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Subscribe to RSSNBC's Kerry Sanders reports on the Rapture claims for "Nightly News."
If you're reading this, the Rapture hasn't happened yet.
If it had happened, you might have been taken up to heaven with 200 million other members of the elect. (Or is that 144,000?) The alternative is even spookier: being left behind to face five months of tribulation leading up to the end of the world and Jesus' judgment. (Or is that seven years?)
The prediction that the end times would begin in earnest on May 21, 2011, was made years ago by Harold Camping — the preacher who heads Family Radio, a worldwide religious broadcasting concern. His prophecy is based on calculations so kooky that other end-time prophets say he's giving them a bad name.
The real question is: Why has there been so much buzz over Saturday's scheduled Rapture?
"Obviously, what could be a bigger news story than the end of the world?" University of York historian Nicholas Guyatt, author of the book "Have a Nice Doomsday," told me. "It's absurd to think the world is going to end on Saturday, but even if there's an infinitesimally small chance that it's true, we should be interested."
One thing that sets Camping apart from most end-timers is that he sets actual dates. That runs counter to the usual Christian interpretation of the end times, which focuses on a passage in Matthew in which Jesus says "you do not know the day or the hour." It also runs counter to the lessons learned from centuries of failed doomsday predictions.
"Even among evangelists who believe in the Rapture, most of them know we're not supposed to be trying to set dates," said Jerry Jenkins, co-author of the popular "Left Behind" apocalyptic book series. "For one thing, it's going to make us look foolish on Sunday."
Doomsday prediction has believers preparing, skeptics scoffing. NBC's Kristen Dahlgren reports.
Jenkins jokingly acknowledges he's "one of those kooks who really believes it's going to happen one of these days." The 16-novel series he wrote with minister Tim LaHaye provides a fictional account of the end times, going all the way to the Second Coming. The tale is based on an interpretation of the end times known as pre-tribulation dispensationalism — which starts with some believers instantly disappearing in the Rapture while leaving others to fight it out with the Antichrist and his minions.
"It'd be a horrifying and chaotic event," Jenkins said. "I'm still a little confused whether Camping thinks that's going to happen, or whether there'll be an earthquake."
Nonsense from numbers
Jenkins and many others are also confused over how Camping came up with his prediction. This year-old posting from Church of God News runs the numbers: Saturday supposedly marks 7,000 years since the Noah's Ark flood, and 722,500 days since Jesus' crucifixion. By Camping's numerology, 722,500 represents (5 x 10 x 17) x (5 x 10 x 17), or the square of atonement times completeness times heaven.
"Now the above is utter nonsense," the Church of God News' Bob Thiel wrote. That sounds about right.
Jenkins says such number-based predictions "happen fairly frequently" in the end-time game. "It's sort of seasonal," he said.
In fact, Camping himself predicted years ago that the world would end in 1994. When the prediction failed, Camping said he got his initial calculations wrong and corrected the figures to come up with Saturday's doomsday date.
Barbara Rossing, a New Testament professor at the Lutheran School of Theology, Barbara Rossing, gets the last word on the outlandish end of the world prediction.
Guyatt noted that prophets have been predicting the end times, and getting the dates wrong, for hundreds of years. One of the best-known examples in America is the "Great Disappointment" of 1844. Baptist preacher William Miller predicted that the "Second Advent" would come on Oct. 22 of that year (after a couple of abortive predictions for earlier dates). He attracted as many as 50,000 adherents by the time the big day came. Nothing happened, of course. The result? Derision, church burnings, vandalism, even tar-and-feathering. Miller continued to await the Second Advent until his death five years later.
Miller's theology contributed to the later rise of denominations such as the Seventh-Day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses, but those churches did away with the date-setting.
Bart Ehrman, a professor of religious studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and author of the newly published book "Forged," notes that the scriptural foundations for modern-day end-time scenarios are shaky. "In the Apocalypse, there's no reference to the Rapture at all," he told me. "The idea of the Rapture comes from the writings of Paul." And many of the details have been "completely made up by theologians, they're not found in the Bible," he said.
Ehrman said he could come up with his own scenario for the end times that would make more sense than Camping's. "What I'm looking for is some very wealthy believer," he joked.
Ah, the money angle. "The thing that's confusing about [Camping's prediction] is that he doesn't seem to be making money off this," Jenkins said.
Funding the Apocalypse
Lots of money is being spent on promoting the Rapture, however. Family Radio's financial records indicate that the nonprofit organization had $122 million in net assets in 2007. The figures for the following year, 2008, show $41 million in expenses, resulting in net assets of $86 million. The 2009 report shows expenses of $37 million and net assets of $72 million. And judging by the billboard ads, bus ads and direct-mail campaigns promoting the Rapture, the spending rate must have risen substantially since those reports were filed. After all, if you're going to heaven on Saturday, why wouldn't you spend it all?
Ehrman noted that this sort of pre-doomsday spending spree has happened before, when he was teaching Bible classes in the 1980s. One of the books that came out back then was "88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988."
"I had students in my classes whose parents literally sold the farm because they didn't need it, and then it didn't happen," he recalled.
Some Family Radio listeners, such as Staten Island retiree Robert Fitzpatrick, have spent tens of thousands of dollars of their own money to promote the Rapture. That worries Jenkins. "There are very well-meaning people who are telling me they're getting rid of their life savings," he said. "I wonder who's going to take care of them when it's all over?"
Gerry Broome / AP file
Allison Warden shows off her car, emblazoned with messages about Saturday's scheduled Rapture. Warden, of Raleigh, N.C., has been helping organize a pre-Rapture campaign using billboards, postcards and other media in cities across the U.S.
The big spending spree is one big reason why this particular date has gotten so much traction. But end-time tales do not live by billboard ads alone. Guyatt says this time in history is particularly well-suited for doomsayers.
"Whenever anything really bad happens, it kind of gives their case a little support," Guyatt said. "So if you think of the turbulent times we've had over the past decade — 9/11, Iraq and Afghanistan — it kind of feeds on that. Maybe it's not formal, but we have an affinity with the view that the world is becoming a more dangerous place, or maybe our days are numbered."
And every Twitter tweet, Facebook update, Rapture party invitation — for that matter, every blog post — turns up the wattage ever so slightly on the doomsday spotlight. "What's given this traction is the billboards and the media," Guyatt said. "At some point the ball is rolling, and we help tip it a bit further, because of you, because of us."
How imminent is 'imminent'?
Leave it to the veteran end-timers, who have been through all this before, to provide perspective. "I applaud the discussion," Jenkins said. "I think people should be thinking about this."
Jenkins' writing partner, Tim LaHaye, has said on many occasions that events such as the Japan earthquake and tsunami are signaling that the end is near. The way Jenkins sees it, the end of the world could well be imminent, but "our definition of 'imminent' is clearly not the same as God's."
"If he waits one more day in his mercy, it could be a thousand years in our time," he said.
So what will Jenkins be doing on Saturday?
"We're just going to carry on with the usual activities," he told me. "One of our granddaughters is going to have a ballgame."
More about the Rapture rumblings:
- Rapture prophet says he'll be watching the action on TV
- Digital Life: Post-rapture video reveals stunning lack of zombies
- The Last Word: Only hours to go until the (fake) Rapture
- End of Days? Believers enter the final stretch
- End of the world? How about a party instead?
- Slate: 144 scenarios for America's apocalypse
- Pet sitting offered during Rapture
- Doomsday facts (or fictions)
In some parts of the world, it's already Saturday. I'll be blogging about the Rapture hype over the weekend, and you can follow the updates by checking CosmicLog.com