About four-in-ten U.S. adults believe humanity is ‘living in the end times’

[diamenz]

Periods of catastrophe and anxiety, such as the coronavirus pandemic, have historically led some people to anticipate that the destruction of the world as we know it – the “end times” – is near. This thinking often has a religious component that draws on sacred scripture. In Christianity, for example, these beliefs include expectations that Jesus will return to Earth after or amid a time of great turmoil.

In the United States, 39% of adults say they believe “we are living in the end times,” while 58% say they do not believe we are living in the end times, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey.

Christians are divided on this question, with 47% saying we are living in the end times, including majorities in the historically Black (76%) and evangelical (63%) Protestant traditions. Meanwhile, 49% of Christians say we are not living in the end times, including 70% of Catholics and 65% of mainline Protestants who say this. Viewed more broadly, the share of Protestants who say we are living in the end times is greater than the corresponding share among Catholics (55% vs. 27%).

About three-in-ten or fewer people from non-Christian religions (29%) and those with no religious affiliation (23%) say we are living in the end times. (Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and other smaller non-Christian religious groups are included in the survey and represented in the “other religions” category, but there were not enough respondents in these groups to analyze separately.)

In addition, Black Americans (68%) are much more likely than Hispanic (41%), White (34%) and Asian (33%) Americans to believe humanity is living in the end times. And adults in Southern states (48%) are more likely to say this than those living in the Midwest (37%), Northeast (34%) or West (31%).

Americans without college degrees are more likely than college graduates to believe humanity is approaching its end, as are Americans with lower income levels when compared with those with higher incomes. And Republicans and Republican-leaning independents are more likely than Democrats and Democratic leaners to express this belief.

continued... (https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/12/08/about-four-in-ten-u-s-adults-believe-humanity-is-living-in-the-end-times/)

i'm not one of those people... but you can't deny that the world today is one crazy fuc*ing place. especially with people like this (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5m3fPOa-PFs).

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/12/08/about-four-in-ten-u-s-adults-believe-humanity-is-living-in-the-end-times/

[1987_Lakers]

It's not really that crazy if you study history. I mean you had the spanish flu which was way worse than COVID & WW1 like 100 years ago, I'm sure that must of felt like the end of the world for some, not to mention The Great Depression & WWII just a short time afterwards.

[AlternativeAcc.]

It's not really that crazy if you study history. I mean you had the spanish flu which was way worse than COVID & WW1 like 100 years ago, I'm sure that must of felt like the end of the world for some, not to mention The Great Depression & WWII just a short time afterwards.

Yup. People are really stupid.

This is about as peaceful and sane as any time in history.

[Yeezy]

the end times were all the time for 100,000 years up until like the 1950s. then life was good for maybe 65 years... we got spoiled as humans into believing life isn't full or horrors, evil, poverty, disease and war. we're only being reminded now of what life is really like and will inevitably be again

[SATAN]

I can guarantee many of those people see an era ending and a new one being ushered in rather than the absolute chaos and human extinction scenario this article is trying to claim.

It's not like the new world hasn't literally been preached and rammed down people's throats by certain groups and individuals in recent years.

[Lakers Legend#32]

This is how religion messes you up.

[ZenMaster]

What was the definition for "end times" in the survey?
People talk about the destruction of the world all the time stating that we need to do a bunch of changes or we change the climate too much and the world becomes a place where you can't live.

I don't think these guys are religious, at least they're usually mentioned in various Euro newspapers every year when they update their prediction where they claim it comes from a scientific point of view:


The Doomsday Clock is a design that warns the public about how close we are to destroying our world with dangerous technologies of our own making. It is a metaphor, a reminder of the perils we must address if we are to survive on the planet.

When the Doomsday Clock was created in 1947, the greatest danger to humanity came from nuclear weapons, in particular from the prospect that the United States and the Soviet Union were headed for a nuclear arms race. The Bulletin considered possible catastrophic disruptions from climate change in its hand-setting deliberations for the first time in 2007.

Doomsday clock says were at 100 seconds to midnight, isn't that best described as end times? In 2010 the same people said we were 6 minutes to midnight, so they think the destruction of the world is quite a bit closer now than 12 years ago.

https://thebulletin.org/doomsday-clock/

[FKAri]

End times of civilization or humanity?
In the next 2000 years humanity either spreads out beyond the planet or some kind of cataclysmic event, be it natural or man made, wipes civilization out. We are so interconnected right now. Unlike the past where the collapse of a civilization was often to the benefit of another one. Something like nuclear war, disease, famine, civil unrest, nanotech, meteorite, etc could end all of civilization. It could also be a combination of smaller events that break the camel's back. So, sure we are potentially living in the "end times". Humanity is quite resilient but civilization is fragile and neither are guaranteed.

