Apocalypticism

Abstract

In popular usage, ‘apocalypticism’ refers to a belief in the likely or impending destruction of the world (or a general global catastrophe), usually associated with upheaval in the social, political, and religious order of human society. Historically, the word has had religious connotations and the great destruction it is thought to bring has traditionally been seen as part of a divine scheme, though today it is increasingly used in secular contexts.