2012: Are We Really Screwed?
As many of you know or have heard by now, there’s a movie coming out in a couple days called 2012. The film is supposed to portray Armageddon, the End of Days, or whatever you wanna call it. When I first heard about the flick, I thought the movie was just going to be another case of The Day After Tomorrow, which I actually enjoyed despite several lackluster scenes. What I suspect will separate the 2 films is that the former is based on some message about taking care of the environment and the latter is about a prophesied day that the world would be royally screwed.
When I finally caught wind of the previews, I laughed a little. I had a moment of “Yeah right. The end of the world. Not in my lifetime.” Tidal waves? The earth caving in while I’m cruising across a bridge in my Altima sending me into a crevice of the earth only to be burned by lava worse than Mario when he missed his mark? Get the eff outta here with all that hot mess! I’m sure many of you have had similar thoughts when you saw the previews or heard about the flick. I figured that I’ll go see it once it comes out, eat some popcorn, enjoy, go home, and then have sex it be outta sight outta mind. But this past weekend I ended up in church—on a Saturday nonetheless. And coincidentally, this movie was one of the things that was talked about. The pastor man (Stay with me Cheekz, my atheist friend) was talkin’ about how the majority of folks take the concept of Armageddon and make light of it. He continued on about what people have done in their lives up to this point and what would happen to each of us in the afterlife in the world were to perish tomorrow.
Wait, Slim…you were in a Church?
Yes. I was in a Church. Did you not see my tweet or any of the corresponding messages from people that were confused because they thought I was Atheist? Fool you once, shame on me. Fool you twice…well, you just need to pay more damn attention.
Oh. Nevermind. Carry on.
Word. As I was sayin’, the man was talking about where people would end up in the afterlife and asked people to reflect on their life to this point and where they thought they would go. Not gonna lie. I got a tad bit concerned. I remember standing their thinkin’ “If I were to meet my demise right at this very moment, I might be in a world of trouble other than the one I’m living in.” I started thinkin’ about all the things that I’ve yet to accomplish or see through in this relatively short life that I’ve lived thus far.
I thought about all the phone calls I would have wished I made. I thought about a lot of stuff. I even realized that there are a lot of little things that I take for granted on the daily ranging from the people in my life to material things to my own talents and abilities. I think most of us are guilty of that to some degree. But honestly, as I continue to think about how times seem to be getting worse and worse across the world, I can’t help but think that maybe I should be taking this concept of Armageddon and the afterlife a little more seriously. Maybe I should start treating everyday like it will be my last. Not trying to be morbid. Just some food for thought.
So yeah, I didn’t take the hilarious or controversial approach today. Nonetheless, what do you think? Have you had any recent realizations that have led you to believe that it’s time to make some changes in your life? Do you think there is an afterlife? If so, do you think you’re on the plain to the nice fluffy place or that you’re gonna be floatin’ in purgatory…or perhaps gettin’ toasted like Quiznos? Are there things you’re taking for granted or do you feel that you’re giving your all daily? And lastly, do you think times are really getting that bad or are people just being dramatic? Pick one or answer ‘em all. The choice is yours.
Introspectively yet again,
34 Responses to “2012: Are We Really Screwed?”
Comments
Read below or add a comment...
Leave A Comment...
- Help Us Grow!
-
Yessss my favorite topic that has bee conquering my life these past few weeks. I’m a very open minded person and I truely believe the end is near. (Don’t judge me) I’ve been doing a lot of research and the Mayan calendar predicted many events that occured up-to date. And no,this is totally diff than the 2000 scare. We just need to open our eyes and realize nothing lasts forever. It sucks becuase I’m only going to be 24 in 2012. I agree to live evryday as if it were my last so I’m not afraid of the possible “armageddon”. I mean I will probably be more freaked out after seeing the movie on friday. Sigghhh
Reply
Slim Jackson Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Are you Christian or something else at this point?
Reply
I cannot wait to see the movie. I love end of the world movies lol. But seriously, I don’t know if or when the end is coming but I think people should always live everyday as if it’s the last day because even without the Armageddon death takes who it wants when it wants. I have experienced A LOT of death in my life so my philosophy has always been to do what I want when I want b/c tomorrow isn’t promised.
