2012 and the apocalypse

On December 21, 2012, the world as we know it will end. The Mesoamerican Long Count calendar will complete its thirteenth b'ak'tun cycle since it started about 5,000 years ago, which was when this prediction was originally made. It’s unclear whether this event will destroy the world, or transition it into a new state.

This prediction comes from Mayan cultures, but many other cultures have embraced it. A Dutch-language newspaper recently spoke to thousands of people who believe the prediction. Many of those interviewed have started stocking up on emergency supplies like life rafts and other equipment.

If the prediction turns out to be true, it will be a huge event. But if it’s false, the date will be the start of a great missionary opportunity. Either way, the date will have a significant impact on millions of people’s worldview. Many people who grew up believing a religion that follows this prediction will suddenly start questioning that belief system.

When missionaries starts witnessing to people, one of the first things they do is get the person to examine their beliefs. What do I believe? Do my beliefs make sense when compared with each other and the world? What impact have I seen from my belief? Those are all questions we all need to ask at some point in our life. We have the time to ask them at our own pace, but everyone who believes that prediction will be abruptly confronted with them.

We also have to consider that if the date turns out to be nothing, atheists and naturalists will jump on it and use it as further proof religion and anything supernatural is false.

The date could also turn out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. If large groups of people believe the world is about to end, we might see some rioting and looting. If those situations get bad enough, the followers of the religion might see it as a fulfillment of the prophecy.

No matter what happens, it’s going to be a very interesting holiday season.