The Mayan Calendar and Christian Response to 2012
73The Maya civilization is a Mesoamerican civilization, noted for the only known fully developed written language of the pre-Columbian Americas, as well as its art, architecture, and mathematical and astronomical systems. Initially established during the Preclassic period, many of these reached their apogee of development during the Classic period (c. 250 CE to 900 CE), and continued throughout the Post classic period until the arrival of the Spanish. At its peak, it was one of the most densely populated and culturally dynamic societies in the world. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_civilization)
From this Mesoamerican civilization and its astronomical systems arose a calendar with predictions which would become a topic of end time events for the 21st century. This remarkable calendar of the Ancient Mayans predicts that an event of major proportions will take place on December 21, 2012. Unfortunately, the Mayans did not specify what the major event will be but doomsday believers hold tight to the notion that the world will end on this day. Scientists have various assumptions, theories, and philosophies as to what scientifically could happen. Their theories include major earth changing events such as Galactic alignment, Pole shift, Solar magnetic reversal, and Solar maximum. They believe these events will result from threats such as Meteorite or Comet impact, Gamma rau burst, Extraterrestrials, or nuclear explosions.
According to researchers the Mayans astronomical predictions were based on a collection of systematic calendars similar to the ones used by earlier Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Zapotec, Olmec, and Aztecs. These calendars date as far back as 6th century BCE. Among these systematic calendars were basically two main calendars. One was solar and the other was planetary - based on the movement of the planet Venus, in conjunction with other planets and stars. The two calendars overlapped each other and each was based on a five thousand year cycle. As one was ending the other was already in progress. Therefore, it’s not that the Mayans were predicting the end of the world. Based on their calculations of a five thousand year cycle they predicted that one event calendar was ending on December 21, 2012 and another one beginning on December 22, 2012. In other words, they were simply predicting the end of the five thousand year solar or planetary calendar. Although their scientists and astronomers did look for and anticipated natural disasters, they did not view them as world ending events. Modern day research suggests that the December 21, 2012 date is related to a not-so-well known phenomenon called the precession of the Equinoxes -or- a five thousand year planetary cycle.
The numeric predictions of the Mayan calendar are based on the computation of the Mayan value of pi whose value is possibly more reliable than any European pi. This makes the Mayan calendar remarkably accurate. However, it does not predict the end of the world in 2012. To some the assumptions of world ending events is just another doomsday prediction on the level of Y2K born out of the human need for a cosmic change or a solution to human suffering on this planet, and revenge against those who impose such sufferings.
So what are the Christians response to this doomsday prediction? Christians can be classified as the group most likely to believe in such doomsday predictions based on their understandings and acceptance of end time events as described in the book of Revelation. However, most mature Christians conclude that this is just another bogus assumption born out of a lack of Biblical knowledge. They cite one text from the Bible to justify this position which is found in the book of Matthew 24:36. “But of that day and hour knows no man, neither angels of Heaven nor the Son, but my Father.”
December 21, 2012 will definitely be an interesting day...and so will December 22, 2012 when the sun will rise and sat - just as it has being doing for over six billion years - give or take a few centuries.
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I just heard about this 2012 prediction and the alignment of the planets, "as for me and my house, I will serve the Lord" i feel that is the best course of action, espcially since no matter what happens we do not have control of it, and God is in control and as the Bible states, we will not know the hour or the day, I do concede that this world of ours is in sad shape, I continue to pray diligently for the repentance of America as a Nation, God Bless Us Everyone
Excellent response to this latest "fear tactic". I remember all the fury surrounding the "Y2K" problem. I just couldn't believe the lack of common sense from some of my friends who worked as computer analysts. Or, the number of times after 9/11 when I received that bogus email (like so many of us did) about Nostradamus' predictions concerning the tower attacks. I believe that the bible has it right: no one knows the day or the hour. Still, has to make you wonder why so many of us fall for this stuff time after time. I'm just skeptical enough to think this is more about boosting sales in a sagging economy than any apocalyptic rendering. I'm more worried about how Wall Street got away with our money.
Thanks everyone for the comments. It seems that every generation has a doomsday prophet and yet the planet has been here for over 6 billion years. Whose next?!
The bible staes this above ... Wo do not know the return of christ, he return like a theif in the night.
But this still could happen as 2012 end of world. This does not mean god will return at that time, it just marks the beginning and start, of which prophecy has fortold. We just need to be more alert to it. Just because a astroid or solor flares or etc. Attacks us, does not mean this is god returning. Lets not forget this could all happen, than after god will return.
Time will tell. Do not be decieved, of what you read. Keep an open mind. And on the forshadow of Nos? His prophecies are very accurate. He was just behind a couple years on one (Halleys Comet). All others have been accurate, to the years.
I beleive in God very much. What do I think? I am not sure. There is much in the way of Revelation Prophecy going on right now, thats for sure. I am not positive this is the end though. A few things still need to happen. Read your bibles...
Hello Spanky, thanks for the comments. I agree, a disaster could very well happen but it will not necessarily be the end of the world. A student of Biblical study will adopt your conclusions that no man knows the end.
