Final answer:
Christianity views Jesus as the Messiah who provided spiritual liberation and promises a Second Coming to judge and rule, while Judaism and Islam await a different fulfillment of the messianic prophecy. The visions of Jesus as a conquering warrior and the central figure in the end times align with Christian eschatological beliefs. Various 19th-century sects faced disappointment when predicted dates for the Second Coming did not materialize.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Christian theology, Jesus is the central figure believed to be the Messiah, a term derived from Jewish tradition signifying the anointed one tasked to bring salvation. In Jewish doctrine, the expectation of the Messiah is one who would liberate the Jews and fulfill the Covenant, achieving eternal sovereignty over the Promised Land. However, the crucifixion of Jesus and the continuation of Roman rule over Judea led many Jews to conclude that he was not the promised Messiah.
Early Christians, influenced by the teachings of Paul, viewed Jesus' mission differently. They considered the liberation he offered as a spiritual salvation rather than as a political revolution. This idea emphasizes the concept of being saved from sin and the promise of eternal life rather than earthly freedom. The followers of Jesus, referring to him as "the Christ" meaning 'the anointed one,' continued to spread his message after his death, and the foundation of Christianity as a new religion was laid. The narrative of the Second Coming of Jesus, a fundamental doctrine in Christian eschatology, suggests that he will return as a divine figure to judge and rule.
Contrary to these Christian beliefs, both Jewish and Islamic faiths do not recognize Jesus as the divine Messiah and await the fulfillment of this prophecy. The nineteenth century saw the rise of various millennial sects like the Mormons and the Shakers who anticipated the imminent Second Coming, some even predicting specific dates which ultimately led to disappointment when prophecies went unfulfilled.