Nostradamus & His Prophecies

Nostradamus was an ancient seer who lived during the 16th century (A.D.) and considered one of the finest oracles of his time [and beyond]. This French physician and astronomer lived from 1503-1566 and completed a total of 942 quatrains (four line poems) which he organized into centuries (groups of 100 quatrains).

His family was of Jewish ancestry. Some say from the tribe of Issachar, who were reputed to read the moon, stars and interpret the heavens. But, the family converted to Christianity when King Louis XII decreed that all Jews renounce their religion and convert to Christianity or leave the area. Nostradamus' parents chose to remain and, as a result, Michel de Nostredame (Nostradamus) was born into a Christian home. 

A qualified doctor of medicine, an adviser to the Queen of France (Catherine de' Medicis) and a writer of philosophical treaties, Nostradamus was considered an imposing man of his time and influenced world events before and after his death. This oracle of the Renaissance was best remembered for his book, Les Propheties de M. Nostradamus, which appeared in 1555.

It is believed by many that Nostradamus made such predictions as: 1) the fall of the House of Valois (the deaths of the Queen's children); 2) change from the Julian calendar (of Nostradamus' time) to the Gregorian calendar (still in use today); 3) the rise and fall of Napoleon; 4) Hitler and Mussolini uniting as allies during World War II; and, 5) the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 and Senator Robert F. Kennedy in 1968.

While some skeptics argue that Nostradamus' writings are a jumbled mess of words without meaning, many believers are convinced this particular seer saw 400 to 500 years into the future.

"The year of the great seventh number accomplished, It will appear at the time of the games of slaughter: Not far from the great millennial age, When the buried will go out from their tombs. Long awaited he will never return In Europe, he will appear in Asia: One of the leagues issued from the great Hermes, And he will grow over all the Kings of the East." (Century X/Quatrains 74 & 75)

Many interpretations are forthcoming when deciphering the works of Nostradamus, but these particular quatrains just seem to fit in with the "End Times" scenario. The "games of slaughter" could refer to the radical Islamic suicide bombers; buried will go out from their tombs - this is prophesied about in the Christian Bible (I Corinthians 15:52); quatrain 75 could infer the rise of a world leader whom will have much power over all the nations (Revelation 17:12-13).

Whether you are inclined to agree or disagree with Nostradamus' findings, it is unmistakably clear that this ancient oracle, not only made a name for himself, but continues to fascinate people in the 21st century with his cryptic cantos.

For more information on Nostradamus and his predictions, please visit: 

Michel de Nostredame

Armageddon Online: Nostradamus Prophecies

14 Predictions By Nostradamus, The Greatest Analyst Ever

Eschatology Comparison

The three major monotheistic religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism) have many prophecies regarding an "End Times" scenario. As the scholars would agree, these religions believe some of the predictions of the ancient seers have come true, while other prophecies foretold are still yet to come. 

While some scholars believe Muhammad secured some of his ideas from the followers of Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism, the concept of Islamic eschatology is extremely hard to piece together. Muslim scholars of prophecy do not attempt to compare how events are related to each other. As with Christian and Judaic theologians, who disagree on the sequence of the "End Times" prophecies, Islamic scholars disagree on the nature of certain events.

However, the three religions are considered inextricably linked to one another through their histories because of certain common factors in their theologies. And, all three faith-based institutions feature many of the same figures and places, yet they are often presented in different meanings and perspectives. 

Although the three major religions of the world are intertwined and defined by common beliefs, they differ when it comes to doctrine and practice. Even their sacred holy books are reflected by such differences.

The following literary publication of Contender Ministries, depicts a fair comparison of the similarities and differences in the eschatological teachings of Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

SIMILARITIES

The purpose of Jesus Christ Coming

Christianity: Jesus will come to rescue Israel and defeat the Anti-Christ, judge all nations and the wicked in Israel, and rule over a messianic kingdom.

Islam: Jesus (Isa) will return to overthrow Masih ad-Dajjal in the battle of Aqabat Afiq in Syna to confirm Islam as the only true religion.

Judaism: A Messiah (who has not yet come) will defeat the gentile nations and restore the kingdom of Israel. Isaiah will be fulfilled and God will be recognized as the universal king.

Who Must Experience Death

Christianity: All people will experience physical death except those living when Christ returns.

Islam: All people will experience a physical death.

Judaism: All people will experience a physical death.

