Eschatological Concurrence in Religions of the World

Abstract

The concept of the End of Times holds a central position in various world religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism. Eschatological themes such as cosmic cataclysms, the appearance of messianic figures, and the ultimate destruction of the world are common across these traditions. For instance, the anticipated arrival of Elijah before Jesus Christ in Christianity parallels the Islamic belief in the coming of Imam Al-Mahdī. Similarly, the apocalyptic nations of Gog and Magog, referred to as Yaʾjūj and Maʾjūj in Islamic eschatology and as Koka and Vikoka in Hinduism, are frequently mentioned in religious scriptures and scholarly interpretations. Furthermore, symbols like the cross-clad savior, towering structures, and a final, cataclysmic earthquake appear consistently in eschatological discourse.

This paper aims to explore the convergence of eschatological beliefs across different religious traditions, highlighting both their theological underpinnings and shared motifs. Through a comparative analysis of sacred texts and religious scholarship, this study sheds light on the universal aspects of apocalyptic expectations, emphasizing their historical and doctrinal significance.