Understanding mankind is composed of first learning the existence of mankind’s beginnings and from there we [mankind] may learn where the final destination of existence ends. At one time or another, all of humankind has wondered and contemplated upon where this race of Earthly people came from and how it was possible for humanity to be so complexly assembled. It is the greatest unsolved mystery of mankind. The religions of the world are absolutely overwhelming in our modern times! There are many different groups, sects, cults and factions that teach numerous scenarios of a great Creator and his many accomplishments, commandments and judgments. Religion is basically the enlightenment of teaching mankind how to live a virtuous life and how to prepare for a final judgment. The majority of religious institutions hold fast to this theory. The three major religions (Christianity, Islam and Judaism) may have different beliefs, dissimilar concepts and contrasting traditional values, but they share very similar eschatological theories. A doomsday scenario and a final judgment of mankind is shared by the majority of religions in the world today and many believe that era of doom is imminent. This certain era will also bring about a time of peace and destroy evil. Known as the “End of the Age”, the “End Times” and the “Last Days”, this theory of the end of the world has been incorporated in many religious creeds. Christianity believes the End Times will herald in the return of their savior, Jesus. Islam believes the Last Days will be a final assessment of humanity by Allah before the final judgment. And, in Judaism it refers to the messianic era [at the End of the Age] when a global peace will usher in an epoch conductive to furthering mankind's knowledge of the Creator.

“The Roots of Mankind”    In this modern age of increased knowledge there are two main-streamed theories concerning the origins of mankind – creation and evolution. The former is a widely assumed interpretation, which is embraced through religious faith. The latter is a comprehensive study, embraced through scientific supposition. While there are a multitude of books, internet sites and other literature dedicated to presenting logic and reason as to the origins of mankind, the following chapter is not a debate about the origins. It is rather a simplistic approach to assimilating the data related to origins. “Religions of the World”   It has been estimated that there are over 30,000 different religions in the world today. With such an incredibly extensive figure, it would literally take many decades to research such vast information! The mere problem in defining what “religion” means has produced a large ordination of scholarly works that are oftentimes in conflict and debate with one another. Some believe religion is merely a man-made vocation, brought about by the politics of mankind; while others think religion is a necessary means of connecting with a higher power. “Signs of the Times”   In biblical history, many prophets foresaw and correctly predicted various future occurrences that have happened during the existence of mankind. For centuries, religious scholars and ministers of the gospel have been saying that the “End Times” are upon us. Even the Apostles believed that Jesus would return, to set up His kingdom, during their own lifetime. Now, nearly 2,000 years later, Christians continue warning of the imminent destruction of mankind and the return of Jesus Christ. The Muslims stoutly believe their savior, Mohammed, is soon to make his appearance and cleanse the planet of its unholy and unworthy inhabitants. Even the Jews agree that their Messiah will purify the world after exterminating those who practice evil and are unworthy of eternal life.

Kelly Warman-Stallings is a self-described literary multi-tasker. She is a local historian of the mid-Missouri area and has written and directed various public events, all while maintaining her wry wit, optimistic outlook, and most important of all her religious faith and deep sense of spirituality. Born in Iberia, Missouri in 1960, Ms. Warman-Stallings grew up in Kansas City, Kansas which she still considers her hometown. She discovered the desire to write at the age of twelve through a simple, four-line poem. For many years poetry flowed from her pen. Poetry continues to be her first love in the literary genre. Over the past twenty years she has written and published four books all dealing with local history and family genealogies. She credits her love of writing to her mother, who is a notable historian in her own right and a great inspiration to her daughter. In addition to her writing, Ms. Warman-Stallings has directed plays and skits, and choreographed music talent shows. She was editor of a business-based newsletter in Jefferson City for six years. She is also a singer and song-writer. Ms. Warman-Stallings currently lives in central Missouri. She has three children and six grandchildren.