There will be no rapture on Saturday, May 21st.
And I can’t wait to see how Harold Camping reacts on Sunday when he’s still alive, on this Earth, and in this human body.
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I think this is the most insightful and rational article that I have read since this Psycho propaganda about the end of the world has come to my attention. I am glad and hopeful for humanity that there are still people in this world who are educated enough to tell it how it is without making unfounded accusations and tasteless attacks on those who would propagate falsehoods to the world for their own recognition. Well written Summer.
In case you’ve been counting down, it just passed 155,555 seconds until either the Rapture, or Harold Camping starts planning out a new guess. Here’s the countdown clock.
http://vrsry.com/endoftheworld
There’s going to be a lot of fun things to do when the rapture happens and we’re all left behind for loving sex and being atheists and such.
Poll: What will you be doing when the rapture happens?
Link: http://www.wepolls.com/r/460448
I voted all of the above, except for the going to heaven thing. That’s for losers.
I too wider how he’ll react. I hope the media blasts him and puts an end to his prophetic nonsense.
I can’t find it at the moment but I read an article that argues that the disciples had to have seen Jesus return in order to have gone from a scared little group to brave, selfless evangelists that braved torture and risked imprisonment and/or death to spread the word.
I have to wonder if this is not a better explanation.
nice article. the difference between the aliens and the rapture is the rapture WILL HAPPEN ONE DAY.Its not going to be sat. but we should live our lifes knowing that Christ will return. aliens no, Jesus yes
lol, “aliens no, jesus yes” so sure you are… just through probability theres more likely to be intelligent life outside of earth. why don’t we meld science and religion?
How do you “know” it will happen one day, but “know” it will NOT be today or tomorrow?
You want to believe in it , as long as it doesn’t actually have to happen.
It’s a much nicer fairy tale when it’s ‘far away’.
But really it’s no sillier to believe it’s tomorrow as to believe it’s 100 years from now.
It’s just silly.
Ahhh billbo, your statement contradicts itself because Jesus IS an alien… *eyes wide in shock*
… *walks away quietly whistling the X-files theme* …
if he uses the “slight miscalculation wrong date” excuse again, he’s just going to look like he’s really bad at math.
i mean, for his 1994 prediction, he published a book about how it was going to happen a few years earlier. you’d think that if he was publishing his theories, he’d make sure to carry the 2.
When the disciples asked the Lord Jesus about the “End Times”, what was the first thing He said in reply?
“Take care THAT NO ONE DECEIVES YOU”.
See also Heaven’s Gate. It could go that way too.
Not likely that Family Radio will go the way of “Heaven’s Gate.”
The individual who founded that organization wasn’t exactly all there. Mr. Camping, on the other hand, seems to know exactly what he’s doing.
Instead of a mass suicide, or at least instead of a suicide of Mr. Camping, Mr. Camping may merely claim that he has made yet another error.
It’s a convenient excuse to his failed prophecy, and a convenient way to retain his followers as he attempts to “compute” a new date for them to look forward to.
A very well written piece.
I found this site by asking the question “What if the rapture doesn’t happen?”
I also have a background in Psychology and have observed this same “phenomena” in action especially in very religious countries like Africa.
Very good points – well made !
Africa is a country sir.
If you re-read the comment…they made the statement in reference to other countries (plural) like Africa (singular).
No need for correction in their sentence structure.
Africa is not a country it’s continent, like North America. On the African continent there are about 47 countries…
to “Matt” LOL NO ITS NOT! hahaha you’re just as stupid!
“No one knows the day nor hour, not even the angels.” Not the exact quote, but close!
I have prayed to God and he has answered my prayers and postponed the date until May 21th 2020.
Please make a note that I was the first person to receive a direct answer from God on the
postponement, as I am sure Mr Cummings will come up with the same answer shortly
I spoke to god too…he said your an idiot lol
Pretty sure that Horsey was joking, Josh. Who’s the idiot?
Why do some of you guys feel that you need to be so prim and proper. There’s nothin’ wrong with sayin’ ‘gonna’, in a public forum like this. You’re just bein’ yourselves. And, I agee. The Rapture WON’T HAPPEN tomorrow, May 21, 2011. Brother Camping will just end up with egg on his face.
Fascinating article. It’s sort of like one of the stongest hooks in the long con – getting the mark to so thoroughly believe in the play of the con, so totally involved in his own belief in the con, what he can get out of the con, that his own ego will require him to defend that con to the death, even when – ESPECIALLY when – the con is being debunked to him. Bernie Madoff’s clients are a prime example of this kind of thinking.
Rather than suffer the shame of being wrong, Camping and his followers will confabulate another eschatological con-related scenario, they will all agree with each other and reinforce one another’s egos.
