Busted Rapture Shakes the Faith

Last week I about the May 21 prediction of Judgment Day made by Family Radio and radio minister Harold Camping. I wanted to know the opinions of Dixon Patch readers as Camping’s prediction approached.

Here is what some of our readers said:

“This prediction is being made by the same man who started the furor back in the 90's ‘99 reasons why the world will end in 1999.’ Ridiculous! We must be on guard for these "false prophets" and just make sure our lives are an example to others. A good example.” – Diane Tachiera

“Publicity stunt. Scam. Bunk. Or anything else you want to label this hogwash. If you want reality, some of us are old enough to remember back to 1961 when the existence of the world WAS in the balance from one day to the next, depending on who blinked first--Kennedy or Krushchev. Biblically speaking, it is not possible for a mortal to know when the demise of the world will occur. In 1961 I was scared to death because of the shear reality of the threat that prevailed, in 2011 I scoff and feel sorry for anyone that falls for this soothsayer nonsense. James Jones would be proud to heft a big glass of Kool-Aid for Family Radio.” – Clifton D. Schell

“In the bible, it says no one will no when he comes like a thief in the night. I feel for the people who think that the 21st is the day, so what happens to there belief when this doesn't happen???” – Stacy Turner

“If you believe tomorrow is the end please send your cash and valuables to me for safe keeping ASAP. I can guarantee I will be here after Sunday and will put your valuables to good use.” – Vanessa Reyes

I believe that this so-called radio minister was foolish to predict such a massive event that is at the very fabric of Christianity. After all, he is but a mere mortal.

And even though us mortals have been known to make a mistake or two, I still can’t help to wonder what was he thinking?

At the same time, I kind of, sort of, feel sad for him and his followers.

The man truly believed that this event was going to happen and in an act of faith, purchased billboard space, no doubt with his followers’ money, and promoted it to no end.

When it didn’t happen Saturday, I can only imagine the hit that his faith took. I can’t imagine how his followers are feeling now – those who truly believed that the Rapture would take place. Some of them put their lives on hold, tied up loose ends that they needed to tie up and said their goodbyes to their loved ones.

For them, and not necessarily for Camping, I do hope that they find a way to move past this busted prediction and re-establish their faith.

If this was just a publicity stunt, as one of our readers had suggested, then he will have a higher power to answer to when he passes away or the Rapture comes, whichever happens first.