#33 End of the World (ITEOTWAWKI)

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[This is a re-posting of an episode with a broken link]

There’s never been a shortage of reasons to think that the Apocalypse was right around the corner. But Covid-19 and worldwide socio-political-economic unrest have recently ratcheted that fear to a whole new level. It takes some effort to not get caught up in the hysteria while at the same time not willfully choosing blissful ignorance.

R.E.M. not only gave us one of the greatest rock anthems ever, it also inspired the most impenetrable abbreviation that only their fans would recognize: ITEOTWAWKI. YouTube it if you can’t figure it out.

In this episode, we look at how we humans all through the ages have too quickly identified an existential threat, too quickly acted irrationally and impulsively, and too quickly forgot the lesson(s) we should have learned from our mistakes. And then too quickly repeated the cycle all over again. We could all benefit from reading Daniel Kahneman’s book: “Thinking, fast and slow.” Psychologists give us some insight into the reasons we do this. The internet and social media only act like gasoline on a fire.

We’ll also look at how this basic human trait is amplified by religious beliefs, and how Christians have put a unique spin on it. Selective and faulty interpretation of Biblical passages (especially the uniquely Apocalyptic Books of Daniel and Revelation) gives some of us a false sense of authority … or even authorization … to start shouting about End Times, the Anti-Christ, four horsemen and plagues. And too many others of us buy completely into their alarmism.

And finally, we take a few steps back, take a few cleansing breaths, and offer a few suggestions for how to make it through this latest Apocalyptic reprise.

As always, tell us what you think.

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