalypse”, a terrible global catastrophe – has become a favorite genre of literature, art, cinematography, and computer games. Increasingly popular is a specific term – “post-apocalyptic”. From a purely literary concept, which traditionally referred to the genre of science fiction, which involves the development of action in the world after a global catastrophe, it becomes increasingly universal and requires appropriate philosophical and religious research. The current state of society can also be described as a feeling of endless crisis. Mr. Reeker accurately describes this state as an eternal crisis, a continuously ongoing Apocalypse.[1]

Following the formation of a single economic, political, and social system in the modern world, changes began in the spiritual sphere of society. The processes of globalization developing in the religious sphere have also touched upon eschatological issues, in particular, in the context of modern apocalyptic reflections in the light of globalized changes, thus raising the question of the need for scientific assessment of trends. In the light of modern events, the global problems of mankind have become relevant in the apocalyptic theology of modern Protestantism.

The Pentecostals religious literature pays special attention to the prophecies of the near end of the world as a result of global problems. Military, terrorist, environmental and other factors are a threat to all mankind and the world. Abortion, alcoholism, Satanism, same-sex marriage, drug addiction, the vulgarization of doctrines, secularism, materialism – these are the main modern problems of mankind, according to the Pentecostals, which will cause the beginning of Armageddon.

It is worth noting that the Pentecostals, like other Protestants, claim that at the root of all problems is the sinfulness of man and his inability to create normal living conditions on earth. According to the Pentecostals, the final solution of modern problems is possible only in the Millennium Kingdom, when all threats will be eliminated. Mankind should focus only on the Bible because only it contains all the truth about our future[2]. As we focus on the apocalyptic future, we must remember repentance and good works[3].

Seventh-day Adventists believe that the main global problems of the XX-XXI centuries are: illnesses, natural disasters, famine, poverty, environmental situation, violence, and terrorism. Norman Galli, Ph.D., professor of systematic theology at Eastern Adventist University, stressed that the destructive manifestations of satanic politics are already present today and should be intensified in the future.[4]  Adventist religious literature focuses on the contradictory trends associated with the globalization of the world: the extremes of poverty and wealth, amoralism, the pursuit of wealth and the desire for domination, manipulation of people using the media, etc.[5]

Adventists believe that the triumph of good over evil will come after the second coming of Christ and Armageddon. It is worth noting that acts of terrorism and violence are also interpreted by Adventists as part of a universal war between good and evil. Actually, it was formed to deal with modern problems

Volodymyr Krupsky, pastor, president of the Protestant denomination Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ukraine, secretary of the Euro-Asian Division, told Radio Svoboda (November 14, 2006) that the Seventh-day Adventist Church believes that the coming of Jesus Christ is necessary will be and will not be as a fatal end, but as a result of the plan that God makes for humanity. Adventists associate the return of Christ with the renewal of the earth and the beginning of a new era for all mankind. He noted that the signs of the second coming of Christ are fulfilled in our time.

To the question “What is preached about the end of the world in the Churches of Ukraine?” Anatoliy Havryliuk, President of the Association of Independent Charismatic Churches of the Full Gospel of Ukraine, answered that all signs of the end are obvious nowadays. In particular, he identifies the following signs of the end of the world: wars, famines, earthquakes, cataclysms, catastrophes.

Protestant researcher Mikhail Cherenkov notes that evangelical Christianity perceives modernity and modern society as a sphere of its life and ministry, overcoming the dualism of church and society, religion and culture. Evangelical churches focus on the future, not on the past.[6]

Thus, modern Protestant theology is permeated with apocalyptic issues in the light of globalization. They see salvation from all modern threats only in a new world ruled by the Lord’s government.

Mariia Yaroslavivna Bardyn
Search for a new philosophy and social regulators
from the viewpoint of religious studies and theology

[1] Рикер П. Время и рассказ. В 2-х т. СПб., 2000. Т. 2. С. 32.

[2] Боєчко Василь. Есхатологія церкви Христової. Кінець світової історії.- Львів, 2005. – C. 13

[3] Грем Билли. Четыре всадника Апокалипсиса (Откровение Иоанна Богослова).- Христианский мост, 1992. – С. 20.

[4] Галли Н. Христос Грядет: Пер. с англ.- Заокский, 2006.- С. 685.

[5] Жукалюк Н., Любащенко В. История Церкви христиан Адвентистов седьмого дня в Украине.- К., 2003. – С. 274.

[6] Черенков М.М. Від ізоляціонізму до «входження у світ»: соціально-філософські рефлексії трансформаційних процесів в українських євангельських церквах // Мультиверсум. – 2008. – №70. – С. 237–247.