I wish the world were ending tomorrow. Then I could take the next train, arrive at your doorstep in Vienna, and say: “Come with me, Milena. We are going to love each other without scruples or fear or restraint. Because the world is ending tomorrow.” Perhaps we don’t love unreasonably because we think we have time, or have to reckon with time. But what if we don’t have time? Or what if time, as we know it, is irrelevant? Ah, if only the world were ending tomorrow. We could help each other very much.
Christians in 1st century: the world is ending very soon!
Muslims in 7th century: the world is ending very soon!
Mormons in 19th century: the world is ending very soon!
Given enough apocalyptic religions one of them would be right, but I think that religion doesn’t exist yet.
I know a large portion of them genuinely don’t believe in the science or what have you, but a majority of them simply don’t give a fuck, because they’ve been promised a golden mansion and all of their loved ones healthy and happy. And all they have to do is stay meek and easily forgive all transgressions until they die. Then they’re free!