Church of God News

An Originally Female Statue Transformed to Allegedly Represent Hippolytus (found in 1551)

COGwriter

December 2nd is one of the three “saints days” for Hippolytus (August 13th is the other date that Catholics of Rome set apart to honor Hippolytus and the Eastern Orthodox use January 30). He was a Bishop of Rome in the third century.  He was believed to have been “scourged to death” c. 258 (http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-hippolytus-2-december/).

Although known as the first “antipope,” The Catholic Encyclopedia claims that Hippolytus is a Catholic saint and was “the most important theologian…of the Roman Church in the pre-Constantinian era” (Kirsch, Johann Peter. “St. Hippolytus of Rome.” The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 7. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1910. 18 Jul. 2012 <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07360c.htm>).

Despite being a Catholic saint and important theologian, Hippolytus apparently held a binitarian, not trinitarian, view of the Godhead:

He did not say, “I and the Father am one, but are one.” For the word are is not said of one person, but it refers to two persons, and one power…(Hippolytus. Against Noetus: Against the Heresy of One Noetus, Chapter 7. from The Extant Works and Fragments of Hippolytus: Dogmatical and Historical. Roberts-Donaldson English Translators. Copyright © 2001 Peter Kirby)

Hippolytus also taught that God has a 6000-7000 year plan, like those of us in the Philadelphia remnant Church of God do (see Does God Have a 6,000-7,000 Year Plan?):

And 6,000 years must needs be accomplished, in order that the Sabbath may come, the rest, the holy day “on which God rested from all His works.” For the Sabbath is the type and emblem of the future kingdom of the saints, when they “shall reign with Christ,” when He comes from heaven, as John says in his Apocalypse: for “a day with the Lord is as a thousand years. “Since, then, in six days God made all things”, it follows that 6,000 years must be fulfilled. (Hippolytus. On the HexaËmeron, Or Six Days’ Work. From Fragments from Commentaries on Various Books of Scripture. http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0502.htm viewed 9/17/07)

Hippolytus thus taught the 7,000 year plan (6,000 for humankind, followed by 1,000 from God).

Hippolytus also noted that in the third century celibacy was not required for the clergy (nor was it required by his rival, Roman Bishop Callistus) including bishops, and he condemned the clergy who had multiple marriages:

About the time of this man, bishops, priests, and deacons, who had been twice married, and thrice married, began to be allowed to retain their place among the clergy. (Hippolytus. Refutation of All Heresies, Book IX, Chapter VII. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 5. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1886)

The Catholic Encyclopedia teaches that the 3^rd century Bishop of Rome, “Callistus allowed the lower clergy to marry.” (Chapman J. Transcribed by Benjamin F. Hull. Pope Callistus I. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume III. Published 1908. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, November 1, 1908. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York).

Hippolytus also wrote about idol or icon makers:

If someone is a sculptor or a painter, let them be taught not to make idols. Either let them cease or let them be rejected. (Hippolytus. The Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus of Rome, Chapter 16, Verse 3)

Idols and icons were not even part of the early worship practices of the Church of Rome (see also What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons?).

Hippolytus noted:

That it is not meet for Christians to bear arms…(Hippolytus. Heads of the Canons of Abulides or Hippolytus, Which Are Used by the Ethiopian Christians. Excerpted from Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 5. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. American Edition, 1886.)

