2408-9338Research result. Sociology and Management2408-933810.18413/2408-9338-2018-4-1-23-321363SOCIOLOGY OF CULTURE AND SPIRITUAL LIFEANCIENT AND (POST)MODERN ESCHATOLOGICAL NOTIONSANCIENT AND (POST)MODERN ESCHATOLOGICAL NOTIONSKindjicZoranKindjicZoranzoran.kindjic@gmail.com20184100

Before discussing different eschatological notions, the author indicates that it is possible to argue both cyclical and linear conception of time. Cyclical conception of time is typical of mythic understanding of the world, Far Eastern religions and ancient polytheism. Unlike monistic and pantheistic understanding of the world, monotheistic religions, as well as the modern science, support linear understanding of time. Within scientific linear conception of time, it is possible to represent an optimistic idea of infinite progress, but also a pessimistic idea, based on the second law of thermodynamics, that the universe is facing death caused by cooling. Having presented different versions of messianic ideas in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, the author reflects on eschatological notions of the Esoterics, present in the basis of the syncretistic New Age movement. In the final section of his work the author confronts Christian eschatology with the optimistic notion of the New Age supporters about the forthcoming age of Aquarius, in which the humanity will allegedly experience great spiritual progress and consequently peace and harmony. The author indicates the danger that postmodern man faces when, being misguided by pseudo-spiritual experiences, he confuses the expected Messiah with Antichrist.

Before discussing different eschatological notions, the author indicates that it is possible to argue both cyclical and linear conception of time. Cyclical conception of time is typical of mythic understanding of the world, Far Eastern religions and ancient polytheism. Unlike monistic and pantheistic understanding of the world, monotheistic religions, as well as the modern science, support linear understanding of time. Within scientific linear conception of time, it is possible to represent an optimistic idea of infinite progress, but also a pessimistic idea, based on the second law of thermodynamics, that the universe is facing death caused by cooling. Having presented different versions of messianic ideas in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, the author reflects on eschatological notions of the Esoterics, present in the basis of the syncretistic New Age movement. In the final section of his work the author confronts Christian eschatology with the optimistic notion of the New Age supporters about the forthcoming age of Aquarius, in which the humanity will allegedly experience great spiritual progress and consequently peace and harmony. The author indicates the danger that postmodern man faces when, being misguided by pseudo-spiritual experiences, he confuses the expected Messiah with Antichrist.

eschatologymessiahtimeprogressAntichristeschatologymessiahtimeprogressAntichristСписок литературы1. Busse, H. (1993), “Messianismus und Eshatologie im Islam”, in Dassman, E. and Stemberger, G. (ed.), Messias, Jahrbuch für Biblische Theologie, 8, 282-283.2. Jnanavatar Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri (1977), The Holy Science, Self-Realization Fellowship, Los Angeles, USA.3. Löwith, K. (1961), Weltgeschichte und Heilsgeschehen, W. Kohlhammer, Stuttgart, Germany.4. Rifkin, J. (1986), Posustajanje budućnosti, Zagreb, Croatia.5. Rifkin, J. and Howard, T. (1981), Entropy: A New World View, Bentam Book, Toronto – New York – London – Sydney.6. Spangler, D., Revelation: The Birth of a New Age, Lorian Press.7. Srimad-Bhagavad-Gita, (1909), English translation and commentary by Swami Swarupananda, [Online], available at: www.sacred-texts.com (Accessed 25.02.2018).