Apocalypse (Full Episode) | The Story of God with Morgan Freeman

National Geographic

29 Mar 202250:18

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script explores various religious and cultural perspectives on the apocalypse, from the monotheistic view of a final judgment to the cyclical time观 of Hinduism and Buddhism. It delves into the historical and theological significance of Jerusalem as a spiritual epicenter for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and examines the impact of apocalyptic beliefs on individuals and societies, including the manipulation of these beliefs by extremist groups. The journey also uncovers the ancient Mayan understanding of time cycles and the concept of enlightenment over doomsday scenarios.

Takeaways

🌍 The concept of apocalypse has been present throughout human history, with various religions and cultures predicting the end of the world in different ways.
☕️ The daily routine of coffee and crosswords contrasts with the heavy topic of religious conflicts and apocalyptic predictions, highlighting the human fascination with the end of days.
🏰 Jerusalem is a significant location for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, all of whom believe it will play a role in the end of the world, reflecting the deep religious tensions in the area.
🏛️ The Temple Mount in Jerusalem is central to the Jewish faith, with the desire for its reconstruction being a symbol of an era of justice and peace.
📜 The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in Qumran, contain apocalyptic prophecies of a battle between the Sons of Light and the Sons of Darkness, showing a long-held belief in a cataclysmic event.
🐐 The Essenes, a Jewish sect, believed in an imminent apocalypse and prepared for it through ritual purity, such as filling pools for ritual baths.
🏛️ The Romans' destruction of the Jewish Temple in 70 AD and their subsequent control over Jerusalem influenced the development of apocalyptic beliefs in Judaism and Christianity.
🔢 The Number of the Beast, 666, from the Book of Revelation in the Christian Bible, has been interpreted as a coded reference to the Roman Emperor Nero, who persecuted Christians.
🕌 In Islam, the apocalypse is not seen as a violent end but rather a time of judgment and the ultimate revelation of truth, differing from the Western concept of an apocalyptic battle.
🌀 Natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina have been interpreted by some as divine punishment, while others see them as opportunities for growth and unity among people.
🌈 The journey through different religious perspectives on the apocalypse reveals a variety of interpretations, from the期盼 for a peaceful new beginning to the personal quest for enlightenment and truth.

Q & A

What is the significance of Jerusalem in relation to the end of the world according to the three major monotheistic religions?
-Jerusalem is significant in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as all three predict that the city will play a crucial role in the end of the world. It is considered the spiritual epicenter for these faiths, with each attaching profound religious and historical importance to the city and its sites.
What was the Temple of Jerusalem before its destruction?
-The Temple of Jerusalem, built by King Herod the Great in 20 BC, was a grand seven-story structure where Jews could worship their God. It was designed to be a spectacular physical structure, standing on the Temple Mount, which was the holiest site in Judaism.
Why do Jews pray at the Western Wall after the destruction of the Temple?
-After the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD by the Romans, Jews began to pray at the Western Wall, which is a remaining part of the Temple's outer wall. This site became the holiest place where Jews could pray, as the actual Temple site was off-limits.
What are the three specific tasks the Jewish tradition says the Messiah will accomplish?
-In Jewish tradition, the Messiah is expected to perform three tasks: 1) reconstitute the Jewish kingdom for the Jewish state, 2) bring peace with the neighbors, and 3) rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.
What is the significance of the number 666 in the context of the apocalypse?
-The number 666 is associated with the 'Beast' in the Book of Revelation, which is part of the Christian biblical prophecy about the end of the world. It has been interpreted as a coded reference to the Roman Emperor Nero, who was known for his persecution of Christians.
What do the Dead Sea Scrolls reveal about the ancient Jewish sect that created them?
-The Dead Sea Scrolls, found in caves around Qumran, reveal that the ancient Jewish sect, the Essenes, believed in an imminent apocalyptic battle that would bring about the end of the world. They prepared for this by living in isolation and maintaining a strict community, including ritual baths for purity.
How did the Romans respond to the Jewish revolt and what was the fate of the Essenes?
-The Romans, as part of their campaign to suppress the Jewish revolt, destroyed the settlement at Qumran and wiped out the Essenes in 68 AD. The Romans saw the Essenes as obstacles to their goal of subduing the entire region.
What is the concept of the apocalypse in Islam and how does ISIS manipulate these beliefs?
-In Islam, the apocalypse is a time of great turmoil and upheaval that precedes the end of the world. ISIS manipulates these beliefs by interpreting certain prophecies to serve their political and ideological ends, such as the battle in Dabiq, Syria, which they believe will trigger the final apocalyptic events.
How does the idea of an apocalypse appeal to young people who feel disenfranchised?
-The idea of an apocalypse can be appealing to disenfranchised young people because it offers a sense of agency and destiny. When feeling powerless and voiceless, the prospect of being part of a larger, transformative event can provide a sense of purpose and significance.
What does the concept of time mean in Hinduism and Buddhism in relation to the apocalypse?
-In Hinduism, the apocalypse is seen as a cyclical event occurring every few billion years, leading to a new beginning rather than an end. Buddhism, on the other hand, does not envision an apocalyptic end of the world but focuses on personal enlightenment, which is a state of understanding the true nature of reality and oneself.
How did the ancient Maya view the concept of time and the 2012 phenomenon?
-The ancient Maya viewed time as a series of nested cycles, with the end of each cycle being a significant event but not the end of time itself. The 2012 phenomenon, marking the end of the 13th b'ak'tun, was misunderstood as predicting an apocalypse, but in reality, it was the end of one cycle and the beginning of another in the Maya calendar.
What is the psychological perspective on why humans are drawn to the idea of an apocalypse?
-From a psychological standpoint, humans may be drawn to the idea of an apocalypse because it provides a sense of predictability and control over the unknown. The concept of an impending apocalypse can also offer a form of relief by making the unpredictable, predictable, which is a natural human response to fear and uncertainty.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Journey to Understand Apocalyptic Predictions