Some one need to keep a eye on Chris Angle.
Well his last prediction, sadly one of the followers actually committed suicide. Campings followers probably gave all their assets to him and the campaign to warn the world. So alas while these poor people will be left, stuck here on the evil earth and no money… Campings radio network is worth over 177 MILLION dollars… well something like that. (It was just on the news.) So Camping will still be rich and able to predict a new doomsday.
Thank you for the articulate article.
The “specialness” of a group that is uniquely able to be “saved”, know “the Truth”, rescue humanity from God’s wrath, etc., seems to fit Freud’s notion that “excessive religiosity” is basically a form of Narcissism. If so, total denial of responsibility would likely be Camping’s narcissistic reaction, along with some sort of typically solipsistic defense, like “God spoke to me”. And being so “entitled” and self-justified, true Narcissists famously have no shame, at least about their attention-seeking behavior.
How will Mr. Camping react?
Simple.
“I made a mathematical error.”
Nothing dramatic, just a very convenient excuse.
It’s funny/sad to note that some people (commenting above) have no trouble criticizing one completely irrational non-sense theory (the prophecy of the rapture on May 21) with another completely irrational non-sense theory: the rapture will happen at some unknown time *because* the bible says so).
What does psychology have to say about that?
I won’t lie. I’m a christian . . . but I do not believe in this whole rapture nonsense. The world will end spontaneously for whatever reason. God has no intention of giving out clues at this Camper fellow has suggested because honestly, why would god prepare us for something that’s inescapable? It’s ridiculous and on May 22nd, this ‘disciple’ had better apologize to the poor souls he’s frightened, not to mention god himself. All I see in that man is an impostor using Christianity for publicity and propaganda.
Austen, Im with you,, Tommorrw there should be a public apology to the followers who gave up precious time with their families and qwuit their jobs so they could wait to die, and look like fools to the people they tried to convince of this rubbish, I believe in God and he will say when its time, be good to your fellow man and live an honest life and no matter wahts happens its a win win situation.
Plausible article however I note that you use the word ‘rationalize’ over and over. There is nothing rational about Camping and his follower’s behaviour. I suggest they could do anything as they are clearly not limited to reasonable or rational responses.
P.S. It’s now 8:15PM here and the rapture hasn’t arrived. What am I going to do with all this beer and popcorn?
O well, just in case I didn’t make myself totally clear: Feel free to believe in any god(s) of your liking, but know that in principal there really isn’t much (any?) difference in the irrationality of the rapture prophecies or the irrationality of believing in a god.
Well, if you want to turn this into a debate re: atheism, then technically-speaking, believing in the absence of a “deity” is just as “irrational” as believing in one, since the only truly “rational” position is that we simply don’t know, one way or the other. Although arguably some conclusions (like the Cookie Monster… and the Rapture) are a lot less “likely”!
But whether “Fundamentalist Atheists” or Fundamentalist Christians… they’re just flip sides of the same dogmatic (and narcissistic) “I have a corner on the Truth” kinda “thang”.
only the way you “don’t know” that the earth doesn’t ride through space on the back of a giant turtle.
because the EVIDENCE is that it’s a random universe.
Theres’ no evidence of an imaginary being in the sky… only a desire on the part of some to have one.
Not so. There’s “evidence” of a lot of things, even high “probabilities”. But absolute “proof”, not so much. Even “random” is a pretty relative term, that many physicists would take issue with.
Being certain there’s no deity is no different than being certain there is one. They’re both basically unprovable beliefs.
I did not state that there is no god, since if I did that, I’d feel obliged to prove my statement. Most (all?) religious people however do state that there is a god, without providing any substantial (and verifiable) evidence.
Having said that, I should add that I do think it is much more likely that there is no god than that there is one. There are many arguments for that point of view (but no rock solid proof).
Since neither the existence nor the non existence of god can be proved, common sense and reason tells me I should for the time being stick to the most likely proposition, that is: there is no god.
But hey, let’s not get into a bitter and perhaps fruitless discussion, and instead enjoy the fact that the world hasn’t come to an end (yet) so we can still enjoy life!
Well said! Always did respect the agnostic position.
understand that the SON does not know the exact date on which the following prophesy will occur—”only the FATHER”. so, anyone who claims to know the exact date has been misled.
yes, HE will come to snatch up all who are “in CHRIST”, but first all who have passed away. “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the LORD in the air. And so we will be with the LORD forever.”(1Th 4:16-17 NIV)
so that you will not be misled today, study the Bible today.(Mat 24:36; Mar 13:32)
I can understand the article and how people can be led to believe stuff like this, I don’t think people have convictions like they use too. If you don’t know what to believe in, what to fight for, what to die for, anybody can pretty much talk you into anything.
