For centuries, religious leaders have predicted the end of the world — and for centuries, they’ve been wrong. In this episode, our panel discusses failed prophecies, the cultural fascination with apocalypse narratives, and the political consequences of end times obsession.
We also explore how these beliefs fuel dangerous thinking, from support for apocalyptic foreign policy to the normalization of extremist rhetoric.
💬 Viewer Question
Do you think end times preaching is harmless tradition or a dangerous influence on society?
📑 Relevant Topics or Chapter Headings
Why “End Times” Predictions Never Stop
Failed Prophecies and Date Resets
Pop Culture and the Rapture Obsession
Israel, Evangelicals, and Apocalyptic Politics
The Dangers of Doomsday Thinking
Choosing Evidence Over Fear
📚 Suggested Reading List
God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything by Christopher Hitchens — Systematically dismantles religious moral authority and critiques harmful doctrines, including apocalyptic thinking.
https://amzn.to/3ZVLSg9
Letter to a Christian Nation by Sam Harris — A concise rebuttal of religious claims, challenging faith-based arguments with evidence and reason.
https://amzn.to/4npPG3g
Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon by Daniel Dennett — Examines religion scientifically, including why humans are drawn to end times beliefs.
https://amzn.to/45JWYZf
One Nation Under God by Kevin M. Kruse — Shows how religion and politics fused in America, shaping the environment for apocalyptic rhetoric.
https://amzn.to/45o99cx
Visit us at www.Atheistville.com for more content from Mike Smithgall and the Atheistville team
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