Tag Archives: prediction

So the May 21 rapture didn’t happen

22 May

First, let me say again for the record that I’m a Bible-believing Christian. But like most Christians, I didn’t believe in the May 21, 2011 rapture according to Harold Camping. I say that with no joy or hint of mockery to Camping’s followers.

People quit their jobs, dropped out of school, used up all their life savings for this belief. Over US$3 million were reportedly spent by those who believed on spreading the message about the rapture. But before you call them ‘idiots’, let’s think about that info for a minute.

When people heard of the prediction, I imagine that there were 3 major reactions: Acceptance, curosity (which may lead to one of the other two), or rejection. Considering their actions, the people who accepted it obviously had their reasons for doing so, or they wouldn’t have risked it all like that. I never followed Family Radio, but after doing some research it does look like Camping made some very strong arguments.

Those who were curious most likely did their homework and eventually decided whether to accept or reject it, either that or they just decided not to care. We who rejected it also have our many different reasons — some educated, some not. But what we have in common is that we all made a stand, we picked a side.

My point is, we all have our beliefs. Whether it’s about rapture, doomsday or what brand of ketchup is best, we all make our choice based on what makes sense to us. This isn’t to say that I think all beliefs are correct (this is just not possible), but my point is, I don’t think anyone should be ridiculed for their beliefs. This world isn’t simply divided into ‘smart’ and ‘stupid’.

Now that the prediction has failed, I think we should just move on. No gloating, no mocking, especially since some people lost so much over it.

If you ask me what I believe in, it’s that no one knows when the end is. But no one knows when their death will come either, so either way, I think we should all have a stand on afterlife, and a reason to truly, truly believe it. If we don’t, it’s time to start looking.