The idea that the sand will finally be running out on Earth’s clock is certainly nothing new. And claims that it could be happening any moment are just as common. But where does this most recent claim that the world will be coming to an end May 21st come from? And why is it picking up so much steam?
In a radio address, after his previous prediction of a Christian Rapture taking place in 1994 failed, Camping announced that his new calculations place the end of the world as we know it as occurring on May 21st, 2011. Camping suggested that not only would the Christian Rapture take place on this date, but that he had personally identified it as the day in question. Ignoring any claims that no one will ever know the exact time or date of the rapture, Camping has since gone on a campaign to spread his message and even -often to a critical audience- shows others he is serious about his claims. Saying there will be no plan B if the rapture does not take place, Camping has brought a great deal of anxiety to his believers, and also a sense that the world as we know it – along with all of its pros and cons will shortly be coming to an end. And only those who follow his advice will b saved.
Camping further illustrates that the rapture will claim some 200 million people (or approximately 3% of the population) in an incredible display that will leave the rest of humanity to live in the aftermath of the ensuing destruction. And if this claim seems too dramatic to be believed, Camping has a number of followers. The Judgment Day May 21 campaign has sign holders, pamphlet distributors, and even a massive billboard proclaiming a sincere belief that the end is near – and has been predicted just in time.
But Camping also has his critics. In 1994, on September 6th Camping and several of his closest believers gathered within the Alameda Veteran’s Memorial Building set down for their final mass waiting for the end of the world to come and take hem away. It had been two years, and a major media campaign to gather these individuals together, and the radio show host stood at the front of the building to await the second coming. After the rapture did not take away those in the building, Camping set about to recheck his equation and ultimately came to a second date – another one that would happen in his own lifetime, though over ten years later. That day is May 21st, 2011. And Camping has since launched another major media campaign to share his prediction.
The trouble with telling others the end of the world may be coming soon is you have to be really sure of it all. And with so many wondering in those last few moments if they’re really going to be chosen to be raptured away, what will they have to endure in the event the day comes and goes uneventfully? How will parents explain to their children what has happened – or rather what has not? That’s not a problem – suggests Camping – as that event will not come about. You may recall in late April hearing of the Spring 2011 Rapture date where the end of the world would happen before the end of April. Given the context, these predictions have been made hundreds of times in the past by various individuals and never has come to pass.