The belief in an imminent apocalypse has long been associated with extreme religious groups that view themselves as living in "the last days" before Armageddon.
Recent research suggests that this ideology may have more widespread influence than previously thought. In particular, it appears to be linked to specific behaviors related to sex, sexuality, and morality within certain conservative religious communities. This essay will explore how eschatological beliefs affect the ways in which these communities understand and approach issues like sex, sexuality, and ethics.
In order to examine this phenomenon, we must begin by defining what is meant by 'eschatology'. Eschatology refers to a set of beliefs about the end times or ultimate destiny of humanity. It includes both the doctrine of the end itself and the events leading up to it. These ideas can vary widely across different religions, but they often involve some form of divine intervention or judgment, followed by a final state of either salvation or damnation. For some Christians, for example, this might mean that Jesus will return to earth to judge the living and the dead, while Muslims believe in a day of resurrection when all people will be judged according to their actions.
Within conservative Christian circles, the idea of an imminent end-time scenario often takes the form of dispensationalism, which posits that human history can be divided into distinct periods known as 'dispensations' - each with its own rules, rewards, and punishments. Dispensationalists typically believe that we are currently living in the final period, and that Christ's return is near at hand. This perspective has been popularized in recent years through best-selling books like Hal Lindsey's Late Great Planet Earth and Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins' Left Behind series.
As one might expect, such views have profound implications for personal behavior. Many adherents feel compelled to prepare for the coming tribulation, stocking up on food, weapons, and other supplies in anticipation of societal collapse. But beyond these practical concerns, eschatological thinking also shapes attitudes toward sexuality and relationships. In particular, many evangelicals believe that sex outside of marriage is wrong because it could lead to pregnancy, which would further complicate life during a time of crisis. Some even go so far as to say that any non-procreative sexual activity is sinful, regardless of whether or not a person is married.
Dispensationalists tend to view sexuality as primarily procreative in nature, rather than pleasurable or intimate. They may see homosexuality or masturbation as sins that threaten God's plan for humanity, and advocate abstinence until marriage. Even within marriage, they often emphasize procreation over pleasure, leading some couples to avoid birth control methods like condoms or IUDs.
Eschatological beliefs can also influence ethical decision-making more broadly.
Some Christians may be less likely to engage in philanthropic activities, fearing that their resources are better spent preparing for the end times. Others may be more willing to support military action or oppressive policies if they believe it will help bring about the apocalypse faster. In general, these communities place greater emphasis on individual salvation than social justice issues, seeing them as secondary to the task of spreading the gospel and avoiding eternal damnation.
Eschatological beliefs have significant implications for how conservative religious communities approach issues related to sex, sexuality, and morality. While there is no single 'correct' way to interpret scripture or respond to these challenges, it seems clear that eschatology plays a powerful role in shaping behavior and values. As such, we should take care to understand its impact on our own lives and those around us.
How does belief in imminent eschatology affect sexual conduct, relational behavior, and ethical decision-making in conservative religious communities?
Conservative religious communities believe that they are living in the end times and that Jesus will return soon. The idea of an imminent apocalypse can influence their sexual conduct, relational behavior, and ethical decisions. In terms of sexuality, some members may feel that sex is sinful and should be avoided entirely, while others may engage in premarital sex but with restrictions such as abstaining from certain types of foreplay.