I was privy to a conversation on the bus earlier this week, I say privy, I wasn’t exactly invited to listen but I couldn’t help tuning in.

This conversation was about the end of the world according to Revelation, the two older ladies on the bus seemed to think the end times were near, as they began to draw parallels between the Biblical book of Revelation and the events of today – one being the sign of the beast and covid passports.

Apparently they not alone, in a survey carried out in the US recently, 40% of respondents believe that Jesus is definitely or probably going to return to earth by 2050. What does this mean for life as we know, is it time to sell up all we have and buy a motorcycle and a crossbow like Daryl in the Walking Dead to fend off a potential zombie invasion or build a bunker or just put our head between our knees and pray.

It is a common in moments of social and political crisis, that we try to process unprecedented or shocking events through the lens of impending doom. Just like in Daniel in response to the violent persecution of the jewish community as the Hellenistic age moved way for the Roman period.

The word Revelation originates from the Greek word — apokalypsis — this means an unveiling. The word can mean seeing something now that was ‘hidden’ before. What has been revealed are the fault lines in the social and political systems that have always been there, visible now with the systems under stress. There has been racial and ethnic inequality, ableism and vulnerability exploitation, economic gain and ruin and so much more.

Perhaps one thing we forgot to take into account when thinking of Armageddon, is where am I in the story? Am I an observer? Am I a participant? Am I an individual or part of something bigger? Am I impartial or do I believe in something? Our answers to these question will likely influence whether we think it is the end of the world or not….

As believers of the incarnation, resurrection and accession and as members of the body of Christ; perhaps the question isn’t is this end of the world? But for who is this the end of the world and how can I be with and for those who suffer in mind, body, and spirit.

Ben Sheridan – Sheppard Scholar