The Great 2012 Debate

The debate over 2012 is being scrutinized over and over. Believers and non believers are voicing differing opinions over the ancient Mayan prophecy. The facts are that the Mayan long count calendar is, in fact, ending, but what some may not realize, the prophecy never said exactly what would happen on December 21, 2012. The only reference to what is believed will happen on this date was the Mayan belief that the god of destruction would ascend to his home, on Earth. So why the doom and gloom? This subject obviously warrants a closer look.

Mayan Prophecies

Okay, so the long count calendar is ending with no mention of the end of the world, yet the picture has been painted for a great catastrophic event. One thing is clear, life will go on. How do we know? The Mayan civilization that created the long count calendar came to near extinction in the 9th century, however there were survivors who carried on the mathematical and astrological knowledge that the Mayans were famous for. In fact, Mayan survivors settled in various places in Central and South America, continuing their stargazing and prophetic practice. One such prophecy occurs over 2,000 years after 2012 as is outlined in wall carvings in the city of Palenque. So its clear that the Mayans were not prophesying the doom and gloom end of the world scenario that we have all been slammed with the past few years. So what is going to occur?

Religious Debate

Many religions are following the chaos closely, with some devout religious figures even buying into this miscontrued belief the world is going to end. First, we must look at the religion of the ancient Mayans. They were a polytheistic race that believed the world went through cycles. Each cycle completion meant that the Earth must be purged to bring about the next cycle. In actuality, 2012 is merely the end of a cycle. Some Christian scholars believe that the Mayans were referring to Christian beliefs of famine and pestilence outlined in the book of Revelations and believe these problems will arise in 2012, proving Biblical prophecy to be accurate. Others argue this theory, stating by divine mystic power, the Mayans were privy to information from other worldly beings as to the fate of mankind. This debate has sparked preparation from extremist groups such as army tactic training for self-defense against social collapse and shelling out millions of dollars for underground homes in fear of a nuclear disaster. On the flip side, many pagan groups believe this time will be one of spiritual enlightenment and environmental change, as mother nature is generally mad about the increasing pollution and deforestation of our planet.

What Can We Conclude from This?

While the entire debate is up to personal speculation, many opinions are being shared loud and clear. Its a shame we feel the need to create doom and gloom scenarios, increasing paranoia and decreasing quality of life. People are too worried that they are going to be incinerated, they are throwing away hard earned assets and wasting precious time preparing for the worst. There is no doubt the state of the world is on the decline. Crime is higher, humanity seems to be lacking and the economy is in dire straights. While we race to save ourselves, we allow these misdeeds to continue thinking whats the use in standing up if we are all about to be destroyed anyway. I often point out how each major religion is in a fight to be right, but will put their beliefs aside to trust the theories of science on totally different religions prophecies to follow the doomsday crowd. What can we conclude from this? Well, one thing I conclude is that we are all victim to mass hysteria and paranoia.

Other Beliefs

Okay, every religion has their own doomsday prophecy and instruction which contradicts what scientists are saying about the Mayan prophecies. First, lets look at the Christian beliefs. The Bible is clear that the time nor day for the return of Jesus can be known, only the season. It further states the world will not end, but instead will be purged of evil and the new Jerusalem will ascend from heaven. While some Christian scholars would say the Mayans saw the return of Jesus in 2012, this would be a mistake since several events must occur before this happens. Those events will take 7 years from start to finish and have yet to even begin. Therefore, at only one year away, this would be inaccurate. Next, we have the wonderful belief that an asteroid is on a collision course with Earth and will wipe out civilization and the land. While asteroids are a real threat, it is still unknown if asteroid collision in fact destroyed the dinosaurs, much less if one could occur in our lifetime. Some believe the asteroid theory to be factual in the prehistoric era, and believe that a similar occurrence is long overdue. Then there are those who believe that aliens will come down and take human life back to a planet of origin. HUH? Yes there are religious sects who believe that human life began in another galaxy on another planet. In fact, they claim we are aliens who were brought here for exploration, to ease overcrowding on our home planet or to replace a home planet that was destroyed by over use of natural resources, much as we are dealing with today. Every belief a beautiful contradiction to the supposed Mayan prophecy. Humans have very imaginative scenarios and active thoughts regarding the end of this world. The fact is, despite the statistics thrown at us on a daily basis, there is no solid evidence any of these scenarios will occur. They are faith based beliefs that we can choose to ignore or accept.

Mankind has long been taught that everything must come to an end, feeding into doomsday beliefs and widespread panic. But what if the Earth has no end? What if life goes on forever? History is full of doomsday prophecies that have come and gone with not even a sigh from mother earth. Twice in 2011 alone, Christian extremist, Harold Camping predicted the Biblical Rapture, and was shocked to see his predictions were wrong. What is so bad with just enjoying life, being kind to others and letting the human cycle continue? Why must we always be looking for it end? Concentrate on making our world a better place to help future generations instead of ignoring the evils that are plaguing our society, and our world. Whatever beliefs you hold fast to, there is one thing we can all agree on. This planet is our home, and it is our responsibility to take care of it and preserve it. Our ability to reason and to control our own thoughts and emotions are what sets us apart from the animals, yet we don't utilize these abilities as often as we should.