Liberal Eschatology

[patcox2]

When I first learned about about eschatological movements and legends and religions, I always wondered how could it be that people come to beleive that the end is near and everything will soon be tossed into chaos and confusion.

But looking around me right now, I can see it happening, and its really nothing more than wishful thinking; people who are unhappy with the world as it is are hoping it will change rapidly, and will grasp at any rumor and elevate it to a myth (what we call "conspiracy theory) if that rumor points to some earth-shattering, eschatological event.

Just this weekend we had confident reports that the dollar will implode and the stock market plunge (the term "black monday was thrown around a lot). And of course Rove will be indicted. We are supposedly going to nuke Iran on June 10th. And Bird Flu is going to kill us all, at least all not yet dead from Mad Cow and killer hurricanes.

I know I am leaving some stuff out.

Yet the world stubbornly persists in its consternating ways. Its aggravating, getting all hyped up for catastrophe only to have it all not happen.

[BillZBubb]

1. I don't think a Rove indictment is a "catastrophe", do you????

Anyway, most of the stuff you mention is pretty much wild speculation and most of us here recognize it as such. The TruthOut Rove story created a storm of wishful thinking and not a lot of logical thinking. It's not eschatology. Anyway I never bought it. I've never bought into the Saint Fitz thing either. I'm a wait and see guy.

I think there are three real catastrophes gradually unfolding: Global Warming, US fascism, and the US economic hard times. There impact won't be felt all at once, they will steadily show their effects. The fascism may be stopped if the voters wake up, but I'm not optimistic. The other two are sure bets.

[porphyrian]

2. Immanentize the eschaton!

That's not "imminentize," kids.

[gratuitous]

3. Liberal Pollyannas

When I first learned about about cock-eyed optimism and self-proclaimed steely-eyed realists, I always wondered how could it be that people come to believe that everything is quite all right and it will all work out in the end, despite plain evidence.

But looking around me right now, I can see it happening, and its really nothing more than wishful thinking; people who are happy with the world as it is are hoping that nothing will really change, and will grasp at any rumor and elevate it to a myth (what we call "Pollyanna syndrome" after a fictional little girl who maintained the sunniest disposition even under the most catastrophic circumstances) if that rumor points to some calming, business-as-usual façade being maintained, or if it doesn't affect them too personally yet.

Just this weekend we had confident reports that the public doesn't really care about government harvesting of phone records, that bad news is really good news for the Bush administration, and that President Bush will give a national televised address in prime time on Monday evening. And of course ethanol will soon replace $3 a gallon gasoline. We are supposedly going to transform Iraq into a functioning democracy by November. And the hurricane season will be far less destructive this year than it was last year.

I know I am leaving some stuff out.

Yet the admnistration stubbornly persists in its devolutionary ways. It's aggravating, watching folks close their eyes, plug their ears, and sing "La, la, la, la, LA LA LA!" only to have the situation worsen day by day, week by week and month by month.

[sweetheart]

4. whatever gets that ultimate feeling

The psychology of the eschatology, that we are "immanentists" as polyphorpian.. awakening
is the real do behind an eschatology, as it puts the pscyhe in direct contact with its
fears and the unknown, or at least as much contact as the ego is willing to endure.

The collapse of the soviet union had no great battle, no great glory, a whimper as the
leadership of the time finally recognized the ship was sinking.