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Introduction
End of Days: An Encyclopedia of the Apocalypse in World Religions is a single-
volume reference work that provides information on the theological doctrine of
eschatology (the last things) and apocalyptic literature, the literary narrative of that
doctrine.
What Is Eschatology?
The word “eschatology” is derived from the Greek work eschatos, which means
“last.” Eschatology is thus the study of the “last things,” or the ultimate resolution
of creation. It comprises both a chronological (the end of time) and teleological
(achieves the purpose[s] established by God) element. Western (Jewish, Chris-
tian, and Islamic) eschatology assumes a linear view of history. In this regard, it
is important to differentiate between personal and cosmic eschatology. Personal
eschatology describes the final state of an individual, which in Christian theology
is salvation or damnation. Cosmic eschatology deals with the climactic end of cre-
ation (Walls 2008). “Eschatology” was introduced as a doctrinal term late in the
18th century. Interest in the doctrine grew in the latter half of the 19th century with
the rise of the comparative study of religion. It is now used as an umbrella term for
beliefs relating to the fate of the individual (personal eschatology) as well as for the
world (cosmic eschatology) (Collins 2008).
What Is Apocalyptic Literature?
The word “apocalypse” comes from Koine Greek and is translated “revelation” in the
Christian New Testament. The term “apocalyptic,” as a literary genre, comes from
the Apocalypse or Revelation of John (1:1) in the Christian New Testament: “The
Revelation (apokálypsis in Koine Greek) of Jesus Christ . . .” (KJV). The generally
accepted definition of apocalyptic literature was penned by John J. Collins: “A
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