Today I'm participating in the Choose Your Own Apocalypse Blogfest hosted by Shannon, of The Warrior Muse, and Chuck at Apocalypse Now . Click on either link to find more participants and blogfest details.
The Fun Side of the Apocalypse:
My favorite movie genres are time travel, musicals. and apocalyptic doom and destruction. The way I figure, if you can't escape the apocalypse by traveling to a safer place in time you can always sing and dance your way into oblivion.
But, yeah, give me those films like On The Beach, 2012, Knowing, The Day the Earth Caught Fire, or The Road. Make it bleak, dismal, and devastating and all the better if they add in some killer special effects. Destroy everything and kill everyone. All in fictional fun of course.
If any shred of civilization does survive then make it crumbling and chaotic. The Road Warrior and Living Dead series are some good examples. Dystopian is cool. Rampant nuttiness is exciting. Radioactive mutants are always welcome.
The manner and means don't matter that much. Nuclear destruction works for me. I'll also settle for disease, natural disasters, or aliens. Whatever creates havoc and makes a total mess of things is a story device that will hold my attention.
But these are the products of imagination turned loose for escapist entertainment.
Here's What I Really Believe
As a follower of Jesus Christ and a believer of the Holy Bible, I think the real answers about the Apocalypse can be found in the pages of that book. The walking dead, unleashed demons, plagues, and natural disasters are all right there. It's where a lot of our fiction gets its inspiration in the first place.
What we often refer to as apocalypse is a misnomer. Apocalypse actually refers to a disclosure or revealing of knowledge, hence the Book of Revelations, where much of biblical information about the end of the world can be found. The rock group R.E.M. gives a better description with their song title "End of the World As We Know It". According to the Bible, the world will not end, but it will change. Check it out. It's a fascinating story.
The story goes far beyond Revelations. There is much more prophecy revealed throughout the Bible--too much for me to go into here. The Mayans or anyone else don't have anything to compare with the prophecy of the Bible. And as we look at history and the events of our age it becomes more clear that the pieces are falling into place for the endgame.
You may say that people have been preaching the Bible-based end of the world for centuries and it hasn't come yet. That's true, but more than ever before the clues are making more sense. The end is drawing near from all indications I can see based on Bible prophecy. It's up to you to do the research if you don't believe me. One blog post isn't going to simplify the story to make it easy to digest.
I can't tell you when it's going to happen, but it is going to happen. There are some glorious things going to happen for some and terrible things for others. It depends on which side you choose and what decisions you make. No one knows when the Day of the Lord is coming except for the Lord himself. Now is the time to make ready for that day.
I know the scoffers are out there. There are the quiet unbelievers as well. Please don't hold what I've said against me. Today I am only the messenger delivering my version of what I believe about the Apocalypse. We all have a choice to make and I've made mine. If you are not yet familiar with the prophecies of the Bible, I hope that you will at least look with an open mind at the evidence that is available to you.
I'll leave you with the closing lines from the great 1961 film The Day the Earth Caught Fire:
So Man has sown the wind - and reaped the whirlwind. Perhaps in the next few hours, there will be no remembrance of the past, and no hope for the future that might have been. All the works of Man will be consumed in the great fire out of which he was created. But perhaps at the heart of the burning light into which he has thrust his world, there is a heart that cares more for him, than he has ever cared for himself. And if there is a future for Man - insensitive as he is, proud and defiant in his pursuit of power - let him resolve to live it lovingly; for he knows well how to do so. Then he may say once more: Truly the light is sweet; and what a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to see the Sun.
Do you think these movie lines could have been influenced by the Bible? Can you think of any literary works or films that have been strongly influenced by the Bible? What is your vision of the end of the world?
My favorite movie genres are time travel, musicals. and apocalyptic doom and destruction. The way I figure, if you can't escape the apocalypse by traveling to a safer place in time you can always sing and dance your way into oblivion.
But, yeah, give me those films like On The Beach, 2012, Knowing, The Day the Earth Caught Fire, or The Road. Make it bleak, dismal, and devastating and all the better if they add in some killer special effects. Destroy everything and kill everyone. All in fictional fun of course.
If any shred of civilization does survive then make it crumbling and chaotic. The Road Warrior and Living Dead series are some good examples. Dystopian is cool. Rampant nuttiness is exciting. Radioactive mutants are always welcome.
The manner and means don't matter that much. Nuclear destruction works for me. I'll also settle for disease, natural disasters, or aliens. Whatever creates havoc and makes a total mess of things is a story device that will hold my attention.