[Patrick Chewing]

While times were much harsher back in the Middle Ages and death was around every corner, I think we are nearing the end times of civility and common sense. Humanity's mental health decline is probably higher than ever before. Civility is probably at its lowest point. We have a huge population of people that actually believe some crime is justified. Social media is definitely to blame as now everyone's opinion or two cents gets amplified. The average human is not meant to encounter so many other humans in this way. Opinions are now thought of as personal attacks. We are more likely to seek revenge and retribution to someone who we feel has wronged us. All of this is not a recipe for success for humanity. We may indeed be heading back towards tribalism and a society of different pockets of like-minded individuals versus the thought of a unified country. And of course, it's no secret that the lack of civility also coincides with the rise in anti-religious and anti-God mindsets.

[Off the Court]

Yup. People are really stupid.

This is about as peaceful and sane as any time in history.

Yes and the standard of living has never been higher than now. Humans have it so easy right now as we sit back and declare the world is ending on our computers while eating the pizza that was hand delivered to us.

Humans have also never had more free speech than now, but you would think the opposite scrolling through the internet.


I do not think that many answering this poll took it as literal though. I do not believe 39% of the country believes the world is literally about to end.

[ShawkFactory]

While times were much harsher back in the Middle Ages and death was around every corner, I think we are nearing the end times of civility and common sense. Humanity's mental health decline is probably higher than ever before. Civility is probably at its lowest point. We have a huge population of people that actually believe some crime is justified. Social media is definitely to blame as now everyone's opinion or two cents gets amplified. The average human is not meant to encounter so many other humans in this way. Opinions are now thought of as personal attacks. We are more likely to seek revenge and retribution to someone who we feel has wronged us. All of this is not a recipe for success for humanity. We may indeed be heading back towards tribalism and a society of different pockets of like-minded individuals versus the thought of a unified country. And of course, it's no secret that the lack of civility also coincides with the rise in anti-religious and anti-God mindsets.

We all know exactly why this lack of civility has risen so drastically in the last 15 or so years and it has nothing to do with people's personal beliefs on God/religion.

[bladefd]

In the recent few years? You know, we are overdue for the poles to shift. Every certain number of years, the poles shift (north goes south, south goes north). When that happens, there will be catastrophe and most of humanity will die.

We are also waaaaaaay overdue for a major asteroid strike.

We are also at risk for a major sun solar storm that could shoot in Earth's direction (must shoot directly at Earth & engulf fully in order to destroy our atmosphere so chances are low) and kill pretty much all of humanity.

You never know! Then there is the threat of nuclear war. And a major virus or an antibiotic-resistant bacteria outbreak w/ very high kill-rate.

[Patrick Chewing]

We all know exactly why this lack of civility has risen so drastically in the last 15 or so years and it has nothing to do with people's personal beliefs on God/religion.

We all know why? Please share what you think the reason is.


And I did not imply that the decrease in religious worship or the belief in God was the sole cause, but it does play a part.

[highwhey]

End times of civilization or humanity?
In the next 2000 years humanity either spreads out beyond the planet or some kind of cataclysmic event, be it natural or man made, wipes civilization out. We are so interconnected right now. Unlike the past where the collapse of a civilization was often to the benefit of another one. Something like nuclear war, disease, famine, civil unrest, nanotech, meteorite, etc could end all of civilization. It could also be a combination of smaller events that break the camel's back. So, sure we are potentially living in the "end times". Humanity is quite resilient but civilization is fragile and neither are guaranteed.

I think it will be patrickchewing who breaks the camels back

[Patrick Chewing]

I think it will be patrickchewing who breaks the camels back

https://images2.imgbox.com/e2/38/V5jTVlbF_o.png

[Norcaliblunt]

Not surprising when they pump you full of that climate change Armageddon bullshit every night on the news. End of times nerds are now the scientists not religious nut jobs.

[ShawkFactory]

We all know why? Please share what you think the reason is.


And I did not imply that the decrease in religious worship or the belief in God was the sole cause, but it does play a part.

I'll give you a hint: what are you and I doing right now?

[Axe]

While times were much harsher back in the Middle Ages and death was around every corner, I think we are nearing the end times of civility and common sense. Humanity's mental health decline is probably higher than ever before. Civility is probably at its lowest point. We have a huge population of people that actually believe some crime is justified. Social media is definitely to blame as now everyone's opinion or two cents gets amplified. The average human is not meant to encounter so many other humans in this way. Opinions are now thought of as personal attacks. We are more likely to seek revenge and retribution to someone who we feel has wronged us. All of this is not a recipe for success for humanity. We may indeed be heading back towards tribalism and a society of different pockets of like-minded individuals versus the thought of a unified country. And of course, it's no secret that the lack of civility also coincides with the rise in anti-religious and anti-God mindsets.
Imagine being a known pro-abortion guy and telling us this. Smh. :ohwell:

[SATAN]

While times were much harsher back in the Middle Ages and death was around every corner, I think we are nearing the end times of civility and common sense. Humanity's mental health decline is probably higher than ever before.

