Christian Mythology - End of the World

The Christian Apocalypse as described by the Book of Revelation is quite possibly one of the most famous End of the World stories. The book itself is described as a scroll with seven wax seals. As the scroll unravels, a series of events unfolds, beginning with many wars, famines, disease epidemics, and other heavenly signs to alert the world of an oncoming crisis. After this series of natural disasters, a political ruler called the Antichrist will appear and establish control over the entire earth.

The Antichrist will be backed by a religious ruler, known as the false prophet. Together, they will establish a unified social, economic and religious system that dominates the world. The only thing opposing them are the people of God and two prophets called the two witnesses, who appear in Jerusalem and begin to speak out against the Antichrist and his rule. Also present in the first half the Book is a terrible beast. The beast is not described in great detail but scholars argue that the beast itself represents the oppression faced by the early Christians under Roman rule.

The last half of the book concerns itself with the overthrow of the Antichrist. The beast, the false prophet, the Antichrist, and eventually Satan himself are overthrown with judgments and plagues. These judgments and plagues include asteroids hitting the earth and water turning to blood. Finally, Jesus Christ returns as a glorious warrior on a white horse. He defeats Satan and sends all of the nonbelievers to an eternity in hell, a great fiery lake of constant torment. The followers of Christ are led to heaven on a new Earth with no suffering or sin.

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The Dawn and Dusk of Man is a Thinkquest Mythology Project by Sheila, Min, Ana and Tencia of Montgomery Blair High School.