"In the Lord's Hands": America's Apocalyptic Mindset.
Robert Jay Lifton.
- World Policy Journal, 2003.
- SIRS Enduring Issues 2004. Article 403, Family, 1522-3213; .
Articles Contained in SIRS Enduring Issues 2004. Originally Published: "In the Lord's Hands": America's Apocalyptic Mindset, Fall 2003; pp. 59-69.
"The word apocalypse derives from the Greek term for 'revelation' or 'uncovering.' In Judaism and Christianity, the apocalyptic revelation came from God and concerned a powerful event. In Christianity especially, the event came to be understood as the end of the world itself, or as a prophecy of that end. What gives these visions their allure is that such an end, involving untold vistas of destruction, only foretold a new beginning. All-consuming violence in obliterating a hopelessly corrupt world was, in fact, required for the hopeful and lofty rebirth that was to follow." (WORLD POLICY JOURNAL) This article discusses the existence of apocalyptic imagery in all of the major religions and identifies modern-day examples of apocalyptic violence and martyrdom.
1522-3213;
Apocalyptic literature Assassination End of the world Martyrs Religion and politics Suicide bombings Violence