16:6 A charioteer, likewise, or one who takes part in the games, or one who goes to the games, he shall cease or he shall be rejected. 7 If someone is a gladiator, or one who teaches those among the gladiators how to fight, or a hunter who is in the wild beast shows in the arena, or a public official who is concerned with gladiator shows, either he shall cease, or he shall be rejected. 8 If someone is a priest of idols, or an attendant of idols, he shall cease or he shall be rejected. 9 A military man in authority must not execute men. If he is ordered, he must not carry it out. Nor must he take military oath. If he refuses, he shall be rejected. 10 If someone is a military governor, or the ruler of a city who wears the purple, he shall cease or he shall be rejected. 11 The catechumen or faithful who wants to become a soldier is to be rejected, for he has despised God. (Hippolytus. The Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus of Rome. From the work of Bernard Botte (La Tradition Apostolique. Sources Chretiennes, 11 bis. Paris, Editions du Cerf, 1984) and of Gregory Dix (The Treatise on the Apostolic Tradition of St. Hippolytus of Rome, Bishop and Martyr. London: Alban Press, 1992) as translated by Kevin P. Edgecomb http://www.bombaxo.com/hippolytus.html viewed 08/06/09)

All legitimate scholars realize that until the late third/early fourth centuries, even Greco-Roman professors of Christ were generally opposed to Christians being in the military (for more information, please see Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare?).

Hippolytus wrote the following about Zephyrinus (who is believed to have been Bishop of Rome from 199-217):

Zephyrinus, an ignorant and illiterate individual, and one unskilled in ecclesiastical definitions. (Hippolytus. Refutation of All Heresies, Book IX, Chapter VI)

Perhaps it should be noted that Callistus (Bishop of Rome from 217-222) was considered to have been corrupt. Callistus was condemned by Hippolytus for his corruption, allowing abortion/infanticide, and for instituting a Saturday fast.

In circa 217 A.D., Callistus became bishop of Rome and somehow succeeded Zephyrinus. After he did, as Hippolytus reports, Callistus lowered standards and many who professed Christ liked that:

Callistus…a man cunning in wickedness, and subtle where deceit was concerned, (and) who was impelled by restless ambition to mount the episcopal throne. Now this man moulded to his purpose Zephyrinus, an ignorant and illiterate individual, and one unskilled in ecclesiastical definitions. And inasmuch as Zephyrinus was accessible to bribes, and covetous, Callistus, by luring him through presents, and by illicit demands, was enabled to seduce him into whatever course of action he pleased. And so it was that Callistus succeeded in inducing Zephyrinus to create continually disturbances among the brethren, while he himself took care subsequently, by knavish words, to attach both factions in good-will to himself. (Hippolytus. Refutation of All Heresies, Book IX, Chapter VI)

The impostor Callistus … And the hearers of Callistus being delighted with his tenets, continue with him, thus mocking both themselves as well as many others, and crowds of these dupes stream together into his school. Wherefore also his pupils are multiplied, and they plume themselves upon the crowds (attending the school) for the sake of pleasures which Christ did not permit. But in contempt of Him, they place restraint on the commission of no sin, alleging that they pardon those who acquiesce (in Callistus’ opinions). For even also he permitted females, if they were unwedded, and burned with passion at an age at all events unbecoming, or if they were not disposed to overturn their own dignity through a legal marriage, that they might have whomsoever they would choose as a bedfellow, whether a slave or free, and that a woman, though not legally married, might consider such a companion as a husband. Whence women, reputed believers, began to resort to drugs for producing sterility, and to gird themselves round, so to expel what was being conceived on account of their not wishing to have a child either by a slave or by any paltry fellow, for the sake of their family and excessive wealth. Behold, into how great impiety that lawless one has proceeded, by inculcating adultery and murder at the same time! And withal, after such audacious acts, they, lost to all shame, attempt to call themselves a Catholic Church! And some, under the supposition that they will attain prosperity, concur with them. (Hippolytus. Refutation of All Heresies, Book IX, Chapter VII)

Notice that Callistus’ allowance of biblically condemned sin led to an increase in Roman Church attendance, and that Callistus allowed (or at least permited) abortion and adultery. Callistus apparently thus caused many pagans to become part of the Church of Rome.

