Dr. David Morrison answers science questions on the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) website. Asked why he is working so hard to expose the effect of rumors about December 21, 2012 he answered: The increase in questions about the mistaken idea that ancient Mayans predicted it to be the “end of time.” Modern Mayan peoples dispute that misrepresentation of their history and culture, archeologists of Mayan writings show that a prediction was not made, scientists prove that supposed warning signs aren’t real.
Still, letters come, like the one read during a radio interview: “Dear Dr. Morrison, I’m 11 years old and I’ve been hearing from all of my friends that the world is going to end. I can’t sleep, I can’t eat, I’m scared, I’m thinking of suicide, what can I do? Can you help me?” www.onthemedia.org/2012/ sep/21
While driving last Sunday, I heard Dr. Morrison’s interview. Then something else caught my attention. Two cars far exceeding the speed limit passed me, crossing the double yellow line. In the oncoming lane was a semi-truck.
This close encounter made me think—perhaps those who create “end” scenarios have something in common with those who engage in adrenalin producing activities. Thriving on fear may give an adrenalin splurge. If it only impacted those initiating the activity, maybe there would be no reason to notice. But like dangerous passing, others are affected. When the infection of poor reasoning, no science, and bad history affects others, it is time to speak up. No one, whatever age, needs exposure to unnecessary fear.
Science and education make possible cell phones, GPS, computers and the Internet. But when science and education show “end” predictions unfounded, those who imagine a “soon-to-be end-to-be” pick up their cell phones, drive off in their GPS directed cars, head to their computers, and place more unfounded predictions on the Internet, and the poor-reasoning, no science and bad-history infection spreads.
Similar predictions have popped up for more than the last thousand years. Last year, there were “end” predictions that misused the Bible, spread via the Internet by a small group who thought they had things figured out. Their first date came and went. Then a second. Then the public lost interest. But not before anxiety for children, young people, and adults were created. Such misuses of the Bible distress Christians and Jews who realize the Bible is a gift from God to help us understand the love of God for God’s creation, including humanity.
Why is this in the Spiritual Reflections column? “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth…and God saw that it was good” (Genesis).
“God’s steadfast love endures forever” (Psalm 118).
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah).
Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John) and “Do not be afraid, I am the first and the last, and the living one.” (Revelation).
You can help answer that plea, “I’m scared, what can I do?”
If you know someone who becomes fearful, listen to them, give them real science and history, assure them, direct them away from Internet information and to others who can help them understand fear and the mistakes in the rumors. And give them these words to hang on to: God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Each month a member of the Cook County Ministerium will offer Spiritual Reflections. This week our contributor is Pastor Kris Garey of Trinity Lutheran, Hovland.
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