Religious or not, something will happen in the next century, likely much sooner. There are simply too many major concerns. I know many would argue that things are cyclical and that things will soon even out. I disagree. Never in history have there been this many people straining the globe. Additionally, the last 100 years or so have seen the bloodiest, most efficient wars in recorded history.
Scientific advances have been marvelous, but for everything good, there's been something equally bad. The industrial revolution has led to mountains of waste, much of it hazardous, not to mention the insatiable greed of mankind. Billions of people aren't eating enough, nor do they have access to safe water. Various diseases are out of control. The next epidemic is easily around the corner.
The world economy is near collapse. The divide between rich and poor continues to grow. Parents are dumping babies in garbage cans, kids are hacking their classmates with machetes or shooting them with automatic weapons.
Whether you believe scripture is inspired or not, these are "critical times hard to deal with". Jesus' sign of the times at Matthew 24 is being fulfilled. If you believe in scripture, it's good news. If you don't, then a large chunk of the human population may not survive the next century and another group will live in fear, poverty and possibly anarchy.
Do I believe it's 2012? No. "Concerning that day and hour (the end) no one knows but the father...". However, will it be relatively soon (well within my life span)? I believe so.