Note that even The Catholic Encyclopedia admitted this about Callistus and Zephyrinus:

Callistus…Our chief knowledge of this pope is from his bitter enemies…He obtained great influence over the ignorant, illiterate, and grasping Zephyrinus by bribes. We are not told how it came about that the runaway slave (now free by Roman law from his master, who had lost his rights when Callistus was condemned to penal servitude to the State) became archdeacon and then pope…Again Callistus…permitted noble ladies to marry low persons and slaves, which by the Roman law was forbidden; he had thus given occasion for infanticide. (Chapman , Pope Callistus I)

Here is Hippolytus’ condemnation of Callistus’ Sabbath fast:

Even today some allow themselves the same audacities: they order fasting on the Sabbath of which Christ has not spoken, dishonoring even the Gospel of Christ. (Hippolytus. In Danielem commentarius, 4, 20, 3 as Cited in Bacchiocchi Anti-Judaism and the Origin of Sunday, p. 65)

Hippolytus also wrote about nude baptism, which apparently was a practice in Alexandria, and possibly for a while in Rome (see Did Real Christians Practice Nude Baptism?) .  But neither the Alexandrian Orthodox nor Roman Catholics currently teach that.

Hippolytus was the first to be labeled as an “antipope” because he and his followers refused to accept that Callistus could morally qualify for apostolic succession. Unlike Callistus (who some claim was elected, but may not have been), Hippolytus was actually elected “Bishop of Rome” right after Zephyrinus’ death (Kirsch.  St. Hippolytus of Rome.  Catholic Encyclopedia).  But because of Callistus’ ‘liberal’ views, many chose to follow Zephyrinus’ archdeacon Callistus instead of Hippolytus. If the Roman Church truly had apostolic succession how could they trace their church through the bribe-taking Zephyrinus and the abortion-allowing Callistus than Hippolytus?

Those who associate with the Church of Rome should ask themselves if Hippolytus was elected as the Bishop of Rome in the 3^rd century and Callistus was considered a corrupt “imposter” who somehow wrestled control, would it not make sense from a Roman Catholic perspective that it was Callistus who should be considered the first antipope and not Hippolytus?

Yet, most of those associated with Rome tend to ignore this.

Despite having some views consistent with genuine Church of God positions, Hippolytus condemned others. Notice some complaints from Hippolytus concerning beliefs of those he considered to be heretics:

…a passover of the Lord God kept unto our generations, by those who are able to discern (this mystery), at the commencement of the fourteenth day…

And certain other (heretics), contentious by nature, (and) wholly uniformed as regards knowledge, as well as in their manner more (than usually) quarrelsome, combine (in maintaining) that Easter {Passover} should be kept on the fourteenth day of the first month, according to the commandment of the law, on whatever day (of the week) it should occur. (But in this) they only regard what has been written in the law, that he will be accursed who does not so keep (the commandment) as it is enjoined… In other respects, however, these consent to all the traditions delivered to the Church by the Apostles. ( Hippolytus. Refutation of All Heresies, Book 8, Chapters 7 and 11)

So sadly, Hippolytus of Rome clearly is condemning the views and practices of those who kept Passover on the 14^th as heretical (a term he referred to them as in the verse that followed the one above), even though he seemingly otherwise considers them to be faithful.

Hippolytus also wrote about Simon Magus (Simon Magus, What Did He Teach?), prophetic matters (When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?, Some Doctrines of Antichrist, and Who Are The Two Witnesses?) and is one who also attempted to put together the locations that the original apostles went to (see Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome).

