I’ve decided to start a new feature on the blog, loosely inspired by April DeConick’s “Apocryphote of the Day,” but with contemporary apocalyptic language. Apocalyptic eschatology is not simply a dead topic, buried in the dusty pages of history. Apocalyptic language still serves as an important social motivator in our own time.

I’d like to commence the series with two quotes from my governator, Arnold–star of the movie “End of Days” (remember that one?). Here he is reacting to one of the fire crises of Southern California:

Earlier Sunday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger visited firefighters and assured residents that all possible state resources are being used to battle a huge wildfire that continues to rage, damaging or destroying at least 169 residences in Orange and Riverside counties and leaving more than 10,000 acres burned.

“It looks like Armageddon as you fly over the area,” Schwarzenegger said. “It looks like the end.”

But he also said he was reassured by firefighters strong efforts, applauding them as “true action heroes.”

Wow, a double whammy. Not only do we get apocalyptic fodder for those counting the signs of the times, but we also have a reference to “action heroes.” Well done, sir. Here the apocalyptic language appears to be used as a kind of acknowledgment of the difficulty people are going through. It is a assurance of hope and an encouragement to endure. Sure, he is identifying the seriousness of the situation, but there is not much else he can motivate people to do.

Next I turn to a more recent apocalyptic event, California’s budget crisis. Here, we have something with true motivational import. This is a term that he has actually used on a number of occasions, just to make sure the message hits home. Here is the Governor trying to get California lawmakers to make the moves he would like with the state budget:

“We’re heading towards a financial Armageddon. We have three weeks before we go off the cliff,” said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) of California.

For a brilliant analysis on the issue of apocalyptic state budgets and why “In California, it seems, Armageddon is always right around the corner,” please take a look at this excellent article by Joe Mathews in the LA Times. Gov. Schwarzenegger is simply helping to keep California rooted in its fine apocalyptic traditions.