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NONRELIGIOUS Worldview Time is perceived in a scientific way—as a function of universal principles and physical laws and increasingly well described by theories and equations. Scientific depiction: Time in all normal events on earth is linear. In extremes, however (e.g., in linear accelerators, space travel), time can flow more slowly or quickly or, as in the case of black holes, time can cease to exist. BUDDHIST Worldview Time is cyclical. Each existence continues through death and rebirth so long as the sense of self keeps us attached to this world. Individual desires are finally quenched (nirvana) but the world continues on its cyclical pattern. Some forms of Buddhism believe in a future Buddha who will come and bring release to all beings. CHRISTIAN Worldview Time is linear, though there are two very different approaches. In one, there is the suggestion that through human lives a renewed and peaceful world will be created—the Kingdom of God on earth. In the second, the world becomes so full of suffering and wrongdoing that an antichrist will appear, bringing conflict. Christ then returns and defeats the antichrist in a great battle inaugurating a reign of peace. HINDU Worldview Time is cyclical. The world passes through various stages, from birth to growth to decline. We are currently in Kali Yuga, the age of decline. The world will eventually be destroyed, only for a new world to appear in the distant future. MUSLIM Worldview Time is linear. At the end of time, Allah will announce the Judgment Day and the world will end. All will be judged on that day. JEWISH Worldview Time is linear. The Messiah, or the Chosen One of God, will come when either the world has become a better place or when it has reached the point of greatest trouble. The Messiah will herald an era of world peace. SIKH Worldview Time is cyclical, and beliefs associated with time are similar to those of Hinduism. TAO Worldview There are elements of both the linear and the cyclical. There is no end to the world, just a personal journey, either to better and better rebirths, or into immortality. DEIST Worldview (of historical interest) Time is linear, since the Creation
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