People all throughout history have been ready for the end of times. The reason why there are so many end-of-times-religions is precisely the same why we feel attracted to post-apocalyptic fiction and that kind of stuff. Anthropologically speaking, of course. There is absolutely no difference at all.
On the other hand, just because the world society as whole seems to be getting readier and readier for another global cataclysm doesn't mean it will come any time soon, as history teaches us. Wars for one are not dependent on the depression of any one civilization. If anything, they depend on the growth.
I think it's just a matter of taking a step back and thinking clearly. History repeats itself over and over again, until either the sun explodes, fades, or we blow ourselves all to bits. Otherwise, we'll keep seeing history repeating itself for eternity, even in the space age and whatever comes after that. Human nature never changes.
:EDIT:
And by end-of-time-religions I don't mean crazy loonies running around saying stuff, I mean serious mainstream religions like christianism and such.
)
