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The Washington Post (USA daily broadsheet)
Wednesday 18 May 2011
Under God:
May 21, 2011:
Harold Camping’s
calculations for the
calculations for the
end of the world
by Elizabeth Flock
Harold Camping explains his calculations for the end date in an interview in April. (Screengrab from youtube.com) Family Radio evangelist Harold Camping is certain “Judgment Day” is coming this
by Elizabeth Flock
Harold Camping explains his calculations for the end date in an interview in April. (Screengrab from youtube.com) Family Radio evangelist Harold Camping is certain “Judgment Day” is coming this
Saturday 21 May
On that day, Jesus will return to earth and set into motion a five-month countdown to the end of the world.
Camping arrived at the date of May 21 through some complex calculations he says are drawn from the Bible. In case you’re perplexed, as many biblical scholars are, we’ve drawn out the calculations for you:
Get it now? If not, Camping will further explain it to you: “Five times 10 times 17 is telling you a story. It’s the story from the time Christ made payment for your sins until you’re completely saved.”
“I tell ya, I just about fell off my chair when I realized that,” he said.
Camping arrived at the date of May 21 through some complex calculations he says are drawn from the Bible. In case you’re perplexed, as many biblical scholars are, we’ve drawn out the calculations for you:
Get it now? If not, Camping will further explain it to you: “Five times 10 times 17 is telling you a story. It’s the story from the time Christ made payment for your sins until you’re completely saved.”
“I tell ya, I just about fell off my chair when I realized that,” he said.
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2011 end times prediction
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 2011 end times prediction made by Christian radio host Harold Camping states that the Rapture (in premillennial theology, the taking up into heaven of God's elect people) will take place on
Saturday 21 May 2011
[1][2] at 6 P.M. local time (the rapture will sweep the globe time zone by time zone) [3] and that the end of the world as we know it will take place five months later on October 21, 2011.[4] Camping, president of the Family Radio Christian network, claims the Bible as his source and says May 21 will be the date of the Rapture and the day of judgment "beyond the shadow of a doubt".[5] His followers claim that around 200 million people (approximately 3% of the world's population) will be raptured.[6]
Camping's predictions have not been embraced by most other Christian groups;[7] some have explicitly rejected them.[8][9][10][11] An interview with a group of church leaders noted that all of them have scheduled services as usual for Sunday, May 22.[12] Camping previously claimed that the world would end in September 1994.
Rationale
"I know it's absolutely true, because the Bible is always absolutely true."[13]
— Harold Camping, president, Family Radio
Camping has presented several numerological[14] arguments, or biblical "proofs", in favor of the May 21st end time. A civil engineer by training, Camping states he has attempted to work out mathematically-based prophecies in the Bible for decades. In an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle he explained "...I was an engineer, I was very interested in the numbers. I'd wonder, 'Why did God put this number in, or that number in?' It was not a question of unbelief, it was a question of, 'There must be a reason for it.' "[15]
Harold Camping being interviewed about his prediction in early 2011.
As early as 1970, Camping dated the Great Flood to 4990 BC.[16] Taking the prediction in Genesis 7:4 ("Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth") to be a prediction of the end of the world, and combining it with 2 Peter 3:8 ("With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day"), Camping concludes that the end of the world will occur in 2011, 7000 years from 4990 BC.[6] Camping takes the 17th day of the second month mentioned in Genesis 7:11 to be the 21st May, and hence predicts the rapture to occur on this date.[6]
Another argument[17] that Camping uses in favor of the May 21st date is as follows:
According to Camping, the number five equals "atonement", the number ten equals "completeness", and the number seventeen equals "heaven".
Camping's predictions have not been embraced by most other Christian groups;[7] some have explicitly rejected them.[8][9][10][11] An interview with a group of church leaders noted that all of them have scheduled services as usual for Sunday, May 22.[12] Camping previously claimed that the world would end in September 1994.
Rationale
"I know it's absolutely true, because the Bible is always absolutely true."[13]
— Harold Camping, president, Family Radio
Camping has presented several numerological[14] arguments, or biblical "proofs", in favor of the May 21st end time. A civil engineer by training, Camping states he has attempted to work out mathematically-based prophecies in the Bible for decades. In an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle he explained "...I was an engineer, I was very interested in the numbers. I'd wonder, 'Why did God put this number in, or that number in?' It was not a question of unbelief, it was a question of, 'There must be a reason for it.' "[15]
Harold Camping being interviewed about his prediction in early 2011.
