The end is never just an end

Abstract

This article attempts to capture the dynamics of symbolism when it comes to the city of Jerusalem. The focus here is on the use of the term "apocalyptic representations" to refer on one hand on individual perceptions, on the other hand to socially shared conceptions. As a symbol of war and peace Jerusalem has drawn strong attention, even further it motivates religious individuals and groups to perform actions according to an envisioned end. An analysis of the tension that apocalyptic representations create in religious individuals and groups hopes to contribute to the understanding of how apocalyptic-millenarian themes work within a religious mind setting and how such representations can become motives for performed action.