He made pocket money when he was 12 selling crack for his grandmother.
When he was 19 he owned over 15 crack houses in Montgomery Alabama. He’d spent $5,000 a night in clubs. But it was Jesus who turned his life around and gave him real happiness.
Religions with Apocalyptic Predictions:
Christianity
- In the New Testament, particularly the Book of Revelation, there’s a detailed vision of the end times. It describes events like the return of Jesus Christ, the rise of the Antichrist, the Battle of Armageddon, and a final judgment, culminating in the destruction and renewal of the world. Some Christian groups, like certain evangelical sects, interpret these events as literal future occurrences.
Judaism
- While less focused on a fiery end, Jewish eschatology includes the concept of the “End of Days” (Acharit HaYamim). This involves the coming of the Messiah, the ingathering of the Jewish people, and a period of war (e.g., Gog and Magog) followed by peace and divine redemption. Some interpretations hint at cataclysmic upheaval.
Islam
- Islamic eschatology, drawn from the Quran and Hadith, predicts apocalyptic events including the appearance of the Mahdi (a messianic figure), the return of Jesus (Isa), and the rise of the Dajjal (a false messiah). These lead to a final battle, widespread chaos, and the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah), where the world ends and humanity is judged.
Hinduism
- Hindu cosmology operates in cycles called Yugas. We’re currently in the Kali Yuga, an age of darkness and decline. At its end, it’s believed Kalki, the final avatar of Vishnu, will appear to destroy evil and usher in a new golden age (Satya Yuga). Some see this transition as involving apocalyptic destruction.
Buddhism
- Some Buddhist texts, like those in the Theravada tradition, mention a decline of the Dharma (Buddha’s teachings) over time. Eventually, a future Buddha, Maitreya, will appear to renew the world, though this is less about fiery doom and more about a gradual shift. Certain sects, however, tie this to cosmic upheaval.
Zoroastrianism
- This ancient Persian religion predicts a final battle between good (led by Ahura Mazda) and evil (led by Angra Mainyu). The world will face a fiery renovation (Frashokereti), where evil is purged, the dead are resurrected, and a perfect existence begins.
Norse Mythology
- Though not a living religion for most, Norse beliefs included Ragnarök—a prophesied event where gods like Odin and Thor fight monstrous forces (e.g., Loki, the Midgard Serpent). The world is destroyed by fire and flood, only to be reborn with surviving gods and humans.
