As we approach the year 2012, an increasing number of people are filling their hearts and minds with anticipation for cataclysm. More and more are coming to believe in the various "prophetic" writings on the subject of apocalypse. Many see the signs of the times indicating the coming fulfillment of what they think are prophecies in the book of Revelation from the Bible. Likewise, a growing number of individuals feel that the enigmatic verses of Nostradamus predict great disaster in the near future. Then to top it all off, modern "prophets", are interpreting the 2012 cycle ending target date on the Mayan calendar as coinciding with Armageddon. When one considers what might be the consequences of such a growing collective belief, the possibilities are a bit awesome and perhaps somewhat frightening, as well.
Examining the Nature of Belief
However, before we delve into any conclusions about these possibilities, let's first examine the nature and power of belief. There is a considerable body of evidence, which suggest that our very reality is of a flexible or relative nature. We shape our own personal realities by what we believe. Some theorists have proposed the idea that reality is a shared illusion, which all of humanity have subconsciously agreed upon, based on our limited perceptions. In essence we manifest our reality both consciously and subconsciously by our very beliefs. If this is true, then it could be the most straightforward explanation for what many call miraculous events. With virtually every miracle described in the New Testament, we see portrayed the important necessity of belief, or faith. Time and again we read Jesus insisting to the recipients of his miracles that they must believe. That belief must not have any doubt, if it is to be effective. Belief without doubt appears to be an integral part of the process of bringing the manifestation about.
Doubtless Examples
This doubtless element is well illustrated in two different stories in the New Testament of the Bible, (here quoting from the New American Standard Version). Both of these gospel quotations are found in the book of Matthew.
First let's look at the gospel of Matthew, in chapter 18, verses 14-20. In this passage we read the story of a man who brought his afflicted son to Jesus begging for mercy, and stating that the disciples could not cure him. In verse 17 Jesus responded by saying, "O unbelieving and perverted generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to me." NAS version
It seems the disciples let their lingering doubts undermine their faith. Later in verse 19, they asked Jesus privately, why they could not cure the man's son. In verse 20 he responded, "Because of the littleness of your faith; truly I say to you, if you have the faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, "Move from here to there," and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to you." NAS version
In other words when doubt undermines your beliefs, faith is little, and reality can not be transformed. Conversely when there is no doubt, when belief is strong, and faith is growing ever larger, then no transformation of reality is beyond our scope.
Secondly, the same point can be seen also in the gospel of Matthew chapter 14 verses 22-33, where according to the story, Jesus walked on the surface of water. In verses 29 and 30 we read of Peter enthusiastically trying to walk on the water to meet Jesus. He had only taken a few steps, when he became afraid and started to sink. In verse 31 we find the response from Jesus.
Matt. 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”NAS version
Once again we see Peter letting his doubt overcome his belief. This passage shows us the power of belief and the flip side equal but opposite disabling power of doubt.
Our Collective Expectations Create Manifestations
With that said, let's return to the original subject. There is in our world today a growing belief that we are now quickly approaching Armageddon. As this belief becomes greater, and more people anticipate this cataclysmic fate with increasing certainty, we will cause it to happen simply because we expect it. If we allow this trend to continue we will bring about Armageddon by our own anticipation of it. Our collective expectations will create the manifestation, thus being the actual cause of these horrific tribulations. By seeing this, we now realize that these “prophetic visions of the future”, are not actually foretelling of things to come, but the very force which shapes these future events into existence. The inescapable conclusion is that these "prophecies" manipulate the collective human subconscious, and bring about the very calamities they pretend to warn us against. But this is not true of all prophecies, and it certainly was not the original intention of most in the ancient world. The ancient Prophets foretold doom, in order to motivate change in the ways of the populace. If the people continued in their wayward behaviors, then their karma was to see the prophecies fulfilled. On the other hand, if they changed their ways, then the doom would not come after all. A good example of this use of prophecy can be found in the Bible's New Testament book of Luke, chapter 11, verses 29-32 (here quoted from the New International Version.)
