In Theory:

“2012” was at the top of the box office last week. The movie’s plot revolves around the end of the world, supposedly predicted by the end of the Mayan calendar, which expires on Dec. 21, 2012. The movie is described as “An epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors.” The supposed end of the world in 2012 continues to be a hot topic by believers and non believers alike. Does your faith reveal anything specific about the end of the world or how it might look like? And what do you think about the supposed Mayan prophecy that the world will end in 2012?

Believers and non-believers alike may have certain opinions about the end of the world — and how it will present itself. We have many illustrations in the Holy Bible that give pictures of what that may look like. But as far as the Mayan calendar and other types of prophecies, they have come and gone in history. I prefer to go straight to God’s word when contemplating such events.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:36 that, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Here, Jesus is speaking of more than just his return, but the following scriptures go on to speak of final judgment in apocalyptic literature (see also Matthew 13:37-43 and Revelation 19:20). Jesus tells us we are not going to know the exact timing or nature of events, only the father has the authority to identify these.

So while we have ideas of how — and when — the end of the world may come, we really do not know. And professing to, may lead to false prophesies according to Christian belief. --The REV. KIMBERLIE ZAKARIAN is a marriage and family therapist at Vie Counseling Center in Pasadena. Reach her at (626) 351-9616, Ext. 181, or by e-mail at kimberlie.zakarian@gmail.com.

The short answer is: No, the Bible doesn’t predict anything specific about the end of the world.

The various visions of cataclysm it contains are just that — visions, poetic fantasies, metaphors, which have more to do with the writer’s immediate time and trauma than events foreseen in the distant future.