But these are the products of imagination turned loose for escapist entertainment.
Here's What I Really Believe
As a follower of Jesus Christ and a believer of the Holy Bible, I think the real answers about the Apocalypse can be found in the pages of that book. The walking dead, unleashed demons, plagues, and natural disasters are all right there. It's where a lot of our fiction gets its inspiration in the first place.
What we often refer to as apocalypse is a misnomer. Apocalypse actually refers to a disclosure or revealing of knowledge, hence the Book of Revelations, where much of biblical information about the end of the world can be found. The rock group R.E.M. gives a better description with their song title "End of the World As We Know It". According to the Bible, the world will not end, but it will change. Check it out. It's a fascinating story.
The story goes far beyond Revelations. There is much more prophecy revealed throughout the Bible--too much for me to go into here. The Mayans or anyone else don't have anything to compare with the prophecy of the Bible. And as we look at history and the events of our age it becomes more clear that the pieces are falling into place for the endgame.
You may say that people have been preaching the Bible-based end of the world for centuries and it hasn't come yet. That's true, but more than ever before the clues are making more sense. The end is drawing near from all indications I can see based on Bible prophecy. It's up to you to do the research if you don't believe me. One blog post isn't going to simplify the story to make it easy to digest.
I can't tell you when it's going to happen, but it is going to happen. There are some glorious things going to happen for some and terrible things for others. It depends on which side you choose and what decisions you make. No one knows when the Day of the Lord is coming except for the Lord himself. Now is the time to make ready for that day.
I know the scoffers are out there. There are the quiet unbelievers as well. Please don't hold what I've said against me. Today I am only the messenger delivering my version of what I believe about the Apocalypse. We all have a choice to make and I've made mine. If you are not yet familiar with the prophecies of the Bible, I hope that you will at least look with an open mind at the evidence that is available to you.
I'll leave you with the closing lines from the great 1961 film The Day the Earth Caught Fire:
So Man has sown the wind - and reaped the whirlwind. Perhaps in the next few hours, there will be no remembrance of the past, and no hope for the future that might have been. All the works of Man will be consumed in the great fire out of which he was created. But perhaps at the heart of the burning light into which he has thrust his world, there is a heart that cares more for him, than he has ever cared for himself. And if there is a future for Man - insensitive as he is, proud and defiant in his pursuit of power - let him resolve to live it lovingly; for he knows well how to do so. Then he may say once more: Truly the light is sweet; and what a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to see the Sun.
Do you think these movie lines could have been influenced by the Bible? Can you think of any literary works or films that have been strongly influenced by the Bible? What is your vision of the end of the world?
God bless you, Lee!
ReplyDeleteYou just made my apocalypse look really lame.
Judgement day is coming. Fortunately, so is the Rapture.
I have just read Terry Pratchett's "Johnny and the Dead" and like his dead people's version of Judgement day as a day when you make your own mind up as to what Heaven means to you, and go looking for it. Think I'll go with that for now. Happy Christmas.
ReplyDeleteAmen also Lee.
ReplyDeleteHope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas....the world hasn't ended as it should have done 5 mins ago.GMT.
Yvonne.
You go Lee!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter asked me last night if there would be chocolate in heaven (we had just made fudge). I told her yes. End of the world? That's only the doorway to the beginning.
Lee, I don't believe in the Bible, but I do believe that Man is on the road to his own destruction. And, it seems, that destruction is not too far in the future.
ReplyDeleteI read post apocalyptic novels, and I think there is a lot of sense in some of them. Maybe we are just coming to much the same conclusion, but in different ways. Good post though. :-)
What a blogger thing to do! :-) Hope your Holidays are merry and bright Arlee! See you on the other side (2013).
ReplyDeleteAh, Lee, thank you for suggesting Revelation as a "go to" book for the apocalypse - not an easy read. Thanks for reminding people there's
ReplyDeletea choice to be made right now.
My 2 cents:
Cent One: I'd add to then read John - an easier read - to know how to make that choice.
Cent 2: It's God's version, not man's.
My salvation was secured years ago. It is nice to know a future neighbor in Heaven!
Merry Christmas!
I believe it's going to happen just as foretold in the Bible. And there are signs. Anytime I get stressed about where we are going as a people, my husband says not to worry - the Bible says these things will happen.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a Fundamentalist Christian, so I won't comment on the post. Just stopping by since I'm participating in the blogfest.