As for the afterlife, I have a very odd theory on that. I don’t really believe in hell. I just find it hard to believe that God would send any of his children to hell no matter how wrong they were in life. But maybe I am just hoping that is the case. Also, I don’t believe in it because I think everyone kinda has their own personal heaven. For instance if in my heaven I am expecting to be with the people I loved but those people weren’t good or saved or whatever term you want to use, but I was would God really keep me from being with them even if that is all I want in my heaven?
Reply
Yeah, N.I.A. is going to heaven. For me, there is only heaven or hell, no purgatory. Isn’t purgatory mostly a Catholic church concept? I don’t think baptists believe in purgatory, and I was raised Baptist, so no floating around in purgatory for me.
I know sometimes I take my friends for granted. My besties all live in other parts of the country, and I don’t always pickup when they call. In fact, I usually send them straight to voicemail. And then I feel horrible b/c what if something happens, and I never have a chance to talk to them again. It’s upsetting to think about…
Everyday I walk into the office, I realize I need to make some changes in my life. Don’t get me wrong, I am very grateful for my job and I praise God daily for it. But I’m not being challenged intellectually, and I know I need to go back to school to get to where I really want to be professionally. And I kick myself weekly for not getting my MA in International Relations along with my JD. It used to be a daily kick, but I’ve cut back.
Reply
Slim Jackson Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 10:06 am
I through purgatory in there to give people a middle ground.lol. I wanted to include some of the other religions, but I’m just not knowledgeable enough. I think a lot of folks take having a job for granted nowadays. I definitely know i’ve been there.
Reply
Seattle Washington Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Never knew that, guess because I was raised Catholic.
But yeah, Purgatory is the green room for Heaven.
Reply
N.I.A. loves the kids... and plans to stay home to take care of them. Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Thanks for clarification. I always though it was the place you went when you weren’t good enough to get into heaven, but you weren’t bad enough to get into hell…
Question–How long do you wait in Purgatory? I’m just curious. Some things about the Catholic church really fascinates me. Especially the historical role the Catholic church had in shaping how we all, protestants and Catholics, do things now. In terms of celebration, symbols, and such.
Reply
Seattle Washington Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
From what I remember, you stay in Purgatory for however long it takes you to realize the wrong of your sins and repent. Also there is no sense of time in purgatory, so it can feel like eternity or a split second.
Reply
Seattle Washington Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
And my bad, I didn’t mean like a real waiting room. Lol. You’re right, it’s for those who are not totally damned and those who are not pure enough to just walk right into Heaven.
They gotta be rinsed off and shined up before they can get to the pearly gates.
Reply
I find it funny that these movies usually have a Black man as President when the end of days occurs. So… yeah…
With that said, I’m all about living each day like it’s your last, but you won’t catch me swinging from the chandeliers nor will you see me acting pious 24/7. Because it’s probably not the last day and you have to live with those decisions tomorrow. Y’know, when everyone is still alive and looking at you like you’re crazy.
Moderation is cool. I’m not a truly religious person – I haven’t gone to Church since I graduated from Catholic school, when they made me go. I just try to live my life by what I think is just and morally right.
Question – Do the more religious folk think that civilized heathens like myself have a chance of getting into Heaven? Folks that may not go to Church/Temple/Mosque or hold the Bible/Qu’ran/Torah ever so tightly, but still walk a straight path?
Reply
Cheekie Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 10:54 am
“I find it funny that these movies usually have a Black man as President when the end of days occurs. So… yeah…”
Wow, good point. *thinks about this*
Dayum…
Reply
N.I.A. loves the kids... and plans to stay home to take care of them. Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 11:01 am
Personally, I’m just glad the the movies never show the anti-christ as a black man…
Reply
Seattle Washington Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 11:08 am
You mean, the movies that are out now…
Reply
“2012: Are We Really Screwed?”
We are if Sarah Palin is elected President. *shudders at the very thought*
Since I rather lollygag than do work (no, let’s just call it multi-tasking…I’m still doing work. lol), I’ll try to answer all the questions at the end of the post.
