Religion and The End of the World

[Littledevil]

Dec. 21, 2012 is 4 years away. Many believe that this will be the end of the world, Armagedon, the coming of the Anticrist. There have been several cultures over history including the Miyan, Egyptions, I Ching, Greek that is some of their historical documents all come to the conclusion of the same date 12/21/2012 as the end period. What does everyone think? Keep in mind that through out history every culture has thought the end of the world was coming in their lifetime or Apocalytic Events, theories, and what have you.

in my opionion, I just don't know. There is a lot of evidence that can support the end of the world theories. However they are just theories, and I don't believe anyone really knows when or how exactly it will happen. It all depends on your beliefs. I think the point of any of the religions is to LIVE your life to the fullest and do the best you can and not worry about the rest. There is a beginning and end to everything,

[Amarnagrape]

I think you're right, it all depends on your belief system. Some thought that the end was supposed to be 1914, others thought it would be 2000. Then there are others who don't even look at dates but rather the events that are happening. With the economy in a tailspin, I'm sure there are some that say the end is around the corner. I stand on no particular side. When the "end" comes, however that may be, there's nothing I'll be able to do about it anyway... so why stress?
For the time being, my belief in my Creator and the fact that He will direct my step during my time on Earth is good enough for me.

[Sam]

We all know we are born and we will die. The question is HOW? and WHEN?.
And even more important is "What will we do with the time we have in between?.
Do I believe we are seeing the end of time? Probably!
But I think it will be mostly because the balance of nature has been tampered with more than anything to do with religion.
Do I believe that some cultures have prophecied this. Yes to some extent. But I see their prophecies more as recorded words based on occurances in their own lifetimes. The ending of an ERA more so than the world.
One thing is for certain and that is everything is changing dramatically on this planet and whether or not some members of mankind survive the end result...who knows?
We are still trying to figure out what went on prior to the Ice Age. Is it possible we are heading for another one of those or is this just another step in the demise of mankind? I honestly don't know.
I think we are at a turning point in time but I am not sure where it will lead.
I'm just hoping that which ever way it goes...that I have all my bases covered.;)

[JustBecause]

To me, it's all beginnings. Every end marks the beginning of something new. Who's to say it won't be more fabulous that what came before?

Hakuna Matata, Don't worry, be happy...;)

[waltersv]

Well said, Amanagrape. I agree that it is what you personally believe that counts. I've been around long enough that I've come to believe that things happen for a reason. And don't even try to question it or even understand it; that's when my own motto kicks in - "Deal with it"!
Sam said it best -it's really how you live your life that counts. Anyone looking for a good read on this topic - I highly recommend Randy Pausch's "The Last Lecture". For anyone not familiar with this story, Randy was 48 years old, married with 3 young children. He was an amazingly talented professor from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, and he developed pancreatic cancer. With only a few months to live, he gave a lecture at the college titled "The Last Lecture"; it was videotaped, a book written, as well as guest appearances on TV. Inspirational and courageous can barely begin to describe his outlook, but the main purpose for this was to leave something behind not only for his students, but particularly for his own children. That is something this world has not grasped - what can we leave behind for our future generations?

[waltersv]

One other thought - December 21st is my birthday. It's already known as the shortest day of the year, I sure don't want it to be the end of the world, as well. That would be a rather lousy birthday present, don't you think?

[Littledevil]

I would have to agree that would be a lousy Birthday present. I don't think the world is going to end on that day. Just like nothing happened in 2000. If the human race is going to end it will be of our own doing I believe. Through annialation with nuclear bombs or Disease. Everything comes to an end at somepoint it's just when and how. Doesn't matter where

[wisdom]

Hi all. Just from this post, I felt I have met the few insightful people in this forum. :) I have heard of a saying, "Live as if you will die tomorrow." So I was wondering, if ever the end is going to happen, how does each and everyone spend the last moments of their life?

[Sam]

Wisdom I have come to the conclusion that if I cram every minute of my life I can with as much of the good stuff as I can into it and try to be the best person I can be that the final moments won't matter very much. I just don't want to be left lingering in a vegetative state any longer than necessary. To me that isn't living it's limbo and I don't want to be there.

[EvanStar4506]

From what I have studied in the Bible about the end of days, there will be very devastating events occurring and as bad as things seem now, we are no where near "catastrophic" yet.

My last days would be spent helping others.

[Littledevil]

Since I was a young girl, I have always felt like time is running out and that I don't have enough time. So I have learned to Live just as you have said. I live like today is my last and don't take anything for granted. I have my own version of a Kick the Bucket List. (Love that movie by the way) I have been bunging jumping, skydiving, skiing, traveled around the carribbean (not done with that one yet), Been on a 5 person wheely during a stunt show, Traveled Scotland, Traveled all over the US, and much more. I am the daredevil or adventurous one of our family. Most think I am nuts because of some of the things I have done. I love it though. So in short, my last days would be traveling with my family and spending as much time as I could with them.