Wars and rumours of wars — for those given to wondering about the Apocalypse, news reports from the Middle East might be evidence that the end is nigh. Some of the frequently asked questions in this regard include: Some Christians believe that the conflicts in the Middle East are a sign of the world’s end ?

First, when Jesus’ disciples asked him for signs of “the end of the age,” he replied in part that there would be “wars and rumours of wars,” and that “nation would rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom”. Second, Middle Eastern countries loom large in eschatology (doomsday thinking) because some Christians believe that the End Times calendar is tied closely to the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. Select Bible verses are believed to predict a “re-gathering” of Jews in their homeland that would precede the Last Days.

Does that mean that, for these Christians, the war is good news?

Despite the tragedy, there’s genuine excitement among some people that Jesus’ return might be near. But some End Times theorists note if Israel were to be wiped out, it would be a step in the wrong direction.

What’s so important about Israel?

Evangelists believe that the Jews are God’s chosen people. Evangelical support for the state of Israel has as much to do with its role as a Middle East democracy and US ally as it does with eschatology. Evangelicals also support Israel because the Bible tells them to. — Beliefnet.com