Could the rapture be a collective enlightenment?

[an anarchist]

This idea came to me one day while I was meditating. (My beliefs) When one individual becomes enlightened, they achieve Nirvana. The cycle of rebirth continues because most people do not achieve this enlightenment during their present life. The purpose of mankind is to end the cycle of rebirth for good.
Christian eschatology often says that at an unknown time, all Christians will be teleported to Heaven. From that point, there will only be seven years left of earth. I disagree with this notion
I believe the rapture will be achieved when humanity has achieved a collective morality. Imagine what would happen if every individual was moral and became enlightened during their current life. If that was the entirety of subjective reality, then I think Heaven would physically emanate on earth. I think the end times and the rapture is something that humanity has to consciously bring about through our own collective morality.
What do you guys think? Does it make sense? Or did I think up nonsense? As I read through sacred texts, I feel like this notion could be supported, from a syncretic point of view, perhaps.

 

[sun rise]

In the east, the current dark age (Kali yuga) is succeeded by a new golden age (Sat Yuga). And all the major religions of the world have a vision of a time when a new day dawns. It's also been referred to as the "God made world" replacing the "man made world".

So while your idea is different than all of these, to me it's in the same ballpark.

 

[Jeremiah Ames]

This idea came to me one day while I was meditating. (My beliefs) When one individual becomes enlightened, they achieve Nirvana. The cycle of rebirth continues because most people do not achieve this enlightenment during their present life. The purpose of mankind is to end the cycle of rebirth for good.
Christian eschatology often says that at an unknown time, all Christians will be teleported to Heaven. From that point, there will only be seven years left of earth. I disagree with this notion
I believe the rapture will be achieved when humanity has achieved a collective morality. Imagine what would happen if every individual was moral and became enlightened during their current life. If that was the entirety of subjective reality, then I think Heaven would physically emanate on earth. I think the end times and the rapture is something that humanity has to consciously bring about through our own collective morality.
What do you guys think? Does it make sense? Or did I think up nonsense? As I read through sacred texts, I feel like this notion could be supported, from a syncretic point of view, perhaps.

Some Christian eschatology speaks of a rapture, I don’t think all do.

Since the concept is not really in the Bible, and never existed until it was allegedly invented in the 1800s, from what I remember.

I would need some more detailed study, but the concept always seemed wrong to me, since I believe the second coming has already occurred, the rapture concept is moot.

 

[InChrist]

This idea came to me one day while I was meditating. (My beliefs) When one individual becomes enlightened, they achieve Nirvana. The cycle of rebirth continues because most people do not achieve this enlightenment during their present life. The purpose of mankind is to end the cycle of rebirth for good.
Christian eschatology often says that at an unknown time, all Christians will be teleported to Heaven. From that point, there will only be seven years left of earth. I disagree with this notion
I believe the rapture will be achieved when humanity has achieved a collective morality. Imagine what would happen if every individual was moral and became enlightened during their current life. If that was the entirety of subjective reality, then I think Heaven would physically emanate on earth. I think the end times and the rapture is something that humanity has to consciously bring about through our own collective morality.
What do you guys think? Does it make sense? Or did I think up nonsense? As I read through sacred texts, I feel like this notion could be supported, from a syncretic point of view, perhaps.

I don’t think the idea of “humanity achieving collective morality” can be supported by the biblical scriptures. According to the Bible, the rapture or catching away believers in Jesus Christ is for the purpose of removing the church/the Bride of Christ before God begins dealing directly with Israel again and brings judgement upon the sinful world.

 

[an anarchist]

since I believe the second coming has already occurred, the rapture concept is moot.

Do you believe this as a Jehovah Witness? Or...?

 

[Hockeycowboy]

The word “rapture” is not in the Bible.

The main Scripture from which the concept originates, 1 Thessalonians 4, is describing an aspect of the Resurrection, adding more detail to what Paul said at 1 Corinthians 15 23…”at his coming”, or more accurately, “during his (Christ’s) presence.” (From ‘Parousia’) …and vss. 51&52

Have a good evening!

 

[stvdv]

The purpose of mankind is to end the cycle of rebirth for good.

Makes sense to me, and this is what my Master taught me too

I believe the rapture will be achieved when humanity has achieved a collective morality. Imagine what would happen if every individual was moral and became enlightened during their current life. If that was the entirety of subjective reality, then I think Heaven would physically emanate on earth. I think the end times and the rapture is something that humanity has to consciously bring about through our own collective morality.

