How to Avoid Armageddon in Three Easy Steps

As we approach the year 2012, an increasing number of people are filling their hearts and minds with anticipation for cataclysm. More and more are coming to believe in the various “prophetic” writings on the subject of apocalypse. Many see the signs of the times indicating the coming fulfillment of what they think are prophecies in the book of Revelation from the Bible. Likewise, a growing number of individuals feel that the enigmatic verses of Nostradamus predict great disaster in the near future. Then to top it all off, modern “prophets”, are interpreting the 2012 cycle ending target date on the Mayan calendar as coinciding with Armageddon. When one considers what might be the consequences of such a growing collective belief, the possibilities are a bit awesome and perhaps somewhat frightening, as well.

Examining the Nature of Belief

However, before we delve into any conclusions about these possibilities, let’s first examine the nature and power of belief. There is a considerable body of evidence, which suggest that our very reality is of a flexible or relative nature. We shape our own personal realities by what we believe. Some theorists have proposed the idea that reality is a shared illusion, which all of humanity have subconsciously agreed upon, based on our limited perceptions. In essence we manifest our reality both consciously and subconsciously by our very beliefs. If this is true, then it could be the most straightforward explanation for what many call miraculous events. With virtually every miracle described in the New Testament, we see portrayed the important necessity of belief, or faith. Time and again we read Jesus insisting to the recipients of his miracles that they must believe. That belief must not have any doubt, if it is to be effective. Belief without doubt appears to be an integral part of the process of bringing the manifestation about.

Doubtless Examples

This doubtless element is well illustrated in two different stories in the New Testament of the Bible, (here quoting from the New American Standard Version). Both of these gospel quotations are found in the book of Matthew.

First let’s look at the gospel of Matthew, in chapter 18, verses 14-20. In this passage we read the story of a man who brought his afflicted son to Jesus begging for mercy, and stating that the disciples could not cure him. In verse 17 Jesus responded by saying, “O unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to me.” NAS version