Ok all i gotta say is that! Camping should disburse all the family radio asserts to his followers bcos they have lost evrything! God did not lie,Camping did!!*keepdafaith* and oh Camping now have enough time to repent and yes i love psychology too great article and yes Mr. Freud tooo!!
What ive seen a lot of lately, is many christians taking the stand that Harold isnt a real christian.
I find it quite ironic really, and I know that the christian bible says not to judge many times.
Silly christians, I played the christian game for over 20 years, and I pity anyone that “gives christianity a chance” and actually believes its moral or spiritual or what have you, because from my experience, I felt more spiritual once I deconverted.
Not interested in joining the sheep back in the pen either.
If Camping had been wrong in 1994…why did people still believe his prediction for Judgment Day (which was supposed to happen YESTERDAY)? I believe that Camping is insane for making more false predictions after already making himself look crazy 17 years ago. He just keeps putting himself out in the public view. The world would be a little less antsy if people, like Camping, that make such predictions were to just shut up.
Also, the Bible and Jesus preached forgiveness and salvation. Why would God destroy and damn His people after promising salvation through Jesus? Camping’s prediction for Judgment Day incriminates God’s love.
“The end of the world” is a serious issue, people suffer from it regularly… you should check out this comedy called “Take Me 2012″ it touches into this earnest matter:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn1ecbC6EwM
You have a BELIEF ? Or do you BELIEVE in something, someone or some “BODY”?
The first thing a person needs to understand is what the word means……..
BELIEVE : to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so. To have confidence or faith in the truth of (a positive assertion, story, etc.); give credence to. To be persuaded of the truth or existence of: To suppose or assume; understand
Do you BELIEVE, or think, it’s going to rain today? Why? Although, not everyone thinks that or believes it and always someone that does not answer what you think to be correct answer,….and BELIEVE in. You heard it from where? ABC, NBC, National Weather Service or just simply your own prediction? You obviously adhered to and put your trust in that information that was given to you about it raining, or not raining, and came to BELIEVE it, and confident it was correct answer and information. Forecasters will always state the words, “I think” because they know mother nature is unpredictable. Words like could, should, might or possibly are words they prefer knowing they can’t too often say “It is” unless it’s happening as they speak. More times than not when people are wrong they are going to find a way to justify why, or maybe just accept the mistake and their bad judgment, or belief. “Well it was going to but that cold front came in unexpectedly and so it stopped it, but it was going to rain otherwise.” Well there was a chance of rain or strong possibility, but we can’t ALWAYS say it is or will for certain.
Religions, faiths, beliefs and understandings are from what information is supplied to us and which of that information we decided to invest our trust in and adhere to and believe. It gave us an answer because so many times people need an answer and can’t function without it.
“Of course, the reason belief, and religion, exist, is understandable. Back before organized religion was founded very little was known about how the natural world worked. The human ape evolved to be curious, to make up stories that explained what was going on. It was too scary to exist in a state of confusion. So we made up creation tales and “magic.” – George Michelsen Foy
People search desperately for answers when they are confused or just don’t understand something. It is a fear of the unknown that causes people to easily be persuaded. A simple example would be if a person came home and some lights were on that they assumed were off when they left, and totally believe it. Then the search starts for an answer because of that fear of the unknown. Did they leave them on? Was someone in the house? Did someone else in the family turn them on? So they start searching for a truth to the situation. They find out nobody in the family was home since they had left. No sign of forced entry by anyone. No such thing as ghost or paranormal so that’s out of the question. Hmmmm……..No they are a lot of times not going to want to even think some stranger was there and so a tendency to get that option out “the door” as soon as possible- or a person with paranoia will at times adhere to that option immediately. So it a lot of times will come to…….” AHHH……i know why, I bet I was in such a hurry to get to that office trying to beat traffic that I rushed out the door and forgot to turn them off!” An answer they were comfortable with, and with what knowledge they had, was the best conclusion and invested their trust in it all and came to believe it. No real fact or evidence, but a comfortable conclusion and answer. Although, little Bobby might have come home to grab his laptop and did not want to get yelled at. There might have been an intruder that took something, but will only be discovered later, to which then a comfortable answer will be searched for once again- it was lost, left somewhere or blame to someone within their knowledge. People like the cases to be closed, and not left open or become “a cold case.” The famous words, “Case closed”, “Closure”, “Victory” and etc.
