Are we living in the end times?

A recent study shows that about a third of Americans believe we are living in the end times. In March, Kremlin officials declared that we were in the last days, while the current war in the Middle East continues to simmer; and Peter Thiel of Palantir has led a series of discussions about the Antichrist. Catholics are also sounding the alarm: Fr. Chad Ripperger, the Catholic author Mark Mallett, and many other sensible figures point out that world events may be approaching a dramatic climax.

Are we living in the “end times”? This is a question that has been asked in every age. As Christians, we believe that human history is not merely a series of meaningless, random events; rather, we are part of a larger story – one written by God to fulfil His Will. Every story has a beginning (creation and the Fall), a middle (the Incarnation of Christ and the Paschal Mystery), and an end (the triumphant Second Coming of Christ). So, are we at the end?

People want to know that their lives are not a random accident, that our existence on this planet is not unnoticed and insignificant. This longing of the human heart was placed there by God because we actually play an irreplaceable role in a grand epic. When viewed through this lens, these mundane, tedious tasks take on enormous meaning.

Consider this: When a mother changes a soiled diaper or cooks for her child, she is tending to the physical needs of an immortal soul. All the mundane tasks we perform have repercussions in history and into eternity. We are part of an epic story, a battle between good and evil, being fought in every soul, in every home, in every nation, in every age.

And that’s why I find it spiritually helpful to consider the role we might play at this critical juncture in history. One aspect such reflections have taught me is how much of what I worry about daily will ultimately be insignificant. This traffic jam, this pedestrian, this worry about money – will it matter when the end is near? After all, regardless of whether the end of the world is near, the end of my own world is near and certain. Apocalyptic thinking is essentially a memento mori on a grand scale. It helps me remember that life is bigger than my petty worries and that I need to focus on what truly matters – being ready when Christ comes to me.

Instead of distracting ourselves from the duties of our current state in life, contemplating “the end” can help us fulfil our duties with greater zeal, knowing that if we are half-hearted or drowsy, the Bridegroom will return and leave the foolish virgins outside.

Someone recently asked me: “Hasn’t every age thought it was living in the end times? What makes this age different from all the others?” I thought that was a very good question – one that deserved an answer.

I do think there are fundamental differences between our lives today in the 21st century and life throughout history. It’s not simply a question of “more sin” or different kinds of sin; lust, greed, violence, and even drugs have existed throughout history. Different cultures have been corrupt. Atheism has been around for a long time. The devaluation of human life goes back to Cain and Abel. So it’s not simply a matter of “sex, drugs, and rock & roll” that defines our age.

No, I think there are philosophical and anthropological trends that are much more pronounced and make this period a profoundly unique era in human history. Here are some of the differences:

Globalization. Never before in human history has the world been as small as it is today. I can send an email to someone in India within seconds. An event that took place in Australia can be posted online within minutes for the whole world to see. For the first time in human history, we truly live in a global village. This is important because it means that ideologies can spread very quickly: First World countries exporting their ideologies to developing and third countries.

Technology and mass media. Never before in human history have mass media been able to shape a culture so comprehensively. From radio to television to the internet, the ability to mould thoughts and souls lies in the hands of a few elites. For millennia, cultures were passed down within communities. Today, however, culture is defined by media consumption itself.

Scientism and secular humanism. Closely linked to technology is the belief that science can solve all of life’s problems and that scientific truth is the only truth. Humanity is elevated to a level never before seen in history.

The pace of change. Sociologist Zygmunt Bauman coined the term “liquid modernity” to describe the rapid speed of change. Changes are occurring today at a pace never seen before.

Relativism. Truth is no longer considered objective, but rather subjective experience. “Live your truth” replaces the idea of universal truth.

Secularization. For the first time in history, a consciously religion-free culture is emerging. Religion is often seen as outdated or irrational.

The extent of sin. Certain developments have reached a new dimension. Violence, pornography, euthanasia and abortion have achieved a reach and normalization that was historically unprecedented.

I believe that our modern age is indeed different from any previous one. Many humans have abandoned the idea of God and put man in his place.

The seeds for this were sown centuries ago – from the Renaissance through industrialization to communism. But in the last 70-100 years, we have seen rapid growth and a full development of these trends. That’s why I believe we are truly living in unprecedented times. Where will this lead? I don’t know. But God knows, and my trust is in Him.

Author: Fr. Joseph Gill

yogaesoteric
May 15, 2026