Resurrection of the Body

Christianity: Yes

Islam: Yes - all will gather at the Mount of Olives for Judgment Day.

Judaism: Yes

Judgment Announced at Trumpet of the Archangel

Christianity: Yes - Matthew 24:31 "And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other."

Islam: Yes - Qur'an 36.51 "And the trumpet shall be blown, and, lo! They shall speed out of their sepulchers to their Lord."

Judaism: Yes - shofar will announce beginning of messianic era, gather the scattered exiles, and serve as a summons to the heavenly court on the Day of Judgment.

DIFFERENCES

Belief in Purgatory

Christianity: Evangelicals - No; Catholics - Yes

Islam: Yes - called Barzakh

Judaism: No

Signs of the Times

Christianity: Beginning of birth pangs (Isaiah 11:11-12; Matthew 24:5, 6, 7); Birth pangs (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:11, 25:15; Revelation 6-19)

Islam: Major and minor signs will reveal that the end times have arrived. (Surat 21.96; 27.82; 43.61)

Judaism: Ten signs will accompany Messianic 'birth pangs' of end times.(Sanhedrin 97b)

Result of End Time Battle

Christianity: After Armageddon, Satan is bound and believers enter the Millennium. Following the thousand year reign of Christ there is a final battle with Satan.

Islam: A 'Great Destruction' which destroys all but God, then a resurrection and recreation.

Judaism: War of Gog and Magog, in which God defeats the gentile and establishes Israel in its kingdom over all the earth.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

While there are many similarities and differences when it comes to "End Times" eschatology, it is unmistakably agreed upon by the Abrahamic religions that these doomsday revelations are destined to befall mankind regardless. And, it is interesting to note, Jesus Christ plays a major role in the scenario of various events which will usher in the "End Times".

For more information on "End Times" eschatology, please visit the following sites:

Christian Eschatology (Princeton University)

Islamic Eschatology (Princeton University)

Jewish Eschatology (Princeton University)

The Branches of Judaism

In contrast to Christianity, which conceives Jesus Christ as the Messiah so often prophesied about in the Christian's Old Testament, Judaism is based on the precepts of the books of the Tanakh: the writings of Moses (known as the Torah), the teachings of the prophets (known as Nevi'im) and the writings of the ancients (known as Kethuvim). 

The commentaries of the rabbis, found chiefly in the Talmud (compilation of Jewish oral laws and rabbinical teachings), are also instrumental in the Jewish religion. Judaism was first introduced by Greek-speaking Jews to distinguish their civilization from the paganism known as Hellenism and thus designated the religious creed itself. The theological idea of Judaism is purely monotheistic and there has been no deviation in beliefs that there are other deities co-existent with the one true God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

While the Rabbi is considered head of the church as a teacher, scholar or guide, no spokesman is needed. The religious institution of the Judaic faith believes all Jews, through prayer, have access to God. Emphasis is placed on the freedom of man's will and the theory of original sin is rejected.  

Supreme importance is attached to practicing a good and just life, ethical and righteous conduct, prayer and observance of ritual. In the United States of America, Judaism is expressed in three forms which commonly accept the unity of God, the dignity of man, the authority of the Hebrew Bible, and of rabbinic teachings. But, they differ when it comes to practices and interpretation.

Three Branches of Judaism:

Orthodox Judaism - stands fast on tradition which prescripts Jewish custom and belief; faithful to principles and practices as evidenced by devotion and study of the Torah; daily synagogue attendance; strict observance of Sabbath, Holy Days, etc.; and follow dietary laws. (also called Traditional Judaism) For more information, please visit - Orthodox/Traditional Judaism

Conservative Judaism - modified and reinterpreted religious practices of the Jewish life in accordance with historic trends, without molesting the principles of tradition through contemporary conditions. (also called Historic Judaism) for more information, please visit - Conservative/Historic Judaism

Reformed Judaism - a product of the Enlightenment, this branch minimizes rituals, narrows chain of tradition and emphasizes ethical monotheism of prophetic teachings; religious worship adapted from Orthodox Judaism to meet demands of contemporary life, frequently affected religious law and custom to contemporary judgment. (also called Liberal Judaism) For more information, please visit - Reformed/Liberal Judaism

Judaism is basically the sum total of the scrupulous philosophy of the ancients and the experience of the Jewish people, as expressed in their sacred literature and developed during the many centuries of their existence. Today, the religion of Judaism is practiced worldwide. However, the largest Judaism sect can be found in Israel and the United States of America.