Apocalyptic Dreams and Religious Ideologies: Losing and Saving Self and World

In this article, examples of apocalyptic thinking in old & new religions are examined, with particular attention to Aum Shinrikyo, the Peoples Temple, Heaven’s Gate, & the Solar Temple. The author draws a link between the ‘apocalyptic dreams’ of widescale destruction & rebirth found in both schizophrenic or borderline individuals & in many religious scriptures or doctrines. Examples of individual & collective transformations are presented, including mass suicide. (59 refs)