As early as 1970, Camping dated the Great Flood to 4990 BC.[16] Taking the prediction in Genesis 7:4 ("Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth") to be a prediction of the end of the world, and combining it with 2 Peter 3:8 ("With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day"), Camping concludes that the end of the world will occur in 2011, 7000 years from 4990 BC.[6] Camping takes the 17th day of the second month mentioned in Genesis 7:11 to be the 21st May, and hence predicts the rapture to occur on this date.[6]
Another argument[17] that Camping uses in favor of the May 21st date is as follows:
According to Camping, the number five equals "atonement", the number ten equals "completeness", and the number seventeen equals "heaven".
Christ is said to have hung on the cross on April 1, 33 AD. The time between April 1, 33 AD and April 1, 2011 is 1,978 years.
If 1,978 is multiplied by 365.2422 days (the number of days in a solar year, not to be confused with the lunar year), the result is 722,449.
The time between April 1 and May 21 is 51 days.
51 added to 722,449 is 722,500.
(5 × 10 × 17)^2
or
(atonement × completeness × heaven)^2 also equals 722,500.
Thus, Camping concludes that 5 × 10 × 17 is telling us a "story from the time Christ made payment for our sins until we're completely saved."[15]
Camping has not been precise about the exact timing of the event, saying that "maybe" we can know the hour.[18] He has suggested that "days" in the Bible refer to daylight hours particularly.[18] Another account says the "great earthquake" which signals the start of the Rapture will "start in the Pacific Rim at around the 6 p.m. local time hour, in each time zone."[19]
In Camping's book 1994?, self-published in 1992, he predicted that the End Times would come in September 1994 (variously reported as September 4[13] or September 6[20]). When the Rapture failed to occur on the appointed day, Camping said he had made a mathematical error.[21]
Thus, Camping concludes that 5 × 10 × 17 is telling us a "story from the time Christ made payment for our sins until we're completely saved."[15]
Camping has not been precise about the exact timing of the event, saying that "maybe" we can know the hour.[18] He has suggested that "days" in the Bible refer to daylight hours particularly.[18] Another account says the "great earthquake" which signals the start of the Rapture will "start in the Pacific Rim at around the 6 p.m. local time hour, in each time zone."[19]
In Camping's book 1994?, self-published in 1992, he predicted that the End Times would come in September 1994 (variously reported as September 4[13] or September 6[20]). When the Rapture failed to occur on the appointed day, Camping said he had made a mathematical error.[21]
Criticism
Camping's rapture prediction, along with some of his other teachings and beliefs, have sparked some controversy in the Christian world. His critics often quote Bible verses (such as Matthew 24:36) which they claim imply the date of the end will never be known by anyone but God until it actually happens. James Kreuger, author of the book Secrets of the Apocalypse - Revealed, has stated that while he believes the rapture is coming, Camping is incorrect in attempting to nail down a date. "For all his learning, Camping makes a classic beginner's mistake when he sets a date for Christ's return," writes Kreuger. "Jesus himself said in Matthew 24:36, 'Of that day and hour knows no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my father only.'"[15] However, Camping and his followers respond that this principle only applied to the "church age" or "pre-tribulation period" and does not apply to the present day, citing other verses (such as 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5:5) in their rebuttal.[22]
In a 2001 pamphlet, Camping asserted that believers should "flee the church," resigning from any church they belong to, because the "Church Age" is over and the "Great Tribulation" has begun.[23] This assertion was controversial[24] and drew "a flurry of attacks".[23]
Edwin M. Yamauchi critiqued Camping's dating of the Flood when Camping first published his ideas in 1970.[16]
Criticism of the May 21 prediction has ranged from serious critique to ridicule. Theology professor Matthew L. Skinner, writing at the Huffington Post, noted the "long history of failed speculation" about the End Times and cautioned that end-of-the-world talk can lead Christians to social passivity instead of "working for the world's redemption".[25] Some columnists have mocked the prediction with humorous columns from a skeptical viewpoint.[26][27]
Evolutionary biologist and atheist Richard Dawkins dismissed Camping's prediction, writing that "he will inevitably explain, on May 22nd, that there must have been some error in the calculation, the rapture is postponed to ... and please send more money to pay for updated billboards."[28] California Director of American Atheists Larry Hicock said that "Camping's well-intentioned rapture campaign is indicative of the problems with religion".[29]
Impact
Camping's prediction and his promotion of it via his radio network and other promotional means have spread the prediction globally,[14] which has led believers and non-believers to a variety of actions.