ReplyDeleteAlex -- Thanks for the reaffirmation.
ReplyDeleteLizy --There are plenty of options that people have suggested.
Faraway -- Thanks!
Yvonne-- Not sure what time they had specified. Glad you're still there. Happy Holidays!
Sheila -- Let's hope there's chocolate after we enter than doorway.
Wangi-- Mankind seems to have been on a path to destruction since the beginning of time. Don't give up on the possibilities of the Bible.
EJ -- I plan to be there.
Donna -- Good for you. John is another of many good places to go in the Bible.
L Diane -- The signs become more clear with the passing of each day.
Jolie -- Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Lee
I used to believe "any day now," but with so many people always saying "any day now," I've come to believe that it's a long way off. It will have to be when people are not expecting it for it to be "like a thief in the night."
ReplyDeleteI'm also a post-tribulation rapturist, so I think we're going to have a lot of bad stuff first.
I try to live each day like it's my last. It's worked for me so far! God is good -- all the time.
ReplyDeleteSo much to be considered here, Arlee. I appreciate your well thought out entry to the endfest! :)
ReplyDeleteAndrew-- I think I'd lean more toward the post-trib rapture as well. It's a tough argument that I've seen supported from both sides and they both can make sense. But you're right, no matter what we need to be ready because we don't know when things will happen. We can follow the signs and see that things are coming as predicted.
ReplyDeleteMilo -- Great philosophy to live by.
David -- There is a lot to consider and it's one of the most important things that we can study.
Lee
Lee-
ReplyDeleteIsn't the rise to world domination of Justin Bieber a key sign of the end?
Do we need to look further?
Larry
The universe is huge and man a very tiny part of it. One day though I would like to think I will know why, when, what, and everything.
ReplyDeleteI always believed the "end of the world" was way too far out of my reach to ever effect me. That might be naive but... I think as a society we historically sabotage ourselves. That said, I believe if anything ever truly apocalyptic happens, then it would be because of something we ignited. And I believe God will be there--like he always has been--helping whoever is left pick up the pieces.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Have a wonderful holiday, Arlee!
Arlee, I'm with you. The world will change moreso than I think it will end. With change comes challenges, struggles, and learning curves. And as was shown so well in the Left Behind series, times will be very difficult for some. Let's hope I'm on the right side when the time comes.
ReplyDeleteA2Z Mommy and What’s In Between
i like the fun side, if i was only half as cool as mel gibson in the road warrior, not beyond thunderdome... i ask myself "where is my captain walker?".. only a few might get that...
ReplyDeletehave day!
Did we make it?
My link is dead, I ask again did we make it?
[Visit my post for that to make sense]
Great end of the world post!!
Jeremy [Retro]
Oh No, Let's Go... Crazy
Yeah, my Apoc post feels a lot like the Rapture. I can't help but believe.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Lee, love this blogfest and think you did a great job with it too so well done mate. My opinion on the end of the world was similar although I was highly sceptical too.
ReplyDeleteA lot to think on, Lee, and a great post. Thanks for taking part!
ReplyDeleteShannon at The Warrior Muse
I believe in the events of the Book of Revelation and that we are very close to this particular period of time.
ReplyDeleteI see many movies have a messianic focus or theme. A man saving the world. Bruce Willis blows up an Asteroid before it can hit the Earth in Armageddon for example. There are so many examples of this every year that Hollywood releases.
"Nuclear destruction works for me." <-You're a funny guy, Arlee. The Ten Commandments was strongly influenced by the Bible. Monty Python's version, though, is a bit of a stretch.
ReplyDeleteDrop by my Apocalypse post, if you like. Free Ding Dongs included.
xoRobyn
Doomsday and destruction movies are my drug of choice too.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Lee!
Lee - I think you're right, the 'end' is not here yet but it IS coming and each of us must make our choice. There will always be others who don't share our views - all we can do is live the best way we can so they see Jesus in us, rather than just take our word for it! (or not!)
ReplyDeleteI try to live my life as though every day might be the last; no regrets, no love unspoken, no harsh words that might be my last. So, I guess I'm prepared for whatever the end may be. merry Christmas, Lee!
ReplyDeleteI like what one of your commentators said, "Live each day like it's your last." What good advice... Beauty and goodness--those are the things that I crave...
ReplyDeleteMonti
Mary Montague Sikes
Great post Lee. Provocative as always. I too like all those things in a good apocalypse story...just don't want to BE part of those stories (Never ends well). In addition to all you said, I recommend a recent book called Proof of Heaven. It is the most fasinating thing I have read about the afterlife. First person true story.
