Beliefs about the “end times” are  both numerous and confusing. What exactly do Catholics believe will happen at the end of time? According to the Catholic Church, what really is going to happen—or not happen—in the final moments of history? Will Christ literally return? Will there be a Great Tribulation and a Battle of Armageddon? Will there be a “Rapture”? This is the first of a series of essays about Catholic eschatology—the doctrine of the “last things.”

In a profound, inspired and prophetic declaration entitled "Jesus is Lord!" ("Dominus Iesus") the "Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith" reaffirmed the essential claims of the uniqueness of Jesus Christ against the modern backdrop of relativism and skepticism. What is needed now is a full and eager "Amen" from the entire Christian community, so that the third Christian millennium may indeed become a great missionary age.

After months and years of investigating the Catholic Faith, and beginning to be convinced by its claims, Carl Olson decides it is time to tell his evangelical and fundamentalist family and friends of his new-found interest. With a few exceptions, this news is received with great suspicion and concern. Olson bolsters his position with further study, as well as by beginning to acquaint himself with Catholic practice, i.e., the Mass. He is initially impressed by the sacredness and quietness with which the liturgy is celebrated—and he and his wife decide to begin RCIA.