The paragraph discusses the journey of understanding why various religions predict an apocalypse. It begins with the narrator's routine and moves on to discuss the human fascination with the end of the world, as seen in prophecies from Nostradamus to the Book of Revelation. The narrator sets off to explore why religions like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism predict an apocalyptic event, focusing on the number 666 as a significant symbol. The exploration starts in Jerusalem, a city significant to these religions, and involves discussions with experts like Yurum Hasani, an expert in Jewish politics and theology.

05:03

🏰 The Temple Mount and the Jewish Apocalypse

This paragraph delves into the Jewish vision for the end times, with a focus on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. It discusses the importance of the temple in Jewish faith and the political and religious significance of the area. The paragraph explores the belief in a messiah who will bring peace and rebuild the temple, and how the current state of Israel affects these beliefs. It also examines the Essenes' apocalyptic writings found at Qumran, including the War Scrolls, which predict a 40-year war ending in redemption.

10:03

🔢 The Number of the Beast and Early Christianity

The focus of this paragraph is on the Christian concept of the Antichrist and the end of days. It discusses the Book of Revelation and the enigmatic 'number of the beast,' 666. The paragraph explores theories about the identity of the beast, with a strong argument made for it referring to Emperor Nero, who persecuted Christians. The discussion includes the methodology of calculating the number based on the Hebrew letters corresponding to Nero's name and how this was encoded in the scriptures.

15:04

🕍 The Apocalypse in Islam and the Role of ISIS

This paragraph examines the Islamic perspective on the apocalypse and the扭曲 (perversion) of these beliefs by extremist groups like ISIS. It discusses the concept of an end times battle and how ISIS has manipulated these prophecies for their political and ideological ends. The paragraph includes an interview with a former high-level recruiter for an apocalyptic Islamist group, who shares his experiences and insights on the radicalization process and the current state of extremist groups.

20:05

🌅 The Maya and the Myth of the 2012 Apocalypse

The paragraph investigates the popular myth about the Maya predicting the apocalypse on December 21, 2012. It explores the Maya calendar and its cycles, explaining that the end of a baktun cycle was not seen as an apocalypse but as the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. The discussion includes a visit to Tikal, an ancient Maya city, and an explanation of Maya stelae that commemorate time periods, debunking the 2012 apocalypse myth.

25:06

🌏 Cyclical Time and Enlightenment in Non-Abrahamic Religions

This paragraph contrasts the linear end-of-the-world narratives found in Abrahamic religions with the cyclical views of time in Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism. It discusses the Hindu belief in cyclical apocalypses and the Buddhist concept of enlightenment as a personal revelation of truth. The paragraph includes a visit to India and a conversation with the Tibetan Buddhist leader, the Karmapa, about the path to enlightenment and the Buddhist perspective on the nature of existence and time.

30:11

🌪️ Catastrophe and Spiritual Awakening

The paragraph explores how catastrophic events, such as Hurricane Katrina, can lead to spiritual awakening and transformation. It discusses the experiences of survivors who interpreted the disaster as a divine message or judgment, and how it influenced their faith and actions. The paragraph highlights stories of resilience, community building, and the search for meaning in the face of devastation, illustrating the potential for growth and unity that can emerge from extreme adversity.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Apocalypse

The term 'apocalypse' refers to a catastrophic event that brings about the end of the world or a significant change in the order of things. In the context of the video, it is explored through various religious and cultural lenses, signifying not only destruction but also revelation and the potential for new beginnings. The video delves into how different faiths interpret apocalypses, from the biblical 'End of Days' to the cyclical time views of Hinduism and Buddhism.

💡Religious Conflicts

Religious conflicts are disputes or clashes that arise due to differing religious beliefs, practices, or principles. The video highlights how religious tensions have been a persistent issue throughout history, often leading to violence and division. It specifically mentions Jerusalem as a flashpoint for religious conflict, with its significance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam making it a contentious and significant location.

💡End Times

The concept of 'End Times' refers to the eschatological beliefs of various religions that predict a final period in history characterized by upheaval, judgment, and the ultimate resolution of human affairs. In the video, this is explored through the lens of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, each of which has its own unique prophecies and interpretations about how the world will end and what will follow.

