According to a History Channel documentary on Doomsday, several sources--the Mayan Calendar, the Sibyl of Cumae, Mother Shipton, Merlin, and the I Ching--the world, or civilization as we know it, is slated to collapse on December 21st, 2012. It is quite possible that this may never happen. On the other hand, one cannot disregard what is happening around them. Everywhere around us, the environment is changing, and there is conflict everywhere. Thus far, the predictions seem to be happening.
But what IS the end of the world? What is the Apocalypse and what is Ragnarok? According to the Bible, Apocalypse is the final conflict between God and Lucifer, and the salvation of all souls on Earth. In the Eddas, Ragnarok is the final conflict between the Aesir and Loki's horde.
It is interesting to note that in both cases, the end of the world is not literal. The final chapter of the Book of Revelations speaks of a "New Heaven and a New Earth" and in the conclusion of Ragnarok, a new generation of man sets out to repopulate the earth.
Which brings me to this question: is the end of the world really the collapse of civilization and a regression to a primitive state?
5 comments:
I actually watched parts of a video at zeitgeistmovie.com. You may have heard of it. You might find it interesting if you are into this subject. It discusses the many similarities between world religions and the symbolism behind so many of their teachings. It was truly fascinating and definitely something to think about. They go into a big discussion about the ages and it really ties everything together nicely. They say that the end of the world is not approaching, but that a new age is upon us; age Aquarius begins in the year 2150. It also documents the many changes the Earth has experienced in the past marking the end of an age. I'm not sure what I believe the end of the world will be, but I am sure that the world is in great transition. Who knows what the future will bring?
I haven't done any investigation or study on this subject, but I would like to think the end of the world means the end of this chaotic state and transformation to a world free of wars and violence.
I think this really depends on which religion you look towards for an answer, but if you throw all religions out of the picture, I say the end of the world is when earth lacks any life.
I saw parts of this show, but I switched. It was a bit too scary for me. I prefer not knowing what is ahead (if the sources were accurate).
What ktpharr mentioned is true. The bible along with other worldly religions feel something will happen in the 22nd century. The end of Pisces! Note: Jesus Fish. Many of these beliefs stem directly from astrology. The "heavens" were mysterious and people over ages gazed up in the night skies in wonder of the universe and our existence. Many people made conclusions and assumptions that were passed down through generations. People noticed over thousands of years that the earth has "ages" in which they lasted about 2100 hundred years. WE live in the pisces age, and next will be aquarius. Heres a much better explaination:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st8h75CwY34
Watch videos 2-4.
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