2012 Doomsday Prediction: Fact or Fiction?

From the Bible-based Left Behind book and film series to the more recent apocalyptic action flicks The Day After Tomorrow and M. Night Shyamalan's The Happening, it seems people everywhere are becoming increasingly obsessed with end-of-the-world conjectures.After all, who wouldn't like to know how it's all going to go down? Worldwide floods? A devastating meteor shower? Attacks from an intergalactic alien race?A number of theories have surfaced over the last several years, all attempting to pinpoint the exact time, day, month, year and event that will ultimately bring humanity to its knees and life as we know it to an end.

One of the many cultural hypotheses gaining scientific attention is the 2012 Doomsday Prediction.The 2012 belief has been around for quite some time, although it has undergone dozens of alterations and modifications since its birth.Built on the early beliefs of the ancient Maya civilizations of southern Mexico and Central America (250 A.D. to 900 A.D.), it postulates that a series of cataclysmic events will take place during the year 2012.

This rather unpleasant, doom-and-gloom forecast is supported by the end date on the Mesoamerican Long Count Calendar . On this calendar, often referred to as the Mayan or Maya Calendar, the expanse of time is defined as lasting only 5,125 years. December 21 or 23, 2012 will, according to ancient Mayan precepts, mark the calendar's official end date, after which time will be no more.

Whether you're eight or 80, an end-of-the-world scenario certainly churns up thoughts about one's life goals and ambitions, particularly younger individuals who have much of their adult life ahead of them.

"If I knew that the world was going to end in two or three years...I don't think that I would make that many changes right now," said Lauren, 19, a college student from TrueNorth Student Ministries of Northside Bible Church in Mobile, Ala. "It's human nature to live to that last minute. I don't know that right now it would change much of anyone's view."

Another Northside student, Keri, 23, disagrees with Lauren. She said that impending doom would change the way she lives, acts and thinks. "If I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that in three years there would be no more chances, my gentle pleadings [in witnessing to] my sister and family would no longer be gentle."

Apparently, all of the hubbub surrounding 2012 has also made grounds for an action-packed cinematic experience. Hollywood Director Roland Emmerich of The Day After Tomorrow fame seems to have an affinity for taking the reins of apocalyptic thrillers. Emmerich is currently helming a film adaptation of the 2012 legends and prophecies, slated to release Nov. 13, 2009. 2012 will feature a star-studded cast, including John Cusack, Thandie Newton, Amanda Peet, Woody Harrelson, Danny Glover and Oliver Platt.

Studio production companies Centropolis Entertainment and The Mark Gordon Company have recently come under scrutiny for their rather controversial marketing techniques for the film. In an effort to attract a significantly larger movie going audience, they have created the purely fictional Institute for Human Continuity, where Internet surfers can register to win a lottery ticket entitling them to membership in a small group of people selected to be rescued from impending doom. Questionable promotion strategies aside, action movie lovers of all ages will be likely to give the film a chance.

Of the nine TrueNorth students interviewed for this piece, five admitted they would be interested in seeing the movie.

"I think I'd see it," said Toby. "But you have to be careful. There's such a possibility for misinterpretation."

"I just like big doomsday movies," said Justin, 21. "I loved Cloverfield...and movies with huge-scale disaster."

Three students, however, commented they would personally prefer to see more contemporary films based on the Bible's account of the end times found in the Book of Revelation.

Whether you will find yourself standing in a ticket line for 2012 or waiting for the film to hit DVD, one thing remains certain: the continued research and debate of much of the aforementioned will continue to be the source of controversy within our modern American culture. While scientists continue to ponder the intricacies of the Mayan civilizations and their beliefs about the end of the world, Christians worldwide would do well to ponder the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:34-36:

"Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and Earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of Heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone." (New American Standard, emphasis added).

For more feature articles, news, and commentary on popular culture from a Christian perspective, visit TheUnderground online Christian magazine at: www.theundergroundsite.com

This article was originally published here: http://theundergroundsite.com/index.php/2009/08/2012-doomsday-prediction-fact-or-fiction/