Yet, while he was not truly part of the genuine Church of God, his writings show that many practices that the Church of Rome and the Eastern Orthodox now hold were simply not even the practices of those churches in the third century. They changed, but the genuine Church of God has not.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Hippolytus of Rome A third century Catholic saint and one elected to be Bishop of Rome who condemned others for taking bribes and allowing abortions. Why was he considered to be the first antipope?
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church? Do you know where the early church was based? Do you know what were the doctrines of the early church? Is your faith really based upon the truth or compromise?
The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 Do they matter? Most say they must, but act like they do not. This article contains some history about the Church of God (sometimes referred to as the continuation of Primitive Christianity) over the past 2000 years. It also discusses the concept of church eras.
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Nazarene Christianity: Were the Original Christians Nazarenes? Should Christians be Nazarenes today? What were the practices of the Nazarenes.
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible? Did you know that Catholic scholars really do not believe that several of the claimed “apostolic sees” of the Orthodox have apostolic succession–despite the fact that the current pontiff himself seems to wish to ignore this view? Is there actually a true church that has ties to any of the apostles that is not part of the Catholic or Orthodox churches? Read this article if you truly are interested in the truth on this matter!
Early Church History: Who Were the Two Major Groups Professed Christ in the Second and Third Centuries? Did you know that many in the second and third centuries felt that there were two major, and separate, professing Christian groups in the second century, but that those in the majority churches tend to now blend the groups together and claim “saints” from both? “Saints” that condemn some of their current beliefs. Who are the two groups?
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Genuine Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a verdadeira igreja do deus? Tambien Español: ¿Que es fiel: La Iglesia Católica Romana o la Iglesia verdadera de Dios? Auch: Deutsch: Welches ist treu: Die römisch-katholische Kirche oder die Kirche Gottes Original?
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Genuine Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
Binitarian View: One God, Two Beings Before the Beginning Is binitarianism the correct position? What about unitarianism or trinitarianism?
Did the True Church Ever Teach a Trinity? Most act like this is so, but is it?
Was Celibacy Required for Early Bishops or Presbyters? Some religions suggest this, but what does the Bible teach? What was the practice of the early church?
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
Does God Have a 6,000-7,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2019 or 202x?
Did Real Christians Practice Nude Baptism? This is not a joke. Find out what was taught in the second and later centuries.
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? What about the use of the cross, by the early Church?
Military Service and the Churches of God: Do Real Christians Participate in Carnal Warfare? Here are current and historical perspectives on a matter which show the beliefs of the true church on military participation. Is war proper for Christians?
“Pope” Zephyrinus (199-217) He was the first bishop publicly accused of accepting bribes (and this was by one now recognized as a saint by Roman Catholics). He refused to condemn the Montanists and seemed to have had a confused view of the Godhead.
“Pope” Callistus (217-222) He is the first bishop known to have been a criminal prior to his election. He was also accused of a variety of corrupt acts, including allowing indulgences and infanticide (abortion).
Passover and the Early Church Did the early Christians observe Passover? What did Jesus and Paul teach? Why did Jesus die for our sins?

COGwriter

ABC reported that NASA is trying to ease people’s concerns by telling them there is nothing to fear from the Mayan December 21, 2012 calendar date:

2012 End of the World: NASA Scientist Tries to Ease Fear

ABC News Dec 1, 2012 (http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/2012-end-world-theories-nasa-scientist-eases-public/story?id=17848248#.ULuJj4Z0qIs)

A few days ago, a radio-related company I work with asked me to provide five false predictions related to the world ending in or near December 21/22, 2012.  Instead of just five, I sent nine.  Also, because I got an email about that time from someone who is promoting another prophetic error for December 2012, I thought I would provide a list of ten ‘predictions’ related to the world ending this month and the truth why they are all wrong.

