End times in religions

I took a class about death a few years ago (more specifically the concept of death in religions), and listened as the professor explained how some religions use the "end of days" or doomsday scenario preceding the coming of a savior or golden age, something most notably present in most Christian sects. What I find problematic about this concept is that it seems to perpetuate a sort of fatalistic perspective among certain followers who believe that bad habits or behaviors will doom the world and only they will ascend to a good hereafter or become part of a utopian world. For some, I fear this thinking may cause some people to disregard trying to improve things in the world under the presumption that some things can't be saved and should be left until that coming occurs. Scientology (which I must sadly let you know, distrust with all my being) too uses this concept, but on a more galactic scale, and tries to justify this on pseudo-scientific (or sci-fi scientific claims). I am aware that the life of this planet is finite (which according to cosmological evidence may be incinerated in the next billion years when the sun expands into a red giant), but I don't think it's reason for people to throw their lives away or use as a justification for their belief system.

Well, I think that is becuase most religions are constructed to try to ease the fear of death by promising things in the afterlife...even Buddhism fell into this trap too...

This justification will still be used, though, because by and large even in today's world not that many people can really accept death and that this life is the only one you'll have...Cessation of Existence can be a very scary thing for those who couldn't accept it...

It also give people feeling that they are part of something special. Their action or inaction now means something, and they will get reward in the end. Instead of ordinary day to day live without purpose. So its very powerful way for religion to affect their believer.

They also make for good Anime and post-apocalyptic fodder!

Fatalistic or not, all you really need to know about religions is that their teachings can be boiled down to "Be grateful for everything you are gicen, including another day, and make the best of it. Oh, and don't be a dick."