:facepalm

[Patrick Chewing]

I'll give you a hint: what are you and I doing right now?

Talking on ISH? Quit being so secretive.

[SATAN]

I'll give you a hint: what are you and I doing right now?

Go easy, you're dealing with a guy who thinks peak humanity were the days of burning witches, killing scientists & mathematicians etc

[Patrick Chewing]

Go easy, you're dealing with a guy who thinks peak humanity were the days of burning witches, killing scientists & mathematicians etc

You apparently have a reading comprehension problem, idiot. :oldlol:

[SouBeachTalents]

I saw it was mentioned already, but think back to the people who lived 100 years ago, who experienced World War I, the Spanish Flu pandemic, the Great Depression, then World War II, all in the span of 25-30 years. Now THOSE were times whre thinking the world was going to end was justified :lol

And while this is not end of the world type stuff, the only thing that's a legitimate cause of concern imo is our social media/smart phone driven world. Social media is completely toxic, I think it's an absolute negative for everyone involved, and now future generations will have it for their entire childhoods and adolescence. I think kids living through their phones & online is terrible for them and 100% hinders social skills & abilities. This is one aspect of our society that I do think is trending in a very problematic direction.

[SATAN]

The common occurrence of people with mental health problems being exorcized by nutjobs claiming they have literal demons in their minds was totally a great sign of good mental health society wide compared to now. People losing their shit after eating moldy bread and being killed with demons again as the excuse...Those were the days...

[ShawkFactory]

Talking on ISH? Quit being so secretive.

Quit playing stupid.

Social media...Anonymous aggressive opinions without consequence...anyone can say anything...etc

[TheMan]

People who think we are living in the worst violent times need to crack open a history book :facepalm

[FultzNationRISE]

People who think we are living in the worst violent times need to crack open a history book :facepalm


We are living in the least violent times, which in some ways may be just as scary.

When things are cyclical, the last point you reach on a circle comes right before youre back to the starting point.

Another way to think of it is the higher you build the djanga tower, the closer you get to its collapse.

Whether or not this is how humanity’s story will play out is yet to be seen.

An alternative is that violence continues decreasing, but in conjunction with a decrease in privacy, freedom, autonomy and so on which also presents a conundrum.

It’s impossible to say what the future holds. The past always provides a guide; but never a guarantee.

[Off the Court]

People who think we are living in the worst violent times need to crack open a history book :facepalm

Or just look a few decades ago where crime was almost double what it is now.

https://www.statista.com/graphic/1/191219/reported-violent-crime-rate-in-the-usa-since-1990.jpg

End of times!


It just feels like there is more violence now due to social media and the fact that the entire population is carrying a camera to record it all for us to see.

[Lakers Legend#32]

Gullible religious rubes

[bladefd]

Or just look a few decades ago where crime was almost double what it is now.

https://www.statista.com/graphic/1/191219/reported-violent-crime-rate-in-the-usa-since-1990.jpg

End of times!


It just feels like there is more violence now due to social media and the fact that the entire population is carrying a camera to record it all for us to see.

Depends on the individual too. Those who watch Fauxnews regularly makes their viewers think there is more violence now than ever before. FauxNews tries to sell the point that we are living in the most violent times in history. Their moto is all about controlling people through fear.

[ArbitraryWater]

Yes and the standard of living has never been higher than now. Humans have it so easy right now as we sit back and declare the world is ending on our computers while eating the pizza that was hand delivered to us.

Humans have also never had more free speech than now, but you would think the opposite scrolling through the internet.


I do not think that many answering this poll took it as literal though. I do not believe 39% of the country believes the world is literally about to end.

You did also say this in another thread though:

Nope, you didnt. Thats Full Court lol.

Anyway I'll post his contrasting take:


You're talking about some isolated positive changes, and that's a myopic way to look at things.

Sure, civil rights have improved in the US, but there are numerous countries in the world where ethnic cleansing is going on today.

Yes, we sent Japanese to internment camps 80 years ago. And this very day, Russia is leveling entire cities, raping and slaughtering indiscriminately. Look at what China is doing to the Uighurs. And that's just two examples. There are countless others. Anyone who says humanity as a whole has made progress has a very myopic veiw of the world.

