Why the 2012 End-Time Obsession? Samuel C. Baxter - RealTruth.org
go to original June 30, 2012

What is driving society’s fascination with December 21, 2012, and other end-time prophecies? (Darnitra D. Jackson)

Here we go again. The world is now slated to end December 21, 2012 (or December 23, depending on who is counting). As this time approaches, hysteria among some will inevitably crescendo to a thundering climax - with one of these days supposedly marking an “end date” on the now-infamous long count calendar of the ancient Maya.

These dates come on the heels of a number of other popular doomsday prophecies that have since failed.

Philadelphia’s Penn Museum summed up the calendar theory in a special Maya-themed edition of its Expedition magazine: “Now, by the best reckoning available to us, December 23, 2012 CE will see the end of the next 13th Bak’tun cycle, 5,125 years after the one completed in 3114 BCE. Many people believe that this anniversary is of huge cosmic significance and, indeed, that it will mean either the dawn of a new age of enlightenment, or a catastrophic collapse of the world as we know it, or even the end of time itself.”

Best reckoning available. Note those words.

Every reputable news article, scientist’s report, or television special on the 2012 phenomenon is laced with similar qualifying phrases. Each tells their audience about what “may,” “might” or “could” happen. They have to state that only some of Maya descent believe doomsday is approaching - and that some archaeologists believe a cataclysmic event is set to occur. Realize that “some” likely means a tiny minority. When journalists and TV presenters have concrete numbers proving their point, they use them.

In actuality, no one knows what will happen at the end of this year. Every idea is mere speculation - with the ancient Maya’s calendar and legends offering no definitive proof of what will occur.

Still, the theories are legion. Many are convinced this date will mean cataclysmic disasters the likes of super-volcanoes erupting, geography-altering earthquakes, and city-destroying tsunamis - purportedly brought on by a sudden shift of Earth’s magnetic poles, a surge in solar storms, or alignment of the earth, sun and “galactic center” of the Milky Way Galaxy.

Another camp feels the date will mark an age of spiritual awakening where mankind will learn to live in harmony with nature.

Yet apocalyptic notions do not end with prophetic ideas, and there are those who believe global warming will cause substantial changes to Earth’s climate. This may come through a sudden increase in extreme weather or a catastrophic rise in ocean levels. In America, a Yale University poll found that 62 percent of citizens reported seeing “unusual weather” within the last year, and 69 percent believe “global warming is affecting the weather in the United States.”

Another segment of the population has stockpiled guns, ammunition and food supplies in case of complete government collapse or nuclear war.

End-of-the-world fever is in the air. An Ipsos poll revealed that among global citizens, one in 10 believes the world will end in 2012. One in seven believes the world will end in his lifetime.

Think. If you see seven people on the street, one of them feels the world will end in the coming years.

Time and again, millions are more than willing to give themselves over to these theories - some seemingly credible, others utterly bizarre or strange.

For now, December 2012 is the flavor of the week. As the clock ticks down, expect a surge in compulsory news media coverage, wild “world’s end” parties, and tragic reports of those who commit suicide out of fear of what may come to pass.

Yet after so many failed doomsday end dates, why is society willing to consider December 2012?

Read more at The Real Truth

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