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[Alexandr Korol]

Next, returning to the theme of destruction and creation of the world, where it is mentioned in various mythological stories. So far, we’ve touched on Ragnarok in Norse mythology, as well as a similar theme in Kabbalah. Moving on to Mesopotamian mythology: “The Epic of Gilgamesh tells of a great flood that destroys the old world, after which a new order is created.” There is also Mayan mythology: “In the legends of this ancient people, there is the idea of cyclical time and renewal of worlds. The Mayan calendars suggest the existence of several worlds, each ending with a cataclysm to give rise to a new one.” The biblical tradition in Christianity includes “the concept of the apocalypse, the coming of Jesus, and the creation of a new heaven and earth after the end of times, as described in the Book of Revelation.” And if we make a broad separate reference to what Christianity means by the creation of a new heaven and a new earth, then online sources say that “the concept of a new heaven and a new earth after the end of times is mentioned in the Book of Revelation, the last book of the New Testament in the Bible. According to Christian tradition, this prophecy is connected with the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His Eternal Kingdom.” There are several key points mentioned there. First — the Second Coming. “Christians believe that Jesus Christ will return to Earth in the Second Coming to judge the living and the dead. This event will be accompanied by great cataclysms and changes in the world.” Second — the apocalypse. “This revelation describes a series of events known as the ‘apocalypse’ that occur before the end of times. This includes battles, disasters, judgments of sinners, and the triumph over evil.” Judgment Day — after the Second Coming, there will be a dreadful judgment where God will judge people based on their deeds and faith. This will be the final separation of the righteous and the unrighteous. Fourth — the new heaven and new earth, that is, one of the options; this revelation “describes the creation of a new heaven and earth where there will be no more pain, suffering, or death. This renewed world promises eternal happiness and peace for the righteous.” Next, the New Jerusalem, “according to the Book of Revelation, on the new earth there will appear the New Jerusalem, a holy city descending from heaven that will become the eternal dwelling place for believers. It is described as filled with the light and glory of God. This whole concept describes the triumph, the ultimate triumph, of good over evil and eternal bliss for those who follow Christ’s teaching. It also reflects hope for spiritual renewal and eternal life in the presence of God.”