"Did the Maya really predict that the world would end in December of 2012? If not, how and why has 2012 millenarianism gained such popular appeal? In this deeply knowledgeable book, two leading historians of the Maya answer these questions in a succinct, readable, and accessible style. Matthew Restall and Amara Solari introduce, explain, and ultimately demystify the 2012 phenomenon. They begin by briefly examining the evidence for the prediction of the world's end in ancient Maya texts and images, analyzing precisely what Maya priests did and did not prophesize. The authors then convincingly show how 2012 millenarianism has roots far in time and place from Maya cultural traditions, but in those of medieval and Early Modern Western Europe. Revelatory and myth-busting, while remaining firmly grounded in historical fact, this fascinating book will be essential reading as the countdown to December 21, 2012, begins." --- They're speaking here on Nov. 28th, but I suspect I won't be able to make it.

"This is an eye-opening exploration of a troubling phenomenon: the fast-growing belief in Muslim countries that the end of the world is at hand—and with it the “Great Battle,” prophesied by both Sunni and Shi`i tradition, which many believers expect will begin in the Afghan-Pakistani borderlands. Jean-Pierre Filiu uncovers the role of apocalypse in Islam over the centuries, and highlights its extraordinary resurgence in recent decades. Identifying 1979 as a decisive year in the rise of contemporary millenarian speculation, he stresses the ease with which subsequent events in the Middle East have been incorporated into the intellectual universe of apocalyptic propagandists. ... Christian and Jewish visions of the Final Judgment have stimulated alarmist reaction in Islamic lands ... examines the widespread fear of Christian Zionist domination as an impetus to jihad..."

Ladies, gentlemen and distinguished others, your major party vice-presidential candidate of 2008.

"Like Glenn Beck, the paranoid American TV sensation, with whom he shares many traits, Hamid is channelling the deep misgivings of the middle class and offering them visions of a glorious future – one whose realisation requires nothing more than blind fidelity to the supposed foundational truths of the nation. For millions of young Pakistanis, it is proving to be a heady brew. But the hangover, when it comes, will be staggering."

"So, I believe we need to deconstruct his claims on historical basis – while also, I guess, stating “Bullshit”."

The pun at the end is truly awful.

Sarah Palin's preacher sez: Alaska is the end-times promised land!

See http://bactra.org/weblog/algae-2008-04.html

Website for the forthcoming volume edited by Bostrom & Cirkovic.

"The last fifty years have brought us in the West the hitherto unimaginable prospect of death no longer being routine."

"Hagee's view of current affairs is animated by his view of the end-times, and his belief that godly forces are engaged in spiritual warfare with satanic forces. The bible foretells, he believes, plagues, natural disasters, and nuclear war. So all those t

McLemee interviews the author of a theology book on George Romero's zombie movies, with the earth-shatteringly wonderful title _Gospel of the Living Dead_.

Michael Lind calls Pat Robertson on being a crazy conspiracy theorist, as well as an apocalyptic kook.