apocalypses

An apocalypse is a narrative or event that reveals hidden truths and often predicts a dramatic transformation of the world. The term comes from the Greek apokalypsis, meaning “unveiling” or “revelation.” In contemporary usage, it commonly refers to end-of-world scenarios or cataclysmic change, whether in religious texts, fiction, or public discourse.

In religious contexts, apocalypticism designates a genre of prophecy and visionary literature that emphasizes cosmic upheaval, divine judgment, and the ultimate restoration of justice. In Judaism and Christianity, texts such as Daniel and Revelation present sequences of visions, seals, trumpets, and bowls that disclose hidden realities and set the stage for a divine intervention. Similar motifs appear in other traditions, though the label apocalyptic is most strongly associated with these biblical and intertestamental works.

In secular culture, apocalyptic themes appear in science fiction, film, and video games, often exploring post-apocalyptic worlds and the collapse of social order or pre-apocalyptic narratives about impending disaster. The term apocalyptic is also used more broadly to describe real-world concerns about existential risks, such as pandemics, nuclear war, or climate change, though such use tends to be metaphorical rather than literal predictions.

Scholars study apocalypticism as a historical and literary phenomenon, examining how communities use revelation, symbolism, and prophecy to interpret events, organize ethics, and imagine the future. While some movements have claimed specific dates for cataclysmic events, most scholarly work treats apocalyptic narratives as culturally or religiously significant patterns rather than precise forecasts.