I think you all make very valid pionts , but a fear based report is one brought on by the enemy and causes fear in people , I think as christian and ones who have are hope grounded in the word of God are not moved by this report or that report. Iam always amazed at how a bible beleive christian will take what cnn says over what the word says . God has not come to give us the spirit of fear but love power and a sound mind . Gods plan was always to reconcile the world to himself and to have relantionship with us it is the greastest love story . He is in control and he has us in his hands that is a great feeling . That gives me a peace that passes understanding and cnn reports .
Jeremy O: I agree with you that the key is to know, and believe, the word of God. When we know what the word of God says, then anything else is just entertainment.
You showed up in related hubs. There are plenty of interesting revelations happening right now.
Chapter 12 of revelations has 1260 and two wings of a great eagle.
My initials are SJD the same as the three letter code for San Jose Cabo Airport. When I first started having my revelations flight 1260 From San Jose Cabo(SJD) was a flight to Chicago Ohare IL(ORD). When I looked up the flight that's the way I saw it excluding the bold of course. ORD is the three letter code for Ohare Airport.
The thought surrounding 2012 are interesting... like the 11:11 thing. But regardless of what happens, there is little use worrying about the future. (As Jesus said) It will make no difference. To be prepared always, is something else, but still, we are told, in the Bible, not to be afraid of sudden disaster.
End of the earth? Nope. Don't think so. There is still the Millennium Reign to look forward to.
Christa Dovel: I totally agree that there are multiple thoughts regarding 2012 but like you, I am not buying them except what the bible says. I know a lot of people would dissagree with Biblical teachings and that's OK -to each his/her own.
Thanks for the feedback!
Christa Dovel: I totally agree that there are multiple thoughts regarding 2012 but like you, I am not buying them except what the bible says. I know a lot of people would dissagree with Biblical teachings and that's OK - to each his/her own.
what ever happens i cant wait for the movie hope its a good one
shhar - if hollywood has anything to do with it the movie will be rated PG14 for mature audiences only and will include the planets making love while humans are dying by the millions. ...and oh yeah, let's not forget the one man who will save the world who will be played by Brad Pitt. :)
Interesting analysis, there are a lot more resources on the Mayan Apocalypse page:
Mayan Apocalypse - Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I will visit the mayan apocalypse site. Thanks for the reference.
I trust God in all things. We are to keep our lamps full of oil because we do not know the day or the hour of the bridegrooms return. So we are not to panic or fear, but we are to know the signs of his return and be prepared. When He left He told us to go all over the world making deciples of everyone. Do not let the Master return and find you in slumber. Keep working for the Kingdom, and do not fear. Your savior is coming! Come Lord Jesus!
In the last Mayan codex, it shows the destruction of the earth with water. As Christians we know God's promise that he would never again destroy the earth with water as in the Great Flood. And in fact, God says that the earth will be destroyed by fire. I will always believe God. These Mayans were heathen who sacrificed humans which is against all biblical teaching. So why would God show a heathen culture his plans? It doesn't make any sense.
Brenda - thanks for the candid and truthful comments. We need to live a Christian life as if everyday is our last.
The last time I went to Mexico I visited the ruins of the Mayan city of Chitzen Itza. I was speaking with a Mayan tour guide who seems mildly amused by the whole 2012 thing sweeping America (notice it's not happening so much in Europe or Asia). He told me that just as our years end at midnight on December 31 their calendar ends on 12/21/12. And just as our new block of time begins on January 1, theirs rolls over as well. Has nothing to do with worldwide cataclysm or any of this new age nonsense.
Mike - I can imagine what they must be thinking about North Americans on this subject! Visiting the ruins must have been amazing.
sorry i do not spell very well.math is my subject.and intuition and premintion.what is they were right,the mayans if the world had cyclies.and we as a people are changing that cycle. but mother nature "GOD" had a back up plan to reasure that the cycles would remain.elements get heavier when cold.what goes up must come down climate.what if the cycle is to reasure that mother nature "THE WORLD" cleans her self "pollution"think about it we stop the atlantic ocean belt the east coast gets cold and dry and what else???i think there will be changes 2012 i think it will start slow like most things do then the dam will burst fast at the end thing always start slow then speed up.and for people that think going under ground is the way to safety i think the last place u will want to be is underground high ground in the best bet.maybe nothing will happen but i will go with cycles and u look at the past thing cool after they heat up.