💡Spiritual Significance of Jerusalem

Jerusalem holds profound spiritual significance for the three major Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The video discusses how Jerusalem is central to the religious narratives and end times prophecies of these faiths. For Jews, it is the site of the ancient Temple; for Christians, it is where Jesus was crucified; and for Muslims, it is the location from which the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended to heaven. These beliefs contribute to the city's status as a focal point for religious conflict and aspiration.

💡Messiah

In Jewish tradition, the 'Messiah' is a future king destined to bring about a reign of peace and unity among the nations of the world. The video explains that the Jewish concept of the Messiah differs from the Christian one, as it is not divine but rather a human figure who will reestablish the Jewish kingdom, bring peace with neighboring nations, and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. This belief is tied to the end times and the hope for a better world.

💡Dead Sea Scrolls

The Dead Sea Scrolls are a collection of Jewish texts discovered between 1947 and 1956 in eleven caves near the Dead Sea. They include one of the oldest known Hebrew Bible manuscripts and writings from a Jewish sect known as the Essenes. In the video, the Scrolls are mentioned as containing apocalyptic prophecies that foretold a cataclysmic war between the 'Sons of Light' and the 'Sons of Darkness,' reflecting the Essenes' belief in an imminent end of the world. These texts provide insight into ancient Jewish thought and the origins of apocalyptic ideas.

💡Book of Revelation

The 'Book of Revelation,' also known as the Apocalypse of John, is the last book of the New Testament and is considered a prophetic and apocalyptic work. It is rich in symbolism and has been the subject of much interpretation and debate. The video discusses the Book of Revelation in the context of early Christianity, highlighting its predictions of the end times, including the rise of the Antichrist, whose identity is often associated with the 'beast' mentioned in the text. The number 666 is a significant element in this context, believed by some to refer to the Roman Emperor Nero.

💡Antichrist

The 'Antichrist' is a figure in Christian eschatology who is associated with evil and is expected to oppose Christ and deceive the world before the end times. In the video, the identity of the Antichrist is explored through historical and interpretive lenses, with a focus on the belief that the number 666 in the Book of Revelation refers to the Roman Emperor Nero, who was known for his persecution of Christians. This idea is supported by the fact that Nero's name, when translated into Hebrew numerals, adds up to 666, which has led to theories about his role as the Antichrist.

💡Islamic Eschatology

Islamic eschatology refers to the religious beliefs concerning the end of the world and the final judgment in Islam. The video discusses how some extremist groups, such as ISIS, have manipulated Islamic eschatological prophecies to serve their political and ideological ends. It highlights the belief in an end times battle and the establishment of a caliphate, which ISIS claimed to have done, as part of their interpretation of the apocalypse. The video also explores the idea that the apocalypse in Islam is not just about destruction but also about the triumph of good over evil and the establishment of peace.

💡Cyclical View of Time

The cyclical view of time is a concept found in various cultures and religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism, which posits that time is not linear but rather a series of repeating cycles. In the video, this concept is contrasted with the more linear, teleological view of time found in monotheistic religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The cyclical view suggests that what appears to be an end is actually a transition to a new beginning, emphasizing continuity and change rather than finality.

💡Enlightenment

In the context of the video, 'Enlightenment' refers to a state of deep understanding or insight, particularly in spiritual or philosophical matters. For Buddhists, it signifies a personal revelation of truth within the mind, which is achieved through practices like meditation. The video contrasts this with the Western concept of apocalypse, suggesting that for some, enlightenment represents a positive transformation and a revelation of one's true nature, rather than a catastrophic end of the world.

Highlights

The exploration of various religious predictions about the apocalypse and their historical roots.

The human fascination with the end of the world and its representation in religious texts like the Book of Revelation.

The significance of Jerusalem in the religious apocalypse predictions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

The historical context and political implications behind the construction and destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem.

The concept of the Messiah in Judaism and the specific tasks associated with it according to Jewish tradition.

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and their apocalyptic prophecies by the Essenes, a Jewish sect.

The interpretation of the number 666 in the Book of Revelation and its possible association with Emperor Nero.

The transformation of the apocalyptic beliefs of the Essenes into the emerging Christian faith and its evolution over time.

The radicalization process and the manipulation of apocalyptic prophecies by extremist groups like ISIS.

The psychological appeal of apocalypse beliefs and how they provide a sense of control or destiny for the disenfranchised.

The cyclical view of time and the absence of a final apocalypse in Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism.

The personal enlightenment and inner revelation associated with the term 'apocalypse' in Buddhism.

The impact of natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina on people's beliefs and interpretations of divine intervention and punishment.

The resilience and unity of the people of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and how it led to positive change.

The diverse perspectives on the apocalypse across different religions and cultures, challenging the traditional Western view of the end times.

The importance of understanding the historical and cultural contexts behind religious beliefs and practices related to the apocalypse.

The role of faith and spirituality in providing hope, guidance, and a sense of purpose during times of crisis and uncertainty.

Transcripts

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ApocalypseBeliefs ReligiousProphecy JerusalemSignificance EndOfDays InterfaithPerspectives HistoricalContext CulturalAnalysis SpiritualQuest Enlightenment DisasterRecovery