It’s the End of the World as We Knot It, by Martha Thomases – Brilliant Disguise
May 21, 2011 Martha Thomases 8 Comments
Are you reading this? If you are, then the various Christian fundamentalists who predicted the end of the world are wrong. Again.
If you aren’t reading this because the world has ended, well, those are the breaks. I’m writing earlier in the week, preparing to leave for a trip to Barcelona, one of my favorite cities in the world. I haven’t been there since 1979, and it might have changed since then, but I’m sure it remains a lovely place to be during The Rapture (which is, by the way, one of my favorite movies).
The so-called logic behind this prediction is that Saturday is 7000 years after Noah’s flood, and that is how long God promised to spare the world. I guess, since this is allegedly an all-powerful deity, we should not be surprise that the modern calendar, rather than the Jewish lunar calendar, is part of the computation. Nor should we question why it is Christians, who claim their version of God is more merciful than the one in the so-called Old Testament, insist that God has been watching his calendar for millennia, eagerly anticipating the chance to destroy us.
Ironically, Barcelona is the city that made me consider the advantages of religion. The architect, Gaudi, inspired by his Catholicism, designed the Sagrada Familia. Rarely has a building affected me so profoundly. I wanted to experience something that would inspire me in the same way.
Alas, faith doesn’t work that way. It’s not a transaction, where you get to negotiate for the best deal. Either you believe or you don’t.
And I don’t. At least, not that way.
Instead, I rejoice that I have a body, and a curious mind, and that I get to live in a world with fruity Spanish wine and paella, the Park Guell and new kinds of yarn. I’m grateful I get to go with my sweetie, the same person I went with 32 years ago. I’m aware that I’m blessed to be able to afford the trip, and the time.
The parts of the Bible that inspire me speak to this kind of faith. As in Psalm 118, that says, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad of it.”
That applies to the last day, too.
Martha Thomases, Media Goddess, hopes the world doesn’t end so she can go to BEA this week.
Mike Gold
May 21, 2011 - 9:11 am
If faith had the least bit to do with Faith, the world wouldn’t be in the mess we’re in.
However, since this whole time zone thing didn’t exist until 1884, I wouldn’t relax until the sun sets on Little Diomede Island.
McCarthy
May 21, 2011 - 12:44 pm
And MOTU’s timely absence makes me nervous, too.
pennie
May 21, 2011 - 3:21 pm
“Alas, faith doesn’t work that way. It’s not a transaction, where you get to negotiate for the best deal. Either you believe or you don’t.”
What, no EOTHWASKI coupons? I
How about a really, big groupon?
Groupout?
Groupout and drop in?
I’m sooo confusted.
At least the Red Sox will end things only a half-game out of first place instead of last.
Don ‘t want to be in last as the world end.
Something for civilization to be rapturous about!
Whitney
May 22, 2011 - 5:18 am
McCarthy –
It’s probably not likely that MOTU got raptured if Martha is still here.
Reg
May 22, 2011 - 1:35 pm
Umm. I think Harold Camping totally fulfills the criteria set forth for false prophets.
And anyone who considers themselves to be a follower of the Christos that gave even an instant of credence or concern to that nonsense needs to be taken to the metaphysical woodshed.
Matthew 24 or Mark 13 anyone?? I’m just sayin’
Now as far as da mOTu’s absence is concerned? I understand that no one’s been able to locate Michelle Yeoh for about a week now.
Mike Gold
May 22, 2011 - 3:19 pm
Michelle’s in Germany right now. I couldn’t get MOTU to go to Nebraska with me; I doubt even Ms. Yeoh could make him follow in Jessie Owens’ fleet footsteps.
I think I’ll defend Mr. Camping, at least until tomorrow’s B.O.B. Of all the wacky shit professed by every organized religion, his seems perfectly benign. All it takes to be a false prophet is to make an incorrect prediction. Gamblers do it every day, most certainly the ones who conflate gambling with “sure thing.” Harold thought he had a sure thing. Amusingly, he came in last right behind the Preakness Stakes.
pennie
May 22, 2011 - 4:18 pm
Mike–“Gamblers do it every day, most certainly the ones who conflate gambling with “sure thing.” ”
Having been in the industry for decades, I think I can state with some justification that the only gamblers who proclaim their gambling game, method, or “strategy” is a “sure thing,” (google Martingale, Fibonacci, etc.)are charlatans seeking to take advantage of the vulnerability of others. Seems like there is some correlation somewhere here.
}’;>)
Mike Gold
May 22, 2011 - 8:02 pm
I’ll admit I should have clarified — I had office bets and bar bets and track bets in mind, not the high-class world of casino gaming. But I see your point, and it’s an interesting one.
2 1/2 minutes of teevee horse racing always puts my in the spirit of the track. Of course, I’ve never been to the track (no particular reason), but hey, I’m a big Damon Runyon fan.