history repeats itself.i do not think it is the end of the world or the end of man.but i think or i know that and it may not be 2012 . but life for man and woman will change if u look at history civilization end and begin.cycles.we are to smart for our own good.i think that we are put so many pollutens in the air and in the food that we eat.86% of people will hv cancer by 2015. but if there by 2012 is big problems.then most of those will alrady be gone.i think in 3 to 5 years man will alter genes that when babies are born not all but a start of a few then it will grow that they are born with a gene to stop cancer. peoplelook for a cure for cancer it is better to stop thing before it starts that is the cure.that is why in think the earth is going to go through a cooling period and very fast in 3 to 5 yrs i hope i am wrong not about stopping cancer like i said the cure is to stop it before it starts i hope we can stop cancer but i hope i am wrong about the cycles.i hope man will learn to love.and to make better life as we know it.your friend jeff
just remember GOD is great the son the father and the holy spirit.and what does he love to hear most hallelujah praise god and the son hallelujah
we are for sure changing thing.it is impossible to say we are not all the CO2 going into the air.plus cutting down of the amazon rain forest,think about it mexico is down to 10% of there rain forest of what they had to start with thank u fast food companiesthey leveled them in the late 1970s early 80s fo cows.a boy name Omar casrillo gallegos at 9 yrs. old saw on tv that the rain forest where being chopped down. so he told his father the he was going to walk from mexico city to chapes mexico his father asked why he told his father he want to save the rain forest there that if he did not save it that children later will only beable to study it in books later. how could a 9yr old boy hv this intuition and see that far ahead. he was on tv when this was taking place.his father made him stop because the family was in danger there lifes big money was to be made with fast food they needed land cows baby the burgers u eat.so he stopped the movement.that boy is a grown man that live in cancun mexico ihow do i know all this i live in mexico for 5 yrs at the time omar lived in mexico city when my son was born i had to go the i lived in veracruz, boca del rio my wifewas friends with his i had to take my son to the US consulate in mexico city they gave us a place to stay there.he showed me all the videos were he was on tv.tv shows news ect.then it all stopped.danger.are we our own problem do we hv to fear ourselves.if so GOD help us
Hi Jeff, thanks for stopping by. I agree that man is contributing to the problem significantly however, we're also facing planetary changes which affects atmospheric forces on plant earth as being witnessed with the polar ice caps. We're probably within 5,000 years of the end of the ice age and entering the period of global warming. It would be interesting to see what the climate will be like on planet earth in the next 1000 years. Of course human beings will still be around as we will most likely evolutionize with the climate.
It's some scary stuff!!
thank u for responding my friend yes i know the planets are coming around.i think that is god sure way to clean the earth fast cooling.people can say yes we are getting hotter but what if part of the earth cool.kind of like a house u hv some parts that are hotter then other part .and no it is not scary remember GOD is great it is all in his plan and all that he does is good.anyone that would like to talk can call 336 577 6595 GOD IS GREAT
jeff - you're right again - it is God and He is in control.
i think we shouldnt waste are time talking about something that isnt gonna happen... It dosent state in the bible that the end of world is 2012..... But it does say that he is coming "soon" we dont know when jesus is coming back and neither does he, remember 1 thousand days in heaven is like 1 day on earth.
i dont care - you're absolutely right in that Jesus is coming soon but no man knows when. The Mayans however never predicted that the world would end in 2012. This is a fantasy of 21st century man. If you read my article on "religious Leaders and their end time predictions" you'll see that this is just another form of entertainment.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
I AGREE WITH BRENDA AND JXB7076 COMMENTS...ALL SIGNS IN THE BIBLE IS REVEALING AND GOD WILL COME ANYTIME, SO AS HIS CHILDREN WE MUST BELIEVE IN HIM...EVENTHOUGH 1000 FALL BESIDE U BUT U WILL NOT FALL WITH THEM FOR GOD WILL PROTECT U...ONLY GOD KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF US..FOR HE CAN GIVE US LIFE AND HE CAN TAKE IT AWAY ANYTIME,ANYWHERE....SO WE MUST SEEK GOD FIRST IN OUR LIFE AND HE WILL SHOW US THE WAY...SORRY IF MY ENGLISH IS BROKEN....
I AGREE WITH BRENDA AND JXB7076 COMMENTS...ALL SIGNS IN THE BIBLE IS REVEALING AND GOD WILL COME ANYTIME, SO AS HIS CHILDREN WE MUST BELIEVE IN HIM...EVENTHOUGH 1000 FALL BESIDE U BUT U WILL NOT FALL WITH THEM FOR GOD WILL PROTECT U...ONLY GOD KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF US..FOR HE CAN GIVE US LIFE AND HE CAN TAKE IT AWAY ANYTIME,ANYWHERE....SO WE MUST SEEK GOD FIRST IN OUR LIFE AND HE WILL SHOW US THE WAY...SORRY IF MY ENGLISH IS BROKEN....
linda says - Thanks for stopping by and commenting. By the way, your english is great!
Denny Lyon says:
11 months ago
Interesting read. Seems like we are already into a global paradigm shift. Literalists worry too much, fear too much, war too much - completely missing the point of Jesus' message. They choose to remain ego Christians and resist developing into spiritual Christians.
Speculation on this event as foretold by an ancient civilization? My guess is there is a new spiritual epoch coming to mankind and is nothing to fear. Society has not matched their spiritual growth to their technological growth. Perhaps the new epoch will be a course correction - heaven for those who are simpatico with personal growth and sheer hell for those who resist, fuss and fight.
Besides, as a Christian I take Jesus at His Word: "Have no fear; trust Me." - literally! :) It's that simple; just rest in it.