1. PREDICTION: The Chilam Balam (the 16th century Mayan ‘book of the Jaguar priest’) actually states God will destroy the world with a flood at the end of one of a Mayan calendar katuns AND that Jesus will then return.
   TRUTH: Yet, the main source of information about Jesus comes from the Bible.  And the Bible says that God will not destroy the world with a flood (Genesis 9:11,15).  While December 21, 2012 is the end of the current Mayan cycle of 13 ‘baktuns’ (roughly 5,125 years), the reference to the ‘katun’ (a shorter time period, less than 20 years) may be for another time.  There will be no massive worldwide flood on December 21/22, 2012.  For more details, please check out End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?
2. PREDICTION: A Hindu in India, Vijay Kumar claims that Hindu writings show that a bloody disaster has to come in 2012 related to a warring figure known as the Bhagwan Kalki.
   TRUTH: Yet, other Hindu writers have correctly concluded that this type of event must come later than 2012. For additional details, please see Hindu in India Wrong: The ‘Reckoning’ is Not in 2012.
3. PREDICTION: A Western interpretation of the I Ching claims that the cosmos may dissolve on December 21/22, 2012.
   TRUTH: The I Ching, or Book of Changes, is a common source for both Confucianist and Taoist philosophy in parts of Asia and the way Westerners have tried to use it is different than how it is normally used by believers in those Asian-based faiths. The cosmos is not truly being predicted as dissolving by the I Ching.  For additional details, please see I Ching: By Now or 31 Days for Doom?
4. PREDICTION: The last page of the Mayan Dresden Codex show two figures getting water poured on them from a serpent. This was interpreted by a Western researcher, over a century ago, to mean that the world would end in a flood when the Mayan long-count calendar ended on 12/21/12.
   TRUTH: Although there is a flood coming from a serpent in scripture, the Book of Revelation (12:15-16) shows that the group targeted by the flood will be protected.  Even if the Dresden Codex is referring to December 21, 2012, a worldwide destructive flood will not happen (cf. Genesis 9:11,15).  For more details, please check out End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?
5. PREDICTION: Some have claimed that a massive solar storm could happen in 2012 and essentially end Western civilization as we know it.
   TRUTH: According to NASA scientists, while a solar flare could cause massive problems, such a flare will not happen in December 2012.  For some additional details, please see NASA Says Peak Solar Flare to be After 2012.
6. PREDICTION: Some claim that the galaxy will be in perfect alignment and cause massive disruptions on December 21/22, 2012 or that planet Nibiru will hit.
   TRUTH: Yet astronomers do not believe that the alignment (which is not galaxy-wide nor perfect) could possibly generate enough gravitational flow to cause massive disruption nor do they believe in destruction via an invented planet called Nibiru.  For more details, see also CG7 Reports CGOM’s J. McBride’s Take on 2012 ‘Day of Doom’.
7. PREDICTION: Some believe that Nostradamus saw that a type of galactic alignment would cause destruction and that he drew paintings related to this.
   TRUTH: Yet the book that this is based upon is not likely to have even been written by him, as it is a series of pictures, not quatrains, like he normally wrote.  But even if Nostradamus did paint this, the world will not end in December 2012.  For more details, please check out End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something?
8. PREDICTION: Muslim’s have a prophecy that an Islamic leader called the Imam Mahdi is supposed to rise up in an even numbered year. The latest Islamic year 1434 began on November 15, 2012 and runs until November 3, 2013. Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a Shi’ite Muslim, has claimed that this leader will arise before he leaves office (which is supposed to be during this Islamic year 1434) and suggested that is do arise after Mahmoud Ahmadinejad first takes over Jerusalem. Shi’Ite Muslims believe that he will be Muḥammad ibn al-Ḥasan al-Mahdī, a relative of Muhammad, who was born on July 29, 869.
   TRUTH: Sunni Muslims, while accepting the view that there will be an Imam Mahdi, do not believe that he can be the leader that the Shi’ites expect–and they are correct–the one born on July 29, 869 will not truly rise up and unite all the Muslims.  Hence we are not going to see the taking over of Jerusalem in year 1434–the events needed for Jerusalem to be surrounded by armies in Matthew 24, etc. have not yet happened.  For additional details, please check out Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013? and  The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy.
9. PREDICTION: The Hopi Indians have prophecies of gloom that some believe point to the world ending in 2012–which some have interpreted as the world ending in 2012.
   TRUTH: However, as some have noticed, the Hopi prophecies tend to be discussing that the world will be in a “berserk transition,” not that the world will actually end then.  And although we seem to be in a time of sorrows and transition (cf. Matthew 24:4-8), the world will not end in 2012.  Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013?
10. PREDICTION: Bruce McKerras claims that the sixth seal of the Book of Revelation will be opened on December 2012.  In a book/article that he posted online titled ALETHOS TELOS: The Truth About the End Times he states the following: “2012 December The great and terrible day of the Lord’s vengeance and wrath, a CME sunstrike. Isaiah 30:26. It is the Sixth seal. Worldwide devastation and the Middle East is completely cleared, Psalm 83, a small Jewish remnant survive in Jerusalem. Isaiah 4:3 Many will die elsewhere, such as America: Isaiah 17:4-10, but most will survive…”
    TRUTH: Biblically that is not possible.  The sixth seal follows the fifth seal and the fifth seal will not be opened prior to 2017.  There will not be devastation to the degree that the sixth seal calls for in December 2012.  For more biblical details, please check out Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013?

