Obviously many Christians since the time of Jesus have been fascinated by trying to determine the timing of the end, more specifically, whether their generation seems to be the last one. From a practical perspective, what is the purpose of it? I don't see how it should have an effect on how we live our lives as Christians. We are to live holy lives as if Jesus could return at any time (thus the parable of the foolish virgins), so of course it could end at any time. What is the purpose of obsessing further? The only practical effect I can see of this is discrediting Christianity in the eyes of others if the predictions don't come true.