What do you guys think?

I agree with your above quote; my goal is to become enlightened during my current life on earth

Does it make sense?

Perfectly

Or did I think up nonsense?

No

As I read through sacred texts, I feel like this notion could be supported, from a syncretic point of view, perhaps.

I don't know "syncretic POV", but I already like it

Aha I googled syncretic. Seems to agree with my favorite story: Rainbow

 

[Deeje]

This idea came to me one day while I was meditating. (My beliefs) When one individual becomes enlightened, they achieve Nirvana.

Is this what the Bible teaches? I don't recall it ever speaking of such a thing.

The cycle of rebirth continues because most people do not achieve this enlightenment during their present life. The purpose of mankind is to end the cycle of rebirth for good.

That is a Buddhist and Hindu belief but it finds no correlation in the Bible. If your syncretic religion was true, there would be no contradictions, because it would mean that God speaks just one truth.....your beliefs are full of contradictions. Do you believe that God contradicts himself? You cannot choose one belief without eliminating the other. Does God change his stated purpose? I do not see any indication of this in the Bible. (Isaiah 55:11)

Christian eschatology often says that at an unknown time, all Christians will be teleported to Heaven. From that point, there will only be seven years left of earth. I disagree with this notion

The Bible does not say anything about seven years left of earth......the earth is not going anywhere. (Ecclesiastes 1:4; Psalm 104:5) The "new heaven and new earth" (2 Peter 3:13) are figurative because "the new earth" here is the land where righteous people will live in peace. It will be cleansed of all the wickedness brought by sinful mankind. The place where God's will is "done on earth as it is in heaven".
The "heavens" are the ruling authorities 'over' us. This means a new arrangement on earth, governed by a new arrangement in heaven. Both realms were affected by the same rebellion.

Jesus himself said...
"Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. 38 For as they were in those days before the Flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 39 and they took no note until the Flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be."

This is speaking about the "presence" (parousia) of the Lord Jesus.....not his "coming". The days of Noah were filled with violence and immorality, just as we see in the world again now.....it was to be the sign of Jesus "presence", as he has been here all through these last days, guiding his disciples in the work that he assigned for them. (Matthew 24:14) After all those things have taken place, then Christ would come and collect the remaining ones of his "elect", which is not "all Christians", but those who are given "the first resurrection"....those chosen by God to be "kings and priests" in the heavenly Kingdom.(Revelation 20:6)

This is a heavenly government ruling over earthly subjects....thereafter bringing the blessings of the Kingdom to redeemed mankind on earth where we were suppose to live all along. (Revelation 21:2-4) It will facilitate the reconciliation of man with his Creator and take us back to paradise. This does not depend on man...but on God who alone has the power to bring it about. He 'did not create this earth for nothing'. (Isaiah 45:18)

I believe the rapture will be achieved when humanity has achieved a collective morality. Imagine what would happen if every individual was moral and became enlightened during their current life. If that was the entirety of subjective reality, then I think Heaven would physically emanate on earth. I think the end times and the rapture is something that humanity has to consciously bring about through our own collective morality.
What do you guys think? Does it make sense? Or did I think up nonsense? As I read through sacred texts, I feel like this notion could be supported, from a syncretic point of view, perhaps.

You already know what I think.....the Bible does not require any syncretic additions because it tells one story from start to finish.....what God purposed at the beginning, he will bring about in the end without any intervention of man at all. (Isaiah 55:11) The only humans who have a place in God's purpose are those who demonstrate what Adam and his wife did not...simple obedience to their Creator. It is all he has ever asked of us. We are not here to fix the world...God will do that...we are here to fix ourselves...to make ourselves into God's obedient servants in spite of our imperfections, and to cherish our part in caring for all that he has created down here.....paradise is programmed into us....I believe that it will be our reality one day soon.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Rapture is a bogus term for illusion.

 

[Hermit Philosopher]

Dear @Xavier Graham SA

In a way, yes; Rapture could be described as what would occur to some at a point of “collective enlightenment”.

When someone deeply grasps reality as it is (not physicality, but what is behind that which is experienced as reality, limited by our 5 senses), they no longer have a need to engage in worldliness and become entirely detached from their physical self. Should this ever occur collectively, worldliness would eventually cease to be.

In Christianity, Rapture is what will take place once a majority of us have “awaken”. Rapture is said to be what those who remain “asleep” will experience once most have come (back) into consciousness (of “truth”).


Humbly
Hermit

 

[1213]

...Or did I think up nonsense? ...