I should add that the Bible does not allow for the possibility that the world will end in three weeks.  However, that does not mean that there could not be problems.  There very well could be storms, earthquakes, floods, solar problems, regional conflicts, violence, etc. in December 2012, it is just that it will not possibly be the end of the world as we know it.

Perhaps I should also add that while some legitimate Mayan researchers (e.g. Ernst Wilhelm Förstemann) have believed that the Mayans may have predicted the end of the world on December 21/22, 2012 or some type of a flood (e.g. Mark Van Stone) via the Dresden Codex, it is simply not biblically possible for the type of massive destruction that many people are worried about to happen this month.

As far as some scientific confirmation about the lack of astronomical risk this month, notice the following recent NASA news items related to the Mayans and astronomy:

2012 Mayan apocalypse rumors have dark side, NASA warns…

NASA scientists took time on Wednesday, Nov. 28, to soothe 2012 doomsday fears, warning against the dark side of Mayan apocalypse rumors — frightened children and suicidal teens who truly fear the world may come to an end Dec. 21…

“There is no true issue here,” David Morrison, an astrobiologist at NASA Ames Research Center, said during a NASA Google+ Hangout event. “This is just a manufactured fantasy.”  http://www.foxnews.com/science/2012/11/29/2012-mayan-apocalypse-rumors-have-dark-side-nasa-warns/

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Stories about the fictional planet Nibiru and predictions of the end of the world in December 2012 have blossomed on the Internet. Contrary to some of the common beliefs out there, Dec. 21, 2012 won’t be the end of the world as we know, however, it will be another winter solstice. https://plus.google.com/events/ci7ak9p657rj34um819vadrm8jg#events/ci7ak9p657rj34um819vadrm8jg

While the world as we know it will end some day, it cannot possibly be in December 2012.

There have not been enough of the biblically-required signs (see, for example, Matthew 24 and Daniel 11:27-39) fulfilled for it to be this early.

Now, I want to make it perfectly clear that at least some Mayans did predict the end of the world.  Here, for example, is a quote from one or more Mayan priests in the 16th century:

But when the law of the katun has run its course, the God will bring about a great deluge again which will be the end of the world. When this is over, then our Lord Jesus Christ will descend over the valley of Jehoshaphat beside the town of Jerusalem where he redeemed us with his holy blood (José Hoíl J, Roys R. The Book of Chilam Balam of Chumayel. Roys Publisher, 1933. Reprint Forgotten Books, 1967, p. 62).

However, this does not mean that ALL Mayans believed in the end of the world (and records suggest that many prior to the 10th century did not) nor does it mean that the world has to end on December 21/22, 2012.  Nor is it biblically-possible that a great deluge will be the end of the world (Genesis 9:11,15).

FWIW, so far, world events have confirmed at least 24 predictions in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect.  And the three basic predictions related to this month, will also be confirmed later this month.

