Did the Maya really predict that the world would end in December of 2012? If not, how and why has 2012 millenarianism gained such popular appeal? In this deeply knowledgeable book, two leading historians of the Maya answer these questions in a succinct, readable, and accessible style. Matthew Restall and Amara Solari introduce, explain, and ultimately demystify the 2012 phenomenon. They begin by briefly examining the evidence for the prediction of the world's end in ancient Maya texts and images, analyzing precisely what Maya priests did and did not prophesize. The authors then convincingly show how 2012 millenarianism has roots far in time and place from Maya cultural traditions, but in those of medieval and Early Modern Western Europe. Revelatory any myth-busting, while remaining firmly grounded in historical fact, this fascinating book will be essential reading as the countdown to December 21, 2012, begins.

In 2012, the Bible, and the End of the World, bestselling prophecy expert Mark Hitchcock explores a fascinating last-days controversy that is gaining the attention of millions all over the globe. What should Christians make of the rapidly spreading speculations that the world will end on December 21, 2012? The ancient Mayans were expert astronomers and their advanced calendar cycles predict 12/21/2012 as a catastrophic day of apocalypse. This prophecy has spawned a growing number of fringe-element books, Web sites, and even a major movie—complete with all-star cast—scheduled to release in July 2009. Missing in the furor is a biblical perspective. Bible teacher Mark Hitchcock—whose books have sold more than 300,000 copies—examines the following questions: Why December 21, 2012? Can we trust the Mayan alarm clock? Does the Bible say anything about 2012? What signs will tell us that Armageddon is near? This book provides a fascinating survey of both the historical past and the prophetic future. Readers will discover how to effectively counter baseless speculation with biblical fact.

The final book of the Bible, Revelation prophesies the ultimate judgement of mankind in a series of allegorical visions, grisly images and numerological predictions. According to these, empires will fall, the "Beast" will be destroyed and Christ will rule a new Jerusalem. With an introduction by Will Self.

Described as a landmark in the ethnographic study of the Maya, this study of ritual and cosmology among the contemporary Quiché Indians of highland Guatemala has now been updated to address changes that have occurred in the last decade. The Classic Mayan obsession with time has never been better known. Here, Barbara Tedlock redirects our attention to the present-day keepers of the ancient calendar. Combining anthropology with formal apprenticeship to a diviner, she refutes long-held ethnographic assumptions and opens a door to the order of the Mayan cosmos and its daily ritual. Unable to visit the region for over ten years, Tedlock returned in 1989 to find that observance of the traditional calendar and religion is stronger than ever, despite a brutal civil war. ". . . a well-written, highly readable, and deeply convincing contribution. . . ." --Michael Coe

Acerbic dark humour meets hardcore science in this mind-boggling exploration of the nine worst ways the world could end Discover the mind-boggling science of the coming apocalypse! 'Curiously pleasurable… this will help you get your everyday problems into perspective.' Independent Which will get us first? The supervolcano in Yellowstone National Park? An asteroid hurtling through outer space? Black holes from CERN gobbling up the solar system? An army of deranged, super-intelligent AI? Or – who knows – alien invasion? Armed with lavish illustrations and their one-of-a-kind 'Catastrophometer', Dr David Darling and Dr Dirk Schulze-Makuch introduce the disasters you never saw coming, unpicking the science that makes them genuine possibilities, and providing everything from survival tips to danger ratings. So sit back, face the inevitable, and discover the delights of the nine oddest ways the world could end.

The End-of-the-World Delusion is a well-written, thoroughly researched, and very readable book. Deering's lively narrative makes complex and complicated topics accessible to the average reader. He certainly pulled me into his book despite my cynical view of the topic. Deering offers the reader riveting histories of end-of-the world beliefs and covers an extraordinary array of ground in this well-researched book, discussing everything from the Mayan end-of-times predictions, Christian rapture beliefs, pandemics, economic doomsday scenarios, and other apocalyptic predictions. Robert Watson, PhD, author/editor of thirty-four books, including The Presidents' Wives and America's War on Terror People from many different corners of civilization seem to be saying the same thing: the end is near. In The End-of-the-World Delusion, author Justin Deering explores such scenarios, discussing why they are not likely to occur or have any visible impact on this planet within our lifetime. Providing a thorough analysis, Deering chronicles the numerous instances of such predictions throughout history, examines frequent religious and cultural sources of these end-of-world claims, analyzes the sociological and psychological dynamics and dangers, and outlines other forms of end-times beliefs, ranging from religious to pop culture in nature. The End-of-the-World Delusion provides concrete information that helps evaluate these dubious assertions, relates how such beliefs have harmed individuals and society, and talks about why people are inclined to nurture such beliefs in the first place. Setting the record straight by detailing the history of failed doomsdays, Deering shows that nothing can be gained by worrying about the end of time, and that we must learn a lesson from the past, live in the present, and plan for the future.

Does the end of the Mayan Calendar start the countdown to Judgment Day? Biblical and historical researcher David Montaigne concludes that this is the case. He says that the end of the Mayan Long Count is the official start of the Bible’s seven-year tribulation-both were focused on the same astronomical events that occur from 2012 to 2019. The world as we know it will be gone by 2020. Texts from ancient India tell us about great cycles of destruction. The Egyptians told the same basic story with different names. The Maya reveal another version of the story, and were very clear about the timing of events from December 2012 to 2019. Your average American is no expert on these cultures, but most people do have a Bible at home-and the clearest details on what is about to happen can be found in the Bible, if you don't let someone else tell you which parts you should focus on. No, this isn't what you were taught in Sunday school. Religious leaders guide us between the raindrops of curious comments in the Bible. We are discouraged from focusing on the parts they say we weren't meant to understand. But if we stop glossing over these important passages we will understand a flood of details about the End Times. Our “leaders” are not ignorant of these events. The elite already know what is about to happen and they have made preparations most rational people would not believe, because evidence is suppressed to avoid chaos. They want us to remain ignorant, or at least to believe that the details are secrets that cannot be known. But the coming events (and their timing) are not secrets. Years ago, this book's publication would not have been tolerated by those in power. But by now it doesn't matter much-their plans are not going to be interfered with at this point. Your plans, however, can still be formulated, if you make the choice to understand. Topics include: Bible Prophecy; Matthew 24:36- Knowing the hour and the day; The Mayan Calendar and Mythology; Pole Shifts; Galactic Superwaves; Ancient Egypt; Ancient India; World Mythology; The Georgia Guidestones; The real Star of Bethlehem and the exact birthday of Christ; Calculating the Second Coming, and Judgment Day; more.

Born half-grown in a world that is being destroyed, Fisher has instinctive knowledge of many things, including that he must avoid the robot that knows his name.

"2012 and the Shift of the Ages" collects for the first time traditional Hopi myths of mankind's origins alongside the traditionalist elder's teachings and prophecies of the world's end. Their message is not one of despair, but one of hope for the renewal of human life.

Sarabeth, Leo, Evan and Teena have unwittingly become survivors of an alien invasion. Now they'll have to put their differences aside for long enough to save their town, themselves and quite possibly the world - and use everything they've got (including glittery face-paint) to squish some serious alien butt.