ABSTRACT

Apocalyptic beliefs can have the unprecedented and unpredictable consequences that open the world to terror. Islamic apocalyptic literature offers hope for a world purified of alien influence and corruption through cosmic battle and sacrifice. So long as Muslims and Christians entertain apocalyptic beliefs, the drive toward Armageddon will continue. Despite the growth of apocalyptic movements hell bent on terrorizing or on achieving global supremacy, some commentators have looked on them as a bit of an anomaly in the modern world. Consider Nicholas Kristof's review of a book by Robert J. Lifton on the apocalyptic cult Aum Shinrikyo, which had tried to gas subway passengers in Tokyo in an attack that killed few but injured thousands more. There is no doubt that the bombing of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 evoked apocalyptic images in the minds of many who suffered as well as those who merely commented on the day's events.