Fundamentalism and Eschatology

In light of the present events occuring in the Middle East, it amazes me again how much in common have Christian and Islamic fundamentalists. Both believe in a great Tribulation followed by the return of the savior.

For Christians, many fundamentalists believe in dispensationalism - an arguably heretical belief system that postulates the world will continually get worse until the Rapture, which will remove believers from the earth. After the Great Disapperance, the Great Tribulation will rest pestulance upon the earth. Fundamentalists disagree about timing - some believe the Rapture will occur before, during or after the Tribulation. After the Tribulation, the savior - Christ - will return all will follow him, and he will reign with hope, peace, joy and love.

For Muslims, most fundamentalists believe in the return of Muhammad al-Mahdi, the 12th Imam. This heir to Muhammed the Prophet will return (he ascended to heaven in the Ninth Century) as the redeemer of Islam and the world by converting the world to Islam. Before the return of the Savior - Mahdi, Muslim will undergo a Great Tribulation.

The danger in this eschatology lies in the mindset it fosters among its adherents about the present - bring on the Tribulation. Both sides see the destruction and end of the present age a positive development because both wish to hasten the return of the Christ or the Mahdi. Put current events in perspective: fundamentalists Christians and fundamentalist Muslims oppossed but united in hopes for the destruction of Jerusalem.