An
Interview
with J. Allan Danelek, Author of 2012:
Extinction or Utopia
by
Llewellyn
1.
Why is 2012 said to be “the end of the world as we know it?” What are
the implications of this statement?
Several
books written over the last few years have suggested that when the
Mayan Long Count calendar ends its fifth 5,125 year cycle on December
21, 2012, it will usher in a time of transition as the world moves into
its next 5,125 year cycle. Some have interpreted this ancient belief to
mean a number of catastrophic events will occur on that date, while
others suggest this “end” will be more of a spiritual transition point
rather than a physical event. In either case, millions believe the date
holds tremendous significance for the future of humanity.
2.
Besides the Mayan prophecy, are there others that state that the year
2012 will
bring about worldwide change?
Several
cultures over the centuries have supposedly made the case for cyclic
changes taking place throughout history. Outside the Mayans, perhaps
the Hopi are the best known for this, as are a few others as well.
However, none of these groups have made specific claims as to when
these cycles end or begin, the 2012 date being more a recent addition
to these supposedly “ancient” beliefs than an original element of their
teaching. It’s also important to recognize that many cultures that
integrate astrology into their religious beliefs work around the
premise of “earth cycles,” so none of these other belief systems are
particularly unique in that respect.
However, I believe 2012 has been
effectively co-opted
by many in the “ends time business,” who have come out of the woodwork
in an attempt to tie their individual ends-time ideas to the year. In
effect, once 2012 became popularized, it became a magnet for every ends
time belief system out there, much like honey attracting bees. The fact
is that when one examines most of these ideas that predate the current
2012 craze, they’ll find little or no mention of when these cycles are
set to end or begin. The 2012 date is merely handy.
3.
The 2012 prophecy can be classified as a “doomsday,” or “end of the
world,” prophecy. Why are such annihilistic beliefs often repeated
throughout history?
I suppose
it has to do with the fact that until comparatively recently, life was
hard, brutal, and short. As such, end of the world prophecies promised
a way to escape the cruelties of life by ushering in a golden age or,
at very least, creating a path to heaven. In effect, they are an escape
mechanism.
4.
There have been several prophecies, “doomsday” or otherwise, in the
past that have failed to come true. Why do you think that is?
Because all doomsday prophecies are
nothing more than one person’s idea
of what they believe will happen, based purely on their own intuition,
imagination or misreading of ancient holy texts. In effect, they fail
because the people making the predictions don’t know what they’re
talking about.
5. Are there any prophecies
that you feel have been proven “true?”
Click here
to read
the full interview.
Back
to Top
|
