In Case Nothing Happens....

"Is everyone ready for tomorrow?" we asked the poker table as we dealt Thursday night.

A couple of people seemed unsure about what we meant.  A couple of others knew -- the alleged end of the  Mayan calendar.  (We say "alleged" because some Mayan experts have been saying in news interviews the entire concept is false.)

It's also been a topic at times in online poker rooms.  Here's a recent National League of Poker chat:


724pokerking:  happy december21st doomsday!
Me:  Well, that's next week.
724pokerking:  yes prepare

And indeed, people prepared -- in a variety of ways.  Some "New Age" fanciers have treated this day as if the "age of Aquarius" is dawning all over again.  Others bought guns -- as if they'll be able to shoot down strange invaders from outer space.

We came up with a response to this "12/21" craze more than a year ago.  We used it in person at a Thursday night tournament, as well as online:

Me:  How could the Mayans figure
Me:  it out if Harold Camping couldn't?

You'll recall Harold Camping warned of "Judgment Day" in May 2011, with the world being destroyed five months later.  You'll also notice we're still here.  Camping hasn't even been on the air in recent days, as his Family Radio network has played almost non-stop Christmas music.

We know people who are treating the Mayan "deadline" with far more sarcasm and skepticism than they did Harold Camping.  Perhaps it's because there aren't any Mayans alive to take offense.  Without realizing it, those skeptics actually are verifying a prediction - not of an ancient people, but the Bible:

First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. - II Peter 3:3

It's one thing to scoff at people who seek refuge from "doomsday" in the French Alps.  But Peter goes on....

They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised?  Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." - II Peter 3:4

He's actually talking about people who scoff at the notion of Jesus coming back to Earth.  If you're one of those people, we have an assignment for you.  Find a Bible, and read all of II Peter 3.  Read his answer to the scoffers with an open mind.  Will it persuade you to rethink things?  Our next post will have more on that.

P.S.  Before our chatting partner online could answer our question about the Mayans, he was eliminated from the tournament....

Dealer:  shazamboly wins Main Pot ($2,270) with Full house, kings full of tens
Me:  Back to work on that for you
Me:  :-/
724pokerking:  i wonder how they are at poker