Do we need another book on the grand subject of the end of the world?  The new millenium?  The answer is unequivocally YES. Why?

Because, as far as I've been able to ascertain, books regarding the end of the world are written mostly from the Christian perspective. Those few books that are not written from the Christian perspective do include a bit of skepticism, but the authors seem to steer back into the religious circle, rarely questioning the validity of whatever scriptures they, the authors, seem to be skeptical about.

 This book is written from a slightly different perspective. I see and recognize the human animal to be just that: an animal. I acknowledge the beast within and recognize the foibles inherently unique to the human animal. I know religion to be man-made, yet I am capable of engaging in the most intricate fantasy, all the while maintaining the separation between the worlds of logic, reason and intelligence and the world of imagination.

 The purpose of this book is to explore some of the myths regarding this fascinating subject of the millennium and the end of the world. Some questions and doubts will be raised, some answers provided but, for the most part, the main idea is to provide an overview how these end times ideas evolved and to where they lead.

 You’ll notice I’ve omitted a list of suggested reading. The reason for this is quite simple. If you want to read anything on the subject, get thyself to a bookstore, look under the “occult” or “New age” section and you’ll find a plethora of books. Proceed to a Christian bookstore and you’ll find quite a few shelves containing books on the end of the world.

 All these books expound on similar ideas: the world will end sometime soon, whether symbolically or physically, and Jesus or  spacemen will come to our rescue; or some sort of spiritual rebirth is possible, a new world creation within you. The only difference is in the details. Each author attempts to outdo the other by reinterpreting some scripture, providing the exact date for the end of the world, the correct sequence of events or “insider” secret details that prove beyond any doubt the author is receiving guidance from God or E.T. or any other such creature. One thing is apparent: self  aggrandizement for the purpose of gaining followers (i.e. money) seems to be the main objective.

 You’ll find quite a bit of skepticism here, along with some food for thought. No ideas based on mythology here, just the real assertion that man is ultimately responsible for any of his actions, in particular actions affecting the planet. Man is the only creature in nature that has gone out of his way to place himself at odds with nature. Man is always willing to blame others for his actions, even going as far as creating supernatural scapegoats to blame.

 So here are my views on the end, aspects from another angle, a very sharp angle, to be sure.

Enjoy!

George Sprague
June, XXXII AS