The Disappointments of Numerology
Today is the anniversary of the Second Great Disappointment, what I consider one of the most memorable events in the history of Christianity in North America. That it followed the Great Disappointment like a bad, direct-to-video movie sequel just goes to show that not everything follows the “Even Better – Now with Manure Pile!” example set by the First and Second Defenestrations of Prague.
Note: I’m not kidding about the manure pile part, by the way – that’s an actual reference to a historical detail. Would you mind the smell if it saved you from dying after being tossed out a window?
NASA has a wonderful FAQ to respond to people asking if the world will end in 2012. Two examples:
Question (Q): Are there any threats to the Earth in 2012? Many Internet websites say the world will end in December 2012.
Answer (A): Nothing bad will happen to the Earth in 2012. Our planet has been getting along just fine for more than 4 billion years, and credible scientists worldwide know of no threat associated with 2012.
Q: What is the origin of the prediction that the world will end in 2012?
A: The story started with claims that Nibiru, a supposed planet discovered by the Sumerians, is headed toward Earth. This catastrophe was initially predicted for May 2003, but when nothing happened the doomsday date was moved forward to December 2012. Then these two fables were linked to the end of one of the cycles in the ancient Mayan calendar at the winter solstice in 2012 — hence the predicted doomsday date of December 21, 2012.
It gets better, folks!