Even if you didn't bother to see the 2009 disaster film “2012,” if you lived in North America you were undoubtedly subjected to the movie's intense marketing strategy.

Not only was there a website, but there was an entire campaign launched by a fictional organization called the Institute for Human Continuity. In the buildup to the movie's release the organization blitzed every type of media and pulled stunts resulting in speculation, confusion, and (most importantly) anticipation.

The catch? There was never any mention of a movie. Instead, the campaign focused on disaster, the end of the world, and cryptic messaging from the point of view of apocalyptic zealot Charlie Frost. Some people believed the campaign to be true, others were incensed that a company would try to make money off fear and hype, but most people saw it for what it was and made a mental note to see the movie when it was released.

And they did—despite mixed reviews criticizing a weak script the movie was a blockbuster and became the 38^th highest grossing film of all time worldwide.

While most people were able to buy a movie ticket without buying into the hype, the film brought an age-old question to the forefront of our minds—what will the end of the world be like? And will we survive it? We wonder, but we don't really know. And that scares us.

If you want to read more about end of the world prophecies and how to keep your head make sure to check out October's LifeTrac article Not Buying into the Hype. Here's an excerpt:

More than once Jesus warns against setting dates. Yet despite the warning people continue to do so. Chuck Swindoll in his message More Seals Broken…More Lives Shaken and Taken says “Let me give you a tip about that. Never follow a teacher who sets dates regarding prophecy. That person is not reliable. Jesus himself said not even angels know the precise moments. So believe me neither do we who are on this earth know the precise date or day.” Matthew 24:36 says no one knows when the end is. As well we can be assured that it will happen suddenly—unexpectedly and without warning (verses 40-44). Therefore, anyone who tries to tell us otherwise is incorrect.

But this “not knowing” shouldn't be something to fear. In fact, we're told not to be afraid of the end. When we put our trust in the Lord and as we live in God, 1 John 4 tells us our love grows more perfect. And “such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that his love has not been perfected in us,” (1 John 4:18 NLT). When we are filled with God's perfect love, there is no room for fear.

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