We might normally associate apocalyptic beliefs with religion, but the fact is that apocalyptic beliefs are not the exclusive domain of religion. There are plenty of secular apocalyptic beliefs as well. But why are they so common? Why are they so attractive? In fact there are good reasons for why apocalyptic beliefs are attractive to us; understanding why helps us understand ourselves better.
It also helps us understand religion better because while such beliefs don't require religion, they occur far more often with religion than without.
Michael Shermer writes:
Apocalypse thinking is a form of pattern-seeking based on our cognitive percepts of time passing. We connect A to B to C to D causally because they are connected chronologically, and even though occasionally they form false patterns, in the natural world they are connected often enough that in our brains time and causality are inseparable.
Apocalyptic visions also help us make sense of an often seemingly senseless world. In the face of confusion and annihilation we need restitution and reassurance. We want to feel that no matter how chaotic, oppressive or evil the world is, all will be made right in the end. The apocalypse as history's end is made acceptable with the belief that there will be a new beginning.
Source: New Scientist, June 4, 2011
We humans are fundamentally pattern-seeking animals. We don't want to accept that circumstances are chaotic or random; instead we try to fit events into some story. Society itself may be one of the moste chaotic and confusing systems we will encounter, yet society's rules are supposed to provide structure and order in our lives. It's difficult for many people to understand why society regularly takes odd turns down new, unpredictable paths which threaten traditional social, economic and moral bases of life
That's when people turn to prophets -- self-proclaimed religious leaders who claim to have explanations for why everything appears to be going wrong. They also typically claim have answers for how to make things go right again (or at least save yourself from the coming catastrophe). Sometimes, though, they deny that there is any hope and tell people to just prepare for the worst. There are secular versions of this, but you can probably name a lot more religious examples than secular examples.
No comments:
Post a Comment