So, do you believe in aliens?

[Lady Brave]

Originally Posted by djnemo65

Yeah, the problem is that the Mayan Calander just ends in 2012...it is more contemporary scholars who have interpreted that to mean the end of the world.

The article makes a great point I think when it argues that in a time in which social, economic, and religious institutions are beginning to break down, when we face more threats then ever before, apocolypse theory has a certain appeal, detailing a new path for civilization, sort of a way of cleansing a failing world order. It explains both the popularity of Mayan mysticism with liberals as well as all that rapture stuff with the southerners. Different eschatology but same appeal really.

Not sure that can be attributed to southerners specifically. That's pretty much a mainstream protestant belief. Most denominations believe in the second coming.

I would ask the question though. If millions of people did suddenly disappear from the earth, would you consider the rapture had taken place or that all those people had been abducted by aliens?

[djnemo65]

Originally Posted by Lady Brave

Not sure that can be attributed to southerners specifically. That's pretty much a mainstream protestant belief. Most denominations believe in the second coming.

I would ask the question though. If millions of people did suddenly disappear from the earth, would you consider the rapture had taken place or that all those people had been abducted by aliens?

You are right Lady Brave but end times theology has taken on a new intensity over recent years and this is concentrated to the south primarily. At least that's my understanding. Many people have described this as a new movement within Christianity, even though it's based on beliefs that pretty much all Christians accept.

In answer to your second question, I would probably come here and check the parking lot to find out what had really happened.