Camping's prediction and his promotion of it via his radio network and other promotional means have spread the prediction globally,[14] which has led believers and non-believers to a variety of actions.
Promotion
In 2010, Marie Exley of Colorado Springs made news by purchasing advertising space in her locality, promoting the alleged Rapture date on a number of park benches.[30] Since then, 'Judgment Day' billboards have been erected at locations across the world.[31] Some people have adorned their vehicles with the information.[32]
On October 27, 2010, Family Radio launched "Project Caravan". Five RVs arrayed with reflector lettering that declare that Judgment Day begins on May 21, 2011 were sent out from their headquarters in Oakland, California, to Seattle, Washington. Upon arrival, teams are sent out to distribute tracts.[33] The caravan has made stops in Oregon,[34] California, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Florida, Utah, Maryland,[35] and other states, as well as Canada and Mexico.[citation needed]
In 2010, Marie Exley of Colorado Springs made news by purchasing advertising space in her locality, promoting the alleged Rapture date on a number of park benches.[30] Since then, 'Judgment Day' billboards have been erected at locations across the world.[31] Some people have adorned their vehicles with the information.[32]
On October 27, 2010, Family Radio launched "Project Caravan". Five RVs arrayed with reflector lettering that declare that Judgment Day begins on May 21, 2011 were sent out from their headquarters in Oakland, California, to Seattle, Washington. Upon arrival, teams are sent out to distribute tracts.[33] The caravan has made stops in Oregon,[34] California, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Florida, Utah, Maryland,[35] and other states, as well as Canada and Mexico.[citation needed]
Hmong gathering
About 5000[14] ethnic Hmong gathered at a remote town in Viet Nam's Muong Nhe province in early May, where they planned to await the arrival of Christ. The Vietnamese government broke up the gathering and arrested some people, describing them as "extremists".[36] Pastor Doan Trung Tin indicated that a translated version of Camping's prediction had influenced about 300 of his parishioners to go to the assembly point, selling their belongings to be able to afford the journey via bus.[37]
Skeptical responses
The group Seattle Atheists formed the Rapture Relief Fund which they will use "to help survivors of any Armageddon-sized disaster in the Puget Sound area";[38] if the rapture fails to come as predicted, the money will fund a camp that teaches children about critical thinking.[39] The group American Atheists has sponsored billboards in several American cities declaring the Rapture to be "nonsense", and are holding a party during the period of the predicted rapture.[29]
Publications
Camping's writings that detail the timing of the end include:
Book
1994? (1992 - predicts the End Times for September, 1994)
Time Has An End (2005 - discusses Camping's belief that 2011 is in all likelihood the end of the world)
Booklet
Has the Era of the Church Come to an End? (2001 - advises that the Great Tribulation has begun and that Christians should "flee their churches")
We Are Almost There! (2008 - contains all the information on how May 21, 2011 was arrived at)
Tracts
The End of the World is Almost Here! Holy God Will Bring Judgment on May 21, 2011 (2009)
God Gives Another Infallible Proof That Assures the Rapture Will Occur May 21, 2011 (2009)
No Man Knows the Day or the Hour? (2009)
See also:
End time
Last Judgment
Great Disappointment
List of dates of the end of the world
2012 phenomenon - Another prediction about the end of the world.
References
^ "Jesus Returning to Earth On May 21, 2011". Flashnews.com. 2010-07-30. Retrieved 2010-11-29.
^ "May 21, 2011: Judgment Day believers descend on Joburg". The Daily Maverick. Retrieved 2010-11-29.
^ http://www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/scocca/archive/2011/05/16/countdown-to-armageddon-maybe-the-world-will-end-friday-night-or-sunday-morning.aspx
^ "May 21, 2011 - Judgment Day!; October 21, 2011 - The End of the World". Ebiblefellowship.com. 1988-05-21. Retrieved 2010-11-29.
^ "End of Days in May? Believers enter final stretch". Associated Press, cited at MSNBC. January 23, 2011. Retrieved May 9, 2011.
