Thread: The 2012 'Paradigm Shift.' Is it in its beginning stages?

Ok. First of all, it needs to be said that this thread is a for a serious discussion of the facts about things that are going on in the world right now. This is not a place for believers to say "See, I told you! It's happening! 2012 is coming and will affect us all!!" just as it is not a place for disbelievers to come in with their "Uh-oh. Tin foil hat alert! Magic does not exist, therefore this is invalid!" rhetoric. To put it simply; if you cannot discuss this subject maturely and/or without being a complete douche-bag about it (and I know that some people can't), then you don't deserve to take part in this conversation, and you will be 'asked' to leave it.

With that out of the way, let's get down to it.

What are some of the theories about 2012? How has it been interpreted over the years. Some have said it's the end of the world. Some say it is a global paradigm shift; a transition into enlightenment; a period of 'awakening' into global consciousness. Some say it will be the second coming of Christ.' Are there any others that I'm missing?

Personally, I have never been one to believe in any of this - specifically the parts about the 'end of the world,' and the 'second coming of Christ. I have always been interested in the aspect of a paradigm shift, but have been completely skeptical about it. Now, though, my skepticism of the latter is waning. It's not that I believe current events are actually linked to the 'prophecy' - it could be pure coincidence, of course - but the timing and implications of all the unrest in the Middle East is something that can't easily be ignored. These events are quite significant, and fall a little above the realm of 'well, crazy stuff happens all the time' (IMHO). At the very least, they deserve some unbiased, open-minded analysis. What fascinates me the most is how easily these events can be interpreted to fit both of the latter theories I mentioned above:

Global Paradigm Shift / Awareness:
More and more people / cultures are beginning to stand up for their human rights, and the fever is spreading like wildfire. Thanks to technology, one uprising is leading to many, and people are beginning to get a feeling of their own self-worth, whom have never had it before. The sullen, uninspired lifestyle of living under dictatorial rule seems to be growing less and less tolerable, around the few remaining corners of the world where it still exists. There is a bit of an 'awakening,' in that people are becoming more aware of their power to change their lives and social situations.

Second Coming of Christ / Rapture:
Before I get too far into this, let me say that I am not a religious person. At all. I figure the Bible to be a book of proposed lifestyle guidelines, by way of metaphor, and not a literal translation of things that will physically come to pass (though there have been some strange 'coincidences,' over the years). Now, taking that into consideration: What is Christ? What is the word of Christ? What are Christ's principles? As I have come to believe, it is about love. It is about interacting socially with each other and displaying a sense of brotherhood to all, regardless of who they are or where they are. It is about empathy. About separating the lines between "you and me;" "us and them." Within these flames of revolution, we are seeing much of this. We are seeing people from all over the world showing a profound outpouring of affection and admiration for these people whom are trying to win their freedom. People are starting to wake up to the fact that, just because there are dictators in certain corners of the world, not all of the people of those regions share the same paradigms as those dictators. It is an increase in Christ's philosophy, as opposed to the evils of oppression and dictatorial rule.

I think all of this is very interesting. The timing, as I said, is fascinating - that it should happen now - after all of this time, and how it looks to be a domino effect that doesn't seem to be showing any signs of containing itself, as yet. Another thing I find interesting is that this is all starting / happening in the epicenter of the human species. The 'Cradle of Mankind,' as some would call it.

For such wild, metaphysical predictions to coincide so greatly with actual events is rare, to say the least, and I can't help but to be intrigued by it. So I just wanted to start some discussion on it. Does anyone have anything to add? Whether you are a true believer or a skeptic (as I am), contribute what you will. However - and I will say this again - check your arrogance at the door. This thread is for tempered discussion, not dissent, egoism nor (if possible) ignorance.

Aaannnd GO!