Mayan 2012 Apocalypse Prediction Is Inaccurate, Expert (Obviously) States

Sorry, John Cusack, but the ancient Mayan inscription that foretold the end of the world in 2012 may have been misinterpreted.

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John Cusack in the apocalyptic film "2012."

Good news: It appears that the world won’t end in 2012 after all. Turns out that the Mayan inscription that many saw as foretelling the end of the world, may have been misinterpreted. So if your holiday shopping plan was to charge your credit cards with the expectation that the world would end in a year, you may need to reconsider.

As 2012 approaches, scientists have been scrambling to disprove the theory that an ancient Mayan carving predicted that the world would end around December 21, 2012.  It is undoubtedly difficult to focus on important scientific advances if you believe the world will end before you win your Nobel Prize.

(PHOTOS: Cinematic Visions of the Apocalypse)

Finally, one hero has stepped forward to save the planet from the apocalypse. No, it’s not John Cusack, nor is it Bruce Willis. Rather, it’s a scientist named Sven Gronemeyer who has been has been studying the stone tablet that contained the ominous inscription. Speaking at the archaeological site of Palenque in southern Mexico, Gronemeyer explained his scientifically-based belief is that the passage simply refers to a passing of a god, not the end of humanity. The good news for humankind it that this new theory sounds more like a plot ripped from Ghostbusters than one from 2012.

As reported in the Telegraph, Gronemeyer said the inscription describes the return of the Mayan god of war and creation on the equivalent of Dec. 21, 2012. While that doesn’t sound promising for humanity, Gronemeyer reassuringly added that there’s nothing apocalyptic in the date. “The date acquired a symbolic value because it is seen as a reflection of the day of creation,” Gronemeyer said. “It is the passage of a god and not necessarily a great leap for humanity.” Phew! But wait, if the world as we know it will continue to exist after 2012, does that mean we have to keep going to the gym and eating vegetables?

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