“Have you had any recent realizations that have led you to believe that it’s time to make some changes in your life?”
– I have actually. Nothing major, just changing my outlook on life. I’ve realized that I’m getting too comfortable in “routine” and I should change it up a bit. I’m growing more comfortable with myself than I was even just 3-5 years ago. I’ve decided to take more advantage of life in every little way I can.
“Do you think there is an afterlife?”
– I do, actually. But maybe it’s because I’m of the thought — and I’m about to get really deep here…lol — that our spirit is who we really are. And that NEVER dies. So, to get technical, there is not really an “afterlife” as there is an “after-body”. I believe we continue to live, just not in this body. I also believe in reincarnation. There are too many moments of “I feel like I know you from somewhere” with people I’ve never even met. Not in THIS life. Yeah, it’s kooky, but that’s who I am. lol
“If so, do you think you’re on the plain to the nice fluffy place or that you’re gonna be floatin’ in purgatory…or perhaps gettin’ toasted like Quiznos?”
- I truly think whatever you create here or believe in, is where you’ll go.
“Are there things you’re taking for granted or do you feel that you’re giving your all daily?”
- I try not to, but I’m human, I take things for granted…subconciously. It really takes focus to stop and think about everything you have, everytime you encounter something and truly appreciate it. But, I’m learning to appreciate the simple things, like a smile from my nephew or the beautiful colors the tree leaves are turning into.
“And lastly, do you think times are really getting that bad or are people just being dramatic?”
- Frankly, I don’t wanna know. I think that’s the beauty of life. That you don’t know when you’re gonna die (one main reason I’m not completely for the death penalty). I don’t wanna know a world where everyone knew the exact day/time of their death. It would be utter chaos. I’m happy living in the now.
Reply
Slim Jackson Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 10:54 am
This comment is beast and I appreciate it.lol.
Reply
Hugh Jazz Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Cheekie: “about to get really deep here…lol — that our spirit is who we really are. And that NEVER dies”
You don’t have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body. CS Lewis
Reply
Cheekie Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Oooh, lovin’ that quote. Gotta share that one.
Thanks!
Reply
I actually do think the end is very near. I think about it everyday and it’s hella scary. Lately, I’ve been trying to find “the truth” because I don’t wanna get toasty in the afterlife. I do think there’s a heaven and I wanna do everything I can now to make sure I’m front and center when the time comes. What I don’t like though is the number of religions out there saying that they are the true chosen people of God and putting other religions down when I think none of us know that. In terms of purgatory, I think we’re in it right now…
And I’m definitely NOT going to see that 2012 movie. Reading revelations is already scary enough! Lol…
Reply
Seattle Washington Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 11:36 am
I read revelations when I was a kid. Messed. Me. Up.
Reply
We live a world filled with confusion. In fact, this topic has been brought up for as long as I remember. Why is it so important to be concerned about living today like its your last??? How about living today like its your first?? Both concepts lead you no where.
Why is that people feel that church will solve the matter of understanding the afterlife?? Has the pastor been there, has been awakened by lost loved one?? No one knows!! and until you get there you wont know either.
Reply
Slim Jackson Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 11:22 am
You asked a couple of loaded questions. I have my thoughts, but I’m hoping some other folks will come out the woodworks today to answer them.
Reply
Cheekie Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 11:46 am
“Why is it so important to be concerned about living today like its your last??? How about living today like its your first??”
I’m of the belief that you should just live. Like, I said above, I’m happy in the now. The past and future are the main causes of worry, IMO. If we stop thinking about what has happened and/or what will happen, I think we’d live a more fruitful life.
“Why is that people feel that church will solve the matter of understanding the afterlife?? Has the pastor been there, has been awakened by lost loved one?? ”
Honestly, I don’t think the pastor is any closer to that revelation that I am. Which is why I don’t go to church. I’m open to going with someone, but I don’t need to go. I don’t believe there is a one person who is “closer to God” than someone else.
Reply
LouiseKay Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
“Why is that people feel that church will solve the matter of understanding the afterlife?? Has the pastor been there, has been awakened by lost loved one?? No one knows!! and until you get there you wont know either.”