“Why do people still believe? Because they’re terrified. The reason they’re scared lies in the fact that they lost control over their own lives ……………….. Want proof? Look at your neighbor, terrified of having his job, his house, his pension, his health care taken away from him–in the richest society the world has ever known. Look at your own life, perhaps …” George Michelsen Foy
Politicians run for office sharing their beliefs on how to fix things or their objections on issues. They try and convince people to believe them and to win your vote. Most people certainly have their political party they like. Although, there are also the independents who don’t adhere to one side or the other and remain open, like I do. We know all too well there are many times the politics and their leaders did not hold true and lost the vote, did not win re-election or were booted out of office or found guilty of some sort of scandal. Once again people fear the unknown and so want some answers ! They set their BELEIFS in someone who has something that has provided some information that they portrayed to you in a good way that won you over and you took what they gave you and “BELIEVED” it.
Go back to the 1900′s and introduce cell phones, moonwalks, laptops, artificial hearts, cures/vaccinations and jet airplanes. What do you think they would have said had you introduced those predictions and ideas of possibility? They would have called up a psychiatrist ! However, we have achieved those ideas and made them real ! We kept our options open and kept the search ongoing knowing we did not have all the answers and things were still….whoa that fearful word….. UNKNOWN……………whoa !
Religious beliefs are just a constraint people place on thoughts, ideas and possibilities. A poor way to bring comfort in the unfamiliar and unknown. “Thou shalt not” and it is evil or wrong or that does not happen or exists and so on and so forth. Let’s cut the funding for cancer research and stop all this nonsense spending on artificial medical crap and technology for space exploration. Was it that AED defibrillator invention that saved, or going to, your life and others? “No, god brought him back to life and kept him here on earth.” ???? So fine lets cut the spending and use of all that junk! Researchers have to keep their options and minds open to new ideas and possibilities. They have a lot of closed doors in front of them, as people all do, that they don’t know answer to and take their time to explore and open them up to see whats up. Yes, there could be forms of life on other planets so they keep searching. Yes, there could be a cure for cancer so they keep testing. Yes, there could be a lot of things so we search, test, explore, invent and just simply keep an open mind to possibilities.
“I don’t think we invest enough. They are why we are not still in the Middle Ages. Many badly needed goals, like fusion and cancer cure, would be achieved much sooner if we invested more.” Stephen Hawkins
In conclusion, lets cut the S**t & false beliefs and keep in mind not to preach your gospel unto others stating they are wrong. Use the words think, opinion, maybe, possibly when you talk about religious matters and keep the thought in mind that you may be wrong, and willing to accept it. The next time your begging that doctor to save someone in your families life or cure it keep in mind the words research, exploration, possibilities and simple fact that it was because of open minds and open beliefs that they are maybe about to save their life. Otherwise, walk away and just trust in your God !? It was a miracle? Probably just an unknown that we will later find out the answer to after we keep testing, searching and researching possibilities. Religious people need to look round and notice their cell phones, laptops, cars, family members good health, electricity and so forth realizing……”Hey, you only believe your right and there is a god? Then throw all the crap away you don’t need it or its evil and sinful man made stuff.” it could never happen! No cure ! Not possible ! Got to find some damn answer I can’t handle the fear of unknown ! Go ahead and believe it but don’t condemn others & preach it !!!
I know for a fact that NOBODY knows when the rapture will occur except for God the Father. Wherever he got those interpretations, he’s stretching them quite far. It could’ve been on May 21st, but a very very very very small chance so. I’m just voicing what I know about this:)
When will all you religious zealots wake up and see the real light. There is no god or devil. We are alone here, there will be no rapture now or ever. You can’t critisise other of your faith for getting the rapture date wrong when the whole belief system is based on stories invented to keep the masses under control. The worst part is that Religion is holding the progress of mankind back.
Harold is mentally ill. He needs rehab or be put in an institute. I go to church and read the Bible. My theology class calls him a literalist, he takes it literally as put in the Bible. I learned he had a stroke in June this year. So maybe punishment from God, even though it could be because he’s 90 and God doesn’t punish. If I meet Camping, I’ll send him to an institue, but he’ll say “the world will end and you won’t live.” Sorry I will be saved, you probably won’t.
(I’m a good person, I always have been a good person)
The only thing that differentiates Campings fundamentalism from any other interpretation of scripture is the fact that he has attributed a date to it, which has now passed and can, therefor, be dismissed. The basis for his interpretation, that the bible is the word of a god and that it holds truth and the basis for morality, remains just as fictitious as before.
The people who quote the bible to show nobody can know the date for the end of the world are just as wrong as Camping claiming he can. Firstly because you can not make these prediction based on scripture as it holds no intrinsic truth value and secondly, in reason we CAN actually make certain viable predictions on the end of the world at several levels.
We can predict the heat death of the universe or when we find a massive space rocks trajectory, we can predict it knocking us out. We know when the sun will heat up to the point where our oceans will boil. We know when the moon will no longer act as a gyroscopic stabilizer and what this will do to live as we know it.
Any foresight claimed by reading scripture between the lines is baseless and wrong.