We have talked before about how some important figures in history have become obsessed with prophecies such as Isaac Newton, but here we will take at another famous personality from history that was obsessed with prophecies, Christopher Columbus.
Between 1501 and 1502 he compiled a book with the help of his friend Gaspar Gorricio, the book was simply called El Libro do las Profecias, or translated to english> Book of prophecies. The book lists a number of things that he saw as being on a 'to do' list to bring about the return of Christ. In fact one of his voyages aims across the Atlantic was to gain gold for the monarchy to fund a crusade to Jerusalem! The events he saw as needing to completed are as follows
1. Christianity must spread around the world
2. The Garden of Eden must be found (of which he believed he discovered it in Venezuela)
3. A crusade to take back Jerusalem from the Muslims
4. A last world leader should be chosen
These beliefs were common place during medieval times and it is clear that Columbus was influenced by the writings of Joachim of Fiore. But some saw Columbus' obsession as a sign of madness, and refused to listen to his rants about attempting to fulfill prophecies.
It is possible to buy translations of his book, though currently they are out of print, you may still find second-hand copies online at Amazon for around $90.
No comments:
Post a Comment