# Next Year explained — The End of the World

> Chapter companion for The End of the World by Geoffrey Dennis.

## What happens

This chapter examines the two broad temporal expectations regarding the end of the world: that it is near at hand, and that it is very far off. It traces the historical and religious roots of the belief in an imminent end, from early Christians and Hebrews through figures like Archbishop Ussher, and discusses how fear, revealed religion, and reason all supported the near expectation. The chapter also contrasts this with the modern scientific view that favors a distant end, questioning the principle of probability on which that view rests.

## Themes in this chapter

### Eschatology and Prophecy

The chapter deeply explores the belief in an imminent end of the world, rooted in Christian prophecy and Jewish apocalyptic tradition.

### Time and Eternity

Discusses the tension between literal time (generations, years) and the eternal perspective, as seen in Jesus' vision transcending time.

### Optimism vs. Pessimism

Contrasts the fear-driven near expectation with the modern optimistic postponement of the end, questioning the permanence of the Optimist Age.

### Uncertainty of Knowledge

Questions the principle of probability and the logical basis of scientific predictions, suggesting that matter may be anarchical and unpredictable.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Quoted as saying 'this generation shall not pass till all these things be done'; his eschatological words are analyzed across the four gospels.

### Paul of Tarsus

Cited for writing 'The ends of the world are come'.

### Tsar Alexander

Mentioned as being influenced by Juliana von Krüdener to inspire the Unholy Alliance.

### William Miller

Not directly mentioned in excerpts, but Adventist denominations in America are referenced as avoiding fixed dates.

### Buddha

Referenced in the context of the eightfold path and the number 8.

### Noah

Not directly mentioned in excerpts, but the flood is implied in the discussion of portents.

### Daniel

Not directly mentioned in excerpts, but the apocalyptic tradition is referenced.

### Julius Africanus

Not directly mentioned in excerpts, but early Christian chronologists are implied.

## Key lines

> Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass till all these things be done.

Jesus assured his listeners that the current generation would still be alive when all the prophesied events occur.

_This quote is central to the debate about whether Jesus expected an imminent end._

> The ends of the world are come

Paul declared that the final age of the world had already arrived.

_Reflects the early Christian belief in the nearness of the end._

> The end of all things is at hand

Peter urged that the conclusion of everything is imminent.

_Another expression of the early Christian expectation of an immediate end._

> Behold, I come quickly.

John records Jesus saying that his return will happen soon.

_From the Book of Revelation, reinforcing the theme of an imminent second coming._

> The world was created in 4004 BC

Archbishop Ussher fixed the date of creation at 4004 BC.

_This precise chronology supported the belief that the world's history was only about 6,000 years old._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_end_of_the_world_se/chapters/next-year
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_end_of_the_world_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_end_of_the_world_se/chapters