The Bible says, “he that has eyes let him see, he that has ears let him hear” (…if you need it I’ll find the actual reference) This is to say, study life, study religion, THINK: take time to be quiet & introspective, etc, and then LIVE. GOD didn’t give you a brain & life to follow someone else (blindly) and the pastor/church will not be “punished” for your faults and vice-versa. (at least that’s my take on things)…Also church/pastor, at best, is suppose to supply a road map or food for thought, we’re “judged” on how we digest ALL the things life feeds you…(again, just my interpetation)
Reply
Slim Jackson Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Coincidentally, I was at a study last nite and this was discussed specifically. Perhaps that’s why I was up late writing this here post.lol.
Reply
LouiseKay Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
lol, probably so.
And PS- I am going to see the movie cuz I’m just that kind of chick. I like to see things blown up, and action, horror etc (not mushy romantic drama-I KNOW!)…Anyway it looks like fun, idk if itll be good, but fun perhaps…
Reply
Nonetheless, what do you think?
-do i believe that the world will end in my lifetime. nope if i really believed that i wouldn’t be in school right now wasting my time. i would be out living my life without fear of consequence or repercussions.
Have you had any recent realizations that have led you to believe that it’s time to make some changes in your life?
- although things seem to get worse and worse each year i still think there is a lot good on earth. also God did make a covenant with Noah that he would never again flood the earth.
And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. Genesis 8:21
Do you think there is an afterlife?
-i was brought up to believe in an afterlife and i still do. i believe in heaven as well as hell. i try to live my life in accordance to God’s will because i want to live in everlasting glory in His kingdom.
If so, do you think you’re on the plain to the nice fluffy place or that you’re gonna be floatin’ in purgatory…or perhaps gettin’ toasted like Quiznos?
- i believe that the gates of heaven will be different for every person as well as the lake of fire. it just depends.
Are there things you’re taking for granted or do you feel that you’re giving your all daily?
-i definitely feel like there is a lot i can do differently. i am still a work in progress. if i were to be judged today i would have worries as i should. i am man so therefore i sin. i just hope that i am in God’s favor.
And lastly, do you think times are really getting that bad or are people just being dramatic?
-i definitely feel like times are getting bad but i think overall there are more good and decent people in this world than there are evil.
Reply
“Do you think there is an afterlife? ”
I believe in the afterlife if your definition of “afterlife” means Life After Death. Whether you go to “Heaven” (mental state after you have gained wisdom, knowledge and understanding) or “Hell” (mental state where you remain ignorant even after being given knowledge and wisdom) depends on how you live in the here and now. It is possible to be in Heaven and Hell in your earthly form. The ones who are “Blessed” in the afterlife are the folks who serve others w/there time on this planet and leave a foundation for your offspring to better themselves and the people around them.
“Are there things you’re taking for granted or do you feel that you’re giving your all daily?”
I know there are many things in which I take for granted. Hell, most people take the very air which we breath for granted. The things I’ve realized I take for granted most include time, family and friends which is why I try to use my time as valuably as possible (still working on it), and always offer a hand to a friend or family member when I can, even if I don’t sometimes feel like it.
“And lastly, do you think times are really getting that bad or are people just being dramatic?”
Honestly, I don’t think our times are really that much worse, nor even come close to what some of our ancestors and elders have faced. SLAVERY! CIVIL RIGHTS! ETC.! I believe most people are dramatic when it comes to these situation b/c they don’t know how to focus their energy on things which could help enlighten & evolve themselves and others around them. It doesn’t hurt that there is now 24/7 access news/media outlets which only in turn increase the DRAMA (whatever it may be both GOOD N BAD)…
Reply
I believe I’m living this life just to live again and Heaven is my goal. Once when I was about 8 I thought the rapture had occurred. My parents weren’t home. The streets were quiet. And nobody answered when I called. I finally got my granddaddy and started crying that Jesus forgot about us. Then my parents came home and I calmed down.
One would think all my years of Christian upbringing would keep me on the straight and narrow. But sometimes you go off to college, start doing your own thing, get mad at the world and forget about God.