1) The reality is that when the world does not end this month, 2) scoffers will claim that there have always been doomsayers and that they have always been wrong about the end of the world.  They will overly discount biblical prophecy because some have misunderstood end time prophetic matters.  But despite scoffers, the Bible shows that the world as we know it will end (2 Peter 3:1-13)–it just cannot be for many years from now.

3) Another reality is that when the world does not end this month, some others will claim that the Mayans, Asians, etc. did not predict the end of the world, but instead the dawning of a new age of peace.  This is a false belief and runs contrary to the Bible (cf. Ezekiel 13:6-10).

Despite ten false predictions, the truth is that the world will not end December 21/22, 2012.

Some articles that might be of assistance in understanding end-time events may include:

End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama and Julia Gillard be involved in 2012?  Have predictions written by Bob Thiel related to Barack Obama and Julia Gillard began to come to pass?
Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012 or 2013? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What is the “beginning of sorrows”? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist? Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests? This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims?

COGwriterDrought is still a concern:

Drought worsens in High Plains; winter outlook not good

Drought is tightening its grip on the central United States as winter weather sets in, threatening to ravage the new wheat crop and spelling more hardship for farmers and ranchers already weary of the costly and ongoing dry conditions.

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/29/15548389-drought-worsens-in-high-plains-winter-outlook-not-good?lite

American grain crops, such as corn,soy, and wheat, were affected by drought earlier in 2012. And now wheat may be an issue for 2013 because of the drought.

Notice also the following:

November 30, 2012

After months of drought, companies that ship grain and other goods down the Mississippi River are being haunted by a potential nightmare: If water levels fall too low, the nation’s main inland waterway could become impassable to barges just as the harvest heads to market.

Any closure of the river would upend the transport system that has carried American grain since before steamboats and Mark Twain. So shipping companies are scrambling to find alternative ways to move crops to the Gulf Coast.  http://www.cambridgechron.com/article/20121130/NEWS/121139919

Having an abnormally low Mississippi river is not good for the economy of the USA.

And of course, in 2012, weather problems, including flooding, drought, and heat have affected other areas as well (see, for example, Flooding in North Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, and China, TW: Drought USA and Flooding UK; Russia Having Both, Quarter Million Affected by Flooding in Japan, Severely Cold Weather in South Africa and Australia, Drought in Mid-USA Affecting Grain, 2012 Drought Declared USA’s Largest Ever Natural Disaster, Drought Affecting India and Its Food Supply; Europe too, Drought Reducing Wheat Yields in US, Australia, Russia, and Ukraine, and Weather Extremes in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK).

Flood, droughts, and weather problems contribute to food shortages, higher food prices (Heat Affecting USA Wheat Crop and USDA Slashes Corn and Soy Production Estimates Due to Drought; Canadian Farmers Expecting to Benefit), and sometimes famines.

Droughts and weather problems contribute to food shortages, higher food prices, and sometimes famines. Food inflation seems to be occurring.

Weather-related troubles with their related food issues, of course, have been biblically expected:

7…And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:7-8).

5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” (Revelation 6:5-6)

8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:8)

Those who think that the USA will always have plenty of affordable food will be shocked when that changes. Droughts, floods, weather issues, pestilences, and a reliance on more and more engineered and hybridized foods are putting the USA, as well as its other Anglo-descended allies, at severe risk of food problems. Risks that are going to result in food problems. And the drought is only a part of that.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2012, 2013, or 2014? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Will the Anglo-Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people?
End of Mayan Calendar 2012–Might 2012 Mean Something? Are there Mayan calendar predictions for change in 2012? Changes were centuries ago predicted by the Hopi Native Americans. Do Mayan/Hindu/Hopi/Buddhist/New Age/Nostradamus prophecies have any value here? Why might Satan have inspired this date? Does the Dresden codex show destruction of the earth by flood? Can the great tribulation start before 2012? How might Barack Obama and Julia Gillard be involved in 2012? Have predictions written by Bob Thiel related to Barack Obama and Julia Gillard began to come to pass?