^ a b c "Judgment Day". Family Radio. Retrieved 16 May 2011.
^ "May 21st, The New Christian Doomsday". ReliJournal. May 6, 2011. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
^ "A Response to Harold Camping's Erroneous Teaching". Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. Retrieved May 9, 2011.
^ "Letter to Harold Camping (Family Radio) True Prophet or False?". Retrieved May 10, 2011.
^ "Billboards Marking Jesus' Return in May 'Misguided,' Says NT Scholar". Retrieved May 10, 2011.
^ "End times theology: an insider’s guide". Retrieved May 10, 2011.
^ Church Leaders Across Denominations Reflect on Camping's Prediction NBC29, May 17, 2011. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
^ a b "Doomsday campers Project Caravan say the world will end May 21". dailymail.co.uk. 8 March 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2011.
^ a b c End of the world? How about a party instead?, Associated Press, quoted at MSNBC, May 18, 2011. Retrieved May 19, 2011
^ a b c Berton, Justin (1 January 2010). "Biblical scholar's date for rapture: May 21, 2011". sfgate.com. Retrieved 12 March 2011.
^ a b Camping, Harold (1970). "The Biblical Calendar of History". Journal of the American Scientific Affiliation 22. Retrieved 16 May 2011.
^ Camping, Harold (August 2010). "We Are Almost There!". Family Stations, Inc. pp. 44-63.
^ a b Countdown to Armageddon: Maybe the World Will End Friday Night (or Sunday Morning), Slate, May 7, 2011. Retrieved May 17, 2011
^ Is The End Nigh? We'll Know Soon Enough, NPR, May 7, 2011. Retrieved May 17, 2011
^ David S. Reynolds. "The end of the world is here ... again". Salon.com. Retrieved 2011-05-19.
^ "Apocalypse Soon: Christian Movement Says 5/21/11". CBS News. 2011-01-03. Retrieved 2011-05-19.
^ "No Man Knows The Day Or The Hour?". Familyradio.com. Retrieved 2010-11-29.
^ a b Kellner, Mark (May 21, 2002). "New Dispensation? Camping: 'Leave Church'". Christianity Today. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
^ Jackson, Wayne. "Harold Camping’s New Revelation: “Leave the Church!”". Christian Courier. Retrieved 2011-05-19.
^ Skinner, Matthew L. (2011-03-27). "Apocalypse Now? A Christian Understanding of the End Times'". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2011-05-19.
^ "Sinners, you have four days until Judgment Day. Are you prepared?". Vancouver Sun. 17 May 2011.
^ 10 unhealthy things to do before Armageddon Orange County Register, May 17, 2011. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
^ "Science explains the end of the world". On Faith, Washington Post. May 10, 2011. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
^ a b Middleton, RJ (2011-05-12). "Atheists Offer Doomsdayers a Party". NBC Bay Area. Retrieved 2011-05-19.
^ "Bus bench ads on Christ's return funded by unemployed Springs woman". 38.833882;-104.821363: Colorado Springs Gazette. 2010-07-26. Retrieved 2010-11-29.
^ "May 21, 2011 Judgment Day and Rapture Billboards". Ebiblefellowship.com. Retrieved 2010-11-29.
^ "Examples of "Moving Billboards"". Ebiblefellowship.com. Retrieved 2010-11-29.
^ "Project Caravan". Familyradio.com. Retrieved 2010-12-02.
^ "Entourage brings message of doom". Oroville Mercury-Register. 2010-11-30. Retrieved 2010-12-02.
^ Gross, Daniel (28 March 2011). "Judgment Day caravan spreads message on campus". The Towerlight. Retrieved 28 March 2011.
^ "Vietnam says ‘extremists’ detained after Hmong gathering; area still off limits to media". The Washington Post. 2011-05-13. Retrieved 2011-05-19.
^ "Vietnam protesters lured by doomsday cult". The Straits Times. Retrieved 2011-05-19.
^ "Atheists Offer Post-Rapture Services". Christianpost.com. 2011-05-07. Retrieved 2011-05-19.
^ "Seattle Atheists collect for "Rapture Relief Fund'". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. 2011-05-13. Retrieved 2011-05-19.
External links
Official website
We Can Know
EBibleFellowship
The Latter Rain
Family Radio Discussion Forum
Categories: Eschatology | Prophecy
This page was last modified on 19 May 2011 at 18:53.