I don’t see anything in Bible that would support your idea. But that probably is no problem for you.

 

[an anarchist]

I don’t see anything in Bible that would support your idea. But that probably is no problem for you.

The fact that not even Jesus knew the day or the hour of the last days... doesn’t that possibly imply because it is brought about by free will? That it doesn’t have some pre set date, that’s how come Jesus didn’t know. Because it’s up to us

 

[Deeje]

The fact that not even Jesus knew the day or the hour of the last days... doesn’t that possibly imply because it is brought about by free will?

No....it simply means that the man Jesus, whilst on earth did not know the day or the hour of his intended return. God, however did, and when it was the right time to reveal it,( after Christ's coronation as King, Daniel 7:13-14) God would have prepared his son for the second part of his earthly mission....to separate mankind into two camps...."sheep" and "goats".....or the "wheat" and the "weeds" and to judge them accordingly. Every single human alive on earth at the time when the judgment comes, will already have demonstrated where they stand on the issue of God's rulership over this earth. These will thus be deemed worthy of life in that new world.....and the opposers will face permanent eviction. (Matthew 24:14) Their choices will determine this.

That it doesn’t have some pre set date, that’s how come Jesus didn’t know. Because it’s up to us

It always had a pre-set date in God's rescue plan....Jesus would have been informed when he returned to his Father in heaven....and everything that has taken place has been right on time, just as it was foretold. Daniel prophesied the exact year that Messiah would come and the Jews were looking forward to his arrival, but it not come in the way that they anticipated, so they rejected him. Who gave them a false expectation? The Pharisees did....

God also predicted the time of Christ's return....and a small band of people were also in expectation of him at that time, again not initially in the way that they anticipated. God would reveal more about it as time went on, Jesus assuring his disciples that his "faithful slave" would "feed" them their spiritual "food at the proper time". (Matthew 24:45) They would get what they needed to know, when they needed to know it.

I wish you had studied the Bible more in depth.....it would have allow you no room for your syncretism. The true God has one truth and its up to us to search for it, and the "slave" who is dispensing it. We are not at liberty to make up our own religion by choosing beliefs like we were in some celestial supermarket. God will lead us to the one true faith if we just ask him, and do what he tells us.....its not that hard.....not in my experience anyway....

 

[an anarchist]

I wish you had studied the Bible more in depth

It is a thick book! I have only been studying it my entire life

 

[an anarchist]

God also predicted the time of Christ's return....and a small band of people were also in expectation of him at that time, again not initially in the way that they anticipated.

Can you explain to me this? Like why Jehovah Witnesses believe that Christ came in 1914? I don’t understand

 

[1213]

The fact that not even Jesus knew the day or the hour of the last days... doesn’t that possibly imply because it is brought about by free will? ...

I don't think it is necessary so. But, I believe the date is determined by free will choices of people. But God just knows already what people will freely choose and He knows to what it leads and also when it ends.

 

[Deeje]

It is a thick book! I have only been studying it my entire life

There is a big difference between reading it on your own and coming to your own conclusions, and getting the right help in understanding what you are reading and seeing how everything fits into the big picture. There is a Biblical precedent.....(Acts 8:26-31)

Jesus appointed a “faithful slave” to “feed” his entire household “their food at the proper time”......Jesus asked “who really is he?”....so we have to find that “slave” and accept the “food” that he is serving. (Matthew 24:45)

Since the devil was going to sow “weeds” of false Christianity, we know that he would attempt to deceive in order to mislead people away from that slave by providing those claiming to be the ones with the truth.....he has created literally thousands of them, confusing a lot of people.....so by their “fruits”, Jesus said you can identify his true disciples.
They would be at peace as a global brotherhood, (no divisions or internal disputing of doctrines) “no part of the world”, (not part of its corrupt politics or bloodshed) and out in their communities preaching “the good news of the Kingdom in all the inhabited earth”.....(Matthew 24:3-14; Matthew 10:11-14) Those who preach about the Kingdom will know exactly what it is.....from your understanding, can you tell me exactly what it is using only the Bible? Only the slave knows and has shared that truth with his fellow slaves.
We disagree with the majority of Christendom's beliefs. "Wheat and weeds" at the time of the "harvest" are in two completely separate camps.

Can you explain to me this? Like why Jehovah Witnesses believe that Christ came in 1914? I don’t understand

This is what we believe.....using the dates that Daniel prophesied, the Jews in Jesus’ day we’re in expectation of his appearance in 29CE.....it was foretold that he would be “cut off” after three and a half years, which we know took place when he was executed at the behest of the corrupt Pharisees.

Daniel also prophesied Messiah's return and using the same calculations we arrive at 1914.....all the features of the “sign” that Jesus gave concerning the evidence of his “presence” (not his coming” as judge, for which there is no predicted date) have been in evidence since 1914. No one knows when the Kingdom will take over rulership of this earth.....but by the signs, we believe it has to be soon...the world is being set up for something big......a change is coming the likes of which mankind has only seen in snatches of history...this time the whole world will be affected as satan's last hurrah. (Revelation 12:7-12) He was hurled down to the earth in 1914 when Christ received his authority to rule as King.....and the foretold woes began straight away. An unprecedented war broke out that involved just about every nation on earth, at a time when the prospects for world peace seemed achievable.

After that terrible time, the war was followed by the foretold pandemic of the Spanish Flu and severe food shortages caused by the war.....then a League of Nations was formed and hopes were heightened that this organization would achieve what was expected of it....leading to the nations being united in a mutual desire for peace.....but then the circumstances arose that plunged the nations into a Second World War. The League was disbanded as a failure.

But after that war this organization regrouped, calling itself The United Nations.....but it proved to be as inept at preventing war as it predecessor. In these last days we believe that this organization will be given powers that it has never had before.....leading to a totalitarian single world government that has been mooted for decades now. It will be promoted as the way to achieve "peace and security"....but its promises will be empty.

This is why we believe that the final showdown is not far away.....this government is said to rule "one hour" or in Bible terms, a relatively short period of time....so we wait and see....

In our publication “Reasoning from the Scriptures” we show how this date is calculated from the book of Daniel...

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989220

FWIW....
Read from the sub heading, “Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses say that God’s Kingdom was established in 1914?”

 

[Muffled]

This idea came to me one day while I was meditating. (My beliefs) When one individual becomes enlightened, they achieve Nirvana. The cycle of rebirth continues because most people do not achieve this enlightenment during their present life. The purpose of mankind is to end the cycle of rebirth for good.
Christian eschatology often says that at an unknown time, all Christians will be teleported to Heaven. From that point, there will only be seven years left of earth. I disagree with this notion
I believe the rapture will be achieved when humanity has achieved a collective morality. Imagine what would happen if every individual was moral and became enlightened during their current life. If that was the entirety of subjective reality, then I think Heaven would physically emanate on earth. I think the end times and the rapture is something that humanity has to consciously bring about through our own collective morality.
What do you guys think? Does it make sense? Or did I think up nonsense? As I read through sacred texts, I feel like this notion could be supported, from a syncretic point of view, perhaps.

I believe I don't know of any solid proof of this.

i believe this is not true. I believe rebirth occurs because there is not eternal life. When eternal life comes there will be no rebirth.

I believe the purpose of life is to live it.

I believe that is incorrect. I believe people will be levitated into the New Jerusalem. The idea of a catching up means that there is a power that is raising the people.

I believe there is a lot of debate on the timing.

I believe this will never happen before the rapture. After the rapture God is able to transform people into moral beings.

 

[Muffled]

In the east, the current dark age (Kali yuga) is succeeded by a new golden age (Sat Yuga). And all the major religions of the world have a vision of a time when a new day dawns. It's also been referred to as the "God made world" replacing the "man made world".

So while your idea is different than all of these, to me it's in the same ballpark.

I believe "man made world" is a misnomer. It is the same world made by God but with man sinning it is far different from the world God originally made.

 

[Muffled]

Some Christian eschatology speaks of a rapture, I don’t think all do.

Since the concept is not really in the Bible, and never existed until it was allegedly invented in the 1800s, from what I remember.

I would need some more detailed study, but the concept always seemed wrong to me, since I believe the second coming has already occurred, the rapture concept is moot.

I believe the rapture is in the Bible and tied to the second coming and therefore has not occurred yet.

 

[Muffled]

I don’t think the idea of “humanity achieving collective morality” can be supported by the biblical scriptures. According to the Bible, the rapture or catching away believers in Jesus Christ is for the purpose of removing the church/the Bride of Christ before God begins dealing directly with Israel again and brings judgement upon the sinful world.

I believe it has nothing to do with God dealing directly with Israel per se. The fact that Jesus defeats the enemies of Israel at the Battle of Armageddon should make Jews more comfortable with Jesus and ready to answer the call to gather for the rapture.