ReplyDeleteThanks for playing today!
Interesting, and educational. Just a quick note: the Mayans *never* predicted the end of the world :) The mention of the date, 21 Dec 2012, is the end of a "baktun", a cycle of time--a cycle like a year, a century, a millenium. The beautiful thing about cycles is that they start all over again--that's why they're cycles :)
ReplyDeleteDisc-- Justin Bieber domination might be considered apocalyptic, but we've seen plenty heartthrobs in the past who we've survived though.
ReplyDeleteRob -- Answers are something I hope to get one day.
Mina -- Man hasn't been able to clean up the really big messes yet. Always need some bigger help.
Tracy -- It would be best to be on the right side.
Jeremy-- Thanks. I'll be over to see you.
Nancy -- To not believe is not a good option for me.
Yeamie -- Faith is essential to get past some of the more difficult issues.
Shannon -- Thanks for co-hosting this event.
Stephen Tremp -- The movies use Biblical themes whether they'd like to admit it or not. They are universal themes.
Robin -- Ding Dongs? Love 'em but do I really need them? No, but I want them.
Laura -- Apocalyptic stories can involve so many plot possibilities and are interesting to ponder.
Sue H-- You're right. It's a matter of choice. Accept or reject, the consequences are ours to deal with.
Li -- We should live the best we can, but realize we can't do it all ourselves.
Monti -- Good things to aspire for.
Chuck -- I've heard about that book and may have to check it out. Thanks for hosting the blogfest.
Guilie-- It's funny how a few years back people came up with the prediction idea from the Mayan calendar. In true form of cycles, we seem to get these periodic doomsday predictions that are like fads. I've seen several in my lifetime. I guess this one won't be the last.
Lee
You freakin' Jesus freaks really freak me out! Stop trying to convert us into believers in your unreal "Santa Claus God"!
ReplyDelete>>...I can't tell you when it's going to happen, but it is going to happen.
Right! And why should I believe you instead of the countless scientists in this world who have PROVEN that there is no god, and life is just a miraculous natural bit o' luck?
Alright, all jocularity aside, ARLEE BOIDMAN, I liked your entry, even if the only outcome of it is that you'll lose some brilliant 'Followers' who KNOW that The Holy Bible was written by "some drunken Jewish fishermen".
You used this opportunity to try to convert some folks in a straightforward manner. I took a much more circuitous, satirical route, but we both had the same goal in mind.
Good work, McFriend!
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
StMc -- Thank you for saying so. There were some excellent entries in this blogfest. The truth can be delivered in many ways, but the main thing is that the TRUTH is what is being delivered.
ReplyDeleteLee
Lee and Stephen-
ReplyDeleteYou guys say "drunken Jewish fisherman" like that's a bad thing!
That wasn't grape juice being passed around in the Cup of the Everlasting Covenant!
And why else would you turn water into wine unless you ran out of wine in the first place?
LC
I agree with Andrew. It'll be unexpected. There was so much hype about yesterday, and years ago there were other moments of hype, with nothing happening.
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays.
I've read a LOT of post-apocalyptic fiction, as well as the end-of-the-world scenarios in major religious texts. The differences are interesting, but even more interesting are the similarities. Across different cultures and times, almost every religion has an idea about the end of days.
ReplyDeleteThe best novel IMHO, is Earth Abides from 1949. It inspired a lot of the post-apoc fiction that came after it, but I don't think it has ever been topped in terms of scope and philosophy. When I was reading it, I couldn't fall asleep at night for thinking about the questions it raised about our place in the scheme of things.
Larry -- Did I say "drunken Jewish fisherman"? If I did I must have been drunk cause I don't remember. Just spent the day on a tour of Temecula wineries. Since I was driving I had to keep things at only a few sips. I really would have like to have done things up in a bigger way. Well at least the wife and kids (all of age) had a good time.
ReplyDeleteMedeia -- I'm sure this won't be the last of the end of world predictions. There will be many more ends to come.
Kelly -- I'm putting Earth Abides on my to read list. This sounds like one up my line of interest--especially from 1949. Cool!
Lee
I didn't participate in this Lee, but I wanted to wish you happy holidays. I've been absent from your blogs for a while, but you have been in my thoughts.
ReplyDelete......dhole
Hi, Arlee! Thanks for sharing this post.
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a great Christmas. Happy New Year!