[ArbitraryWater]

Quit playing stupid.

Social media...Anonymous aggressive opinions without consequence...anyone can say anything...etc

How is anyone supposed to come to the conclusion of "social media" or "anonymous aggressive opinions without consequence" (LMAO? Yea, what a huge issue...) from you saying this might be the root of lacking civility.

[Doomsday Dallas]

https://t3.ftcdn.net/jpg/02/90/23/38/360_F_290233863_DE06LZ0oCyTGPmTHp2CJxWCHuc3c0JC3.j pg

https://media.tenor.com/Rv1xH5kdMu8AAAAC/endgame-now.gif

[ShawkFactory]

How is anyone supposed to come to the conclusion of "social media" or "anonymous aggressive opinions without consequence" (LMAO? Yea, what a huge issue...) from you saying this might be the root of lacking civility.

Do you talk politics or whatever like this to people you meet at a bar who you might disagree with?

People are far more respectful when not hidden behind a screen. That’s a fact. Picking up your phone and saying whatever the fvck you want without facing actual people is absolutely a huge reason for this divide. Which is largely perceived.

I don’t actually have issues with people I meet in regards to personal beliefs. Most don’t.

[ArbitraryWater]

Do you talk politics or whatever like this to people you meet at a bar who you might disagree with?

People are far more respectful when not hidden behind a screen. That’s a fact. Picking up your phone and saying whatever the fvck you want without facing actual people is absolutely a huge reason for this divide. Which is largely perceived.

I don’t actually have issues with people I meet in regards to personal beliefs. Most don’t.

So how is this an issue at all?

Lacking civility that actually is not lacking civility in real life at all?

You funny

[ShawkFactory]

So how is this an issue at all?

Lacking civility that actually is not lacking civility in real life at all?

You funny

Yea...you should probably read the thread back again because you're obviously missing something.

I'm not the one who claimed the lack of civility was real. I responded to Chewing's post on the first page. Go ahead and look back on that.

[ArbitraryWater]

Yea...you should probably read the thread back again because you're obviously missing something.

I'm not the one who claimed the lack of civility was real. I responded to Chewing's post on the first page. Go ahead and look back on that.

Dude you are so sloooooooooow wtf

You: "lack of civility has risen drastically the last 15 years"
Also you "lack of civility is not actually a real life issue, people are respectful of each other"


:facepalm

[ShawkFactory]

Dude you are so sloooooooooow wtf

You: "lack of civility has risen drastically the last 15 years"
Also you "lack of civility is not actually a real life issue, people are respectful of each other"


:facepalm

So it seems like we’re in agreement.

[Duderonomy]

If I would have known what was to come, I would have been more kind to myself and enjoyed the moment more.

[FultzNationRISE]

If I would have known what was to come, I would have been more kind to myself and enjoyed the moment more.

I think this is a key takeaway as you get older. Enjoy the present for whatever it is, because whatever it is... it's not going to last.

[diamenz]

while you live, shine
have no grief at all
life exists for only a short while
and time will take it's toll

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seikilos_epitaph


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGfOHoun0OQ

[highwhey]

If I would have known what was to come, I would have been more kind to myself and enjoyed the moment more.

being present in the moment is a key theme in recovery. focusing on the present pulls your attention to what's in front of you rather than dwelling in anxiety, fear, cravings, etc.

[highwhey]

while you live, shine
have no grief at all
life exists for only a short while
and time will take it's toll

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seikilos_epitaph


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGfOHoun0OQ

still prefer kanye

[diamenz]

still prefer kanye

:eek: :cheers:

[diamenz]

being present in the moment is a key theme in recovery. focusing on the present pulls your attention to what's in front of you rather than dwelling in anxiety, fear, cravings, etc.

If you are depressed, you are living in the Past. If you are anxious, living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the moment. – Lao Tzu

[Nanners]

If you are depressed, you are living in the Past. If you are anxious, living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the moment. – Lao Tzu

Thats a damn good quote

[Axe]

Remember December 21, 2012? They said it was the end of the world already lmao.

Now fast forward to 10 years later and we're all still breathing af.

[SATAN]

https://www.but-thatsjustme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_2021-04-06-The-Yanuka-HaRav-Shlomo-Yehuda-The-Only-Thing-That-Will-Nullify-All-the-Problems.png

[Patrick Chewing]

https://www.but-thatsjustme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Screenshot_2021-04-06-The-Yanuka-HaRav-Shlomo-Yehuda-The-Only-Thing-That-Will-Nullify-All-the-Problems.png


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckVYO9oI8vc


https://media.tenor.com/YFprEyVH9SoAAAAC/jewish-dancing.gif