Which term refers to the belief in a coming catastrophe that will lead to a new age?

The term that refers to the belief in a coming catastrophe that will lead to a new age is millenarianism. This concept is often associated with various religious movements that anticipate a transformative event, such as a significant apocalypse or societal upheaval, which is believed to precede a period of renewal or the establishment of a utopian society. Millenarian movements typically find their roots in the expectation of a dramatic change in the world, which they believe will usher in a new era of peace, justice, or righteousness.

In contrast, vitalism relates to the idea that life processes are fundamentally different from mechanical or chemical processes, emphasizing a life force. Fundamentalism denotes a strict adherence to established beliefs or ideologies, particularly within religious contexts, focusing more on preserving traditional doctrines than on anticipatory visions of transformation. Syncretism involves the blending of different beliefs and practices, typically from diverse cultural backgrounds, rather than an expectation of an impending catastrophic change. These distinctions highlight why millenarianism is the appropriate choice in this context.