eschatology in religion

[chaval]

does anyone think that the eschatalogical philosophies of religion may be the entire purpose of religion itself; to give eschatalogical meaning to life and surround that meaning with other reilgious concepts?
just something that suddenly popped into my head

and also, if the above is true why is eschatology is damn important for humans and what do atheists replace it with or have they completely managed to ignore it?

[Sentinel]

does anyone think that the eschatalogical philosophies of religion may be the entire purpose of religion itself; to give eschatalogical meaning to life and surround that meaning with other reilgious concepts?

No, why on earth would it be so? What the inventors of religions primarily tried to "explain" was the 'purpose' of human existence, ie how and why it was 'created', and to promise an 'afterlife'.

The purpose of that, of course, being to make people accept their present living standards instead of revolting and demanding better ones, to obey their rulers.

Who by definition were/are either appointed by the god(s), in touch with the god(s) or gods themselves. :rolleyes:

Do all religions have apocalyptic predictions in the first place? :unsure:

I'd say most do, simply to give the story an ending. The god(s) are all-powerful, so they must know all events to come, right?

The 'end of the world' doesn't bother the believers, since they are granted eternal life and bliss. As long as they suck up to both the religious and secular authorities here on earth, of course.


and also, if the above is true why is eschatology is damn important for humans and what do atheists replace it with or have they completely managed to ignore it?

I for sure have. :) What's so great about atheism is the freedom from irrational ponderings and fears.