Since moving closer to home, I’ve started examining myself and the way I live my life . I realized I wanted to do right in the sight of God for myself not because of all those years of listening to my daddy, granddaddy, uncles and cousins preach. If I really believe what I say I believe then I should start acting like it. I can’t stand hypocrites so I definitely need to stop being one when it comes to my relationship with God. Otherwise, I am on my way to Hell in a hand basket with a VIP pass and gasoline drawers.
This world has come so far from its past, but sometimes the future doesn’t seem much brighter. I do believe the end times are near. The question is just how much. All I know is I’m trying to get myself right for when that moment comes.
Reply
Slim Jackson Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
“I realized I wanted to do right in the sight of God for myself not because of all those years of listening to my daddy, granddaddy, uncles and cousins preach. If I really believe what I say I believe then I should start acting like it.”
Annnnd this is where I think most of us #fail. Appreciate this comment though. Just the type of perspective I was hoping to hear today.
Reply
Toni is trying to get right before she gets left Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Thank you kindly. Had to call up my daddy and share this post.
Reply
LittleMissSunshine Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
You have said every single thing I’ve wanted to say.
“I realized I wanted to do right in the sight of God for myself not because of all those years of listening to my daddy, granddaddy, uncles and cousins preach. If I really believe what I say I believe then I should start acting like it. I can’t stand hypocrites so I definitely need to stop being one when it comes to my relationship with God. Otherwise, I am on my way to Hell in a hand basket with a VIP pass and gasoline drawers.”
Reply
Have you had any recent realizations that have led you to believe that it’s time to make some changes in your life?
Not any recent realizations, but if I claim to be a Christian, I probably need a little more application in my life.
Do you think there is an afterlife?
Yes. If you actually believe Christianity, I’m not sure how you can’t. Unless Jesus, Paul, Stephen, Isaiah, Daniel and John were all just crazy.
If so, do you think you’re on the plain to the nice fluffy place or that you’re gonna be floatin’ in purgatory…or perhaps gettin’ toasted like Quiznos?
Doing my best to get to the fluffy place, or at least the place that Jesus said He was going to prepare. I’m not sure how fluffy it’s going to be.
Are there things you’re taking for granted or do you feel that you’re giving your all daily?
Not generally, but we always seem to take things the little things for granted.
And lastly, do you think times are really getting that bad or are people just being dramatic?
I think people believe times are getting bad because they have a parochial American point of view. Things are much worse for people in various parts of the world. They would kill for our bad times.
Not to mention the Bible said Chrisitians would suffer for the sake of the Gospel. We’ve had it pretty good for a long time. I’m not exactly sure where Creflo Dollar and all the prosperity ministries are coming from. I guess people just want to hear about sunshine and rainbows, even if it’s not reality.
Reply
Thanks for the shout out Slim… sorry if my evil atheist views make people look at you differently.
To be short, I don’t believe in an afterlife. I have no idea if there is actually is one, however I have seen no reasonable evidence that there is. So why would I waste any part of my life getting ready for something that might exist (that is like Y2K all over again).
As for 2012 mumbo gumbo, NASA has actually gone out of their way to disprove this theory and you can hire a professional independent scientist to prove it to you. Wolf Blitzer did a story on it tonight.
I fear death, b/c its so hard to plan for. I am going through life as if I have time. But if I knew I was going to be dead by thirty I would have gone about my business differently. To be honest, I would have sinned more, run up my credit, drank more, and slept with more women. I denied myself so much ‘brief’ joy in the hopes that I would have experienced long lasting joy with my wife kids and house. But if I’m never going to see that life and there is no afterlife, what’s the point of being a nice guy? If I knew the world was ending back when I met my SO, I wouldn’t even had been open to the possibilities of being with someone.
As for Heaven and Hell: The concept of Hell doesn’t exist in the Bible or original Christian Dogma. Many of the concepts that have become known as “Hell” are the results of the epic poem Dante’s Inferno. As for Heaven: Cold Beer, Giants’ Game (be great if they could win!), Brother Ali album on in the background, Sandwich w/ Potato Bread in one hand, Cheekie in the other…. naked.
Reply