ARE THESE SIGNS OF THE END OR TRYING TIMES? Many versions of religion exist today just as many versions of the beginning and the end also exist. Recent developments and incidents around the world have brought focus on the various opinions and beliefs that exist about the future of the earth or the world, as many would rather call it. There are those who belief that the earth will be destroyed by a great fire, and there are others who belief that the earth would run its course and expire when the time comes for it to be renewed again. I will not go into the various views harbored by men on this issue, as this entire paper would not provide enough space for that. However, I must mention that all these views seem to have some difficulty in stating an exact date for this touted end of the world. Not even the exponents of the prophecies of Nostradamus are precise with the dates. The closest I have heard is the statement that "these are signs of the end". Although as I have pointed out earlier, there is little agreement as to what and how 'the end' will be. This uncertainty has made this topic more intriguing and people are quick to look at incidents of war, terrorism, moral decadence, inhumanity, mortal sicknesses, and other atrocities rampant in this age and conclude that the world is doomed. Such conclusion is only an escapist theory that results in people giving up before they would even attempt to face or contemplate the change of times and questions of life that arise. Questions such as why are we here, where did we come from, and where are we going from here? Many religions exploit this uncertainty as a ploy to bind their congregation, especially those congregation members who prefer to believe whatever their leader tells them rather than challenge and make some personal inquiries about life and God. I know a man who once said "only the bold and the courageous shall find God". It is not my intention to support or condemn any religion in this article. This is not just because of the controversial nature of religion but mainly because the path to God is an individual thing and each soul is responsible for itself. Spiritual decisions and progress are dependent upon one's consciousness at each point in time. It cannot be forced and it cannot be suppressed. God is love and the shortest route to God is love. The preceding statement is true and remains true regardless of one's religious belief or education. You can only indoctrinate someone for some time. One day, soul, which is the real self will in its freedom, shake off any unnecessary doctrine and continue its search for its home in God's kingdom. However, it is important for us to reexamine our beliefs in the face of today's world and ask ourselves how reasonable is our belief, how strong is our faith, how certain are we of our purpose on earth, and how does our beliefs help in answering these questions? The earth will always go through jolts that are sometimes so horrendous, yet the earth will go on until it runs its course. Life will always go on. Love and hate will always compete for superiority. Such is life, but what role do we want to play, and what will inform our decision? Is it mere blind faith or a conscious effort to know God by starting to know who we are? Several hundred years ago, Socrates made the point when he said "Worship the gods if you will but first know thyself". These are trying times, how would you rate yourself? TRYING TIMES And many versions of religion thrive, As many versions of heaven and hell do reign. Concepts of the beginning and the end abound Like Garden of Eden and theories of evolution. Fears and warnings, rumors and threats of war, Apocalypse and end of the cycle or even more. But is this the end or just the test of times? Teachings and sermons about the end, From all corners of the earth we now do live, And I shall neither argue nor fan such views But I must surely ask the question yet, What is the direction of all these teachings? To learn to love or to destroy ourselves? But is this the end or just the test of times? I resist sounding the bell of impending doom But I shall speak from a heart honestly deep, The earth like a cycle must always evolve, Love and peace, hate and war, are all in it, But we must choose what role to play, To ascend in love or to descend in hate? For these indeed are trying times. |