Editorial Board, Jayanews.com
When we discuss the future of the world, every religion offers its own perspective. Some speak of an apocalypse, others of a “Second Coming,” and some of a “Golden Age.” They all share one common premise: the world will not remain as it is forever.
So, how do different religions view the future?
Interestingly, some religious traditions do not speak of an apocalypse that destroys the Earth.
1. Islam and Christianity: The Great Trial at the End of Time.
In mainstream Islam and Christianity, the end times are marked by significant signs—the arrival of the Dajjal (Antichrist), the return of Jesus Christ (Isa Al-Masih), and a Day of Judgment where absolute justice is established. The old world comes to an end, and a new, eternal world begins.
2. Hinduism and Buddhism: The Rotating Cycle of Yugas.
Hinduism views time as cyclical, unfolding through four *Yugas* (ages). We are currently in the *Kali Yuga*—an era of darkness and conflict. Eventually, the *Kalki Avatar* will arrive to restore *Dharma* (righteousness), leading to a return to the *Satya Yuga*, an age of truth. Buddhism looks toward the future with the arrival of *Maitreya*, a future Buddha who will bring a new era of enlightenment.
3. Other Traditions: Not an Apocalypse, but the Labor Pangs of a New Era.
This is where the distinction lies. Some religious perspectives view the present day as the “adolescence” of humanity.
According to various religious scriptures, two processes are occurring simultaneously:
A process of collapse (disintegration): Wars, racism, economic inequality, and excessive nationalism—factors that are causing the world to fall apart. This is what we see in the news every single day.
A process of growth (integration): The emergence of the United Nations, the rise of human rights awareness, movements for gender equality, global education, and international cooperation on climate issues. These are the seeds of a new world.
From the perspective of religious teachings, the chaos we see today is akin to the pains of childbirth—not a sign of the world’s demise.
The future unfolds in two stages:
Stage 1: The Lesser Peace.
This is a political peace. World leaders, weary of war, will eventually agree to establish a system of collective security. The principle is as simple as the core tenet found in every religion: “If one nation attacks another, all other nations must rise together to prevent it.” At that point, military budgets will be redirected toward addressing poverty and education.
Stage 2: The Most Great Peace.
This is a peace of the heart. Humanity will not merely cease to wage war; people will truly come to see themselves as one single family. Prejudices based on religion, race, or ethnicity will vanish.
What kind of world do religions foresee?
Religious scriptures predict five characteristics for the world of the future:
1. One Earth, One Family: Nationalism will persist, but blind fanaticism will disappear. “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.”
2. A Universal Auxiliary Language: Every child will learn their mother tongue plus an international auxiliary language, ensuring that misunderstandings no longer arise.
3. Perfect Equality Between Men and Women: Religious teachings liken men and women to the two wings of a bird. A bird cannot soar if one of its wings is broken.
4. Economic Justice: Extreme wealth and extreme poverty will be considered immoral. A more equitable system for sharing the world’s resources will be established.
5. The Continued Emergence of Religion: For the faithful, God’s guidance never ceases. After a period of at least 1,000 years, a new Messenger will appear, suited to the needs of the age. Thus, religion is an ongoing, continuous process of education.
Conclusion:
While many Abrahamic traditions place a strong emphasis on the Day of Judgment, other religious traditions focus on the Day of Unity. All religions essentially agree on one point: a world filled with hatred and war, such as the one we see today, will not last forever.
Whether referred to as Heaven on Earth, Satya Yuga, or the Great Peace, they all point toward the same hope: that humanity will eventually come of age.
Are we heading in that direction? Given the chaos unfolding—and the wars still raging in various parts of the world—there is clearly a long way to go. Yet, according to religious traditions, this long journey will inevitably reach its destination.
Indramayu, October 19, 2026
——-
