Fever or Reality?

Well, I recently read the latest edition "Charisma" magazine, a Christian Magazine (FYI, I got the subscription for free), and it does not surprise me that the headline was the "end of the world fever." Historically, the church often went to "end-of-the-world" modes during difficult times, whether it be harsh persecutions, poverty, or deep recessions like today. It is quite understandable because we human tend to seek for safety and security that we cannot find in our present condition. That's why we tend to be attracted and caved in to any promises to release us from our present condition, whether it be the all too common "get rich quick" schemes or the church promise of the glorious day when Christ is coming for the second time to bring us to the place where there is no more tears and sorrows.

So, should we just cast away everything we have and gathered in an exclusive group of the fervent believers like those of the doomsday cults? Maybe not but it is indeed an interesting phenomenon, the same exact one that I witnessed during 1998 financial crisis in Asia. Two things that I am truly worry about. First, how long will it last? We know that once the economy was turned around for the better, churches in Asia began to shelf the idea of second coming of Christ and indulged in their old sins. Secondly, I honestly am afraid that these overzealous drive can lead to even worse or disastrous ends for some of those people, especially those who are willingly giving away their everything while expecting for a quick exit. Many will probably commit suicide or leave the Lord when they finally see that they do not get what they want soon enough.