“Please allow me to introduce myself... my name is Apocalypse. You may have heard rumors that I am coming for a visit soon, and could cause quite a ruckus. Well, anything's possible. But perhaps there are a few things you might like to consider first.”
A decidedly snarky introduction by Steve Heilig of the Huffington Post on a topic looming on our Gregorian calendar - December 21, 2012 - and the topic of a fascinating book, the question my readers might be asking is just what does impending doom have to do with love? One obvious tie in is with the concept of rapture, something lovers use to describe what it feels like to be wrapped up in physical bliss, and a Christian term used to describe the anticipated coming of Jesus Christ.
Given that Modern Love is a relationship hub, I’ll leave the topic of religion to those more inclined towards Christian faith. Which leaves me to review Apocalypse Not: Everything You Know About 2012, Nostradamus and the Rapture is Wrong (Viva Editions, 2011) by John Michael Greer from the tangled perspective of relationships.
Apocalypse Not is a sweeping view and quiet funny too of humanities two thousand year old fascination with the end days. From modern day doomsayers intent on believing the end of the Mayan calendar spells doom for mankind, to the historical precedence for why people all over the globe buy into the prophecies, Greer’s research and command of the topic is impressive. Some of the topics covered include biblical prophets, the prophesies of Nostradamus and other visionaries, UFO phenomenon and Armageddon.
He explains the origin of these beliefs and tracks them through various religions (okay, I know I said I wouldn’t comment on this, but still its pertinent to a review). I found myself on more than one occasion laughing at our collective folly and wondering if what he says is true.
Because in relationship ways, the notion of an apocalypse isn’t so far off, given our distressing divorce rates, sexless marriages, widespread infidelity, and orgasmically- challenged American culture. If there’s any rapture desperately needed (which is basically what I’m arguing for) outsourcing our fears onto ancient calendars seems the least of our problems, and the last place we’ll find solutions.
Do I recommend this book? Heck yeah. It’s a riotous read and an expose worthy of the publisher, which continues to churn out terrific fringe literature, including erotica, that has put more than a few smiles on my face. Will Apocalypse Not solve your relationship woes? Nope. Then again, reading side by side in bed may not be such a bad thing for the average married couple doing a whole lot less these days.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book with the expressed agreement to write a fair review.
Tinamarie is a top-rated writer for several websites. You can follow her on @ModernLoveMuse and facebook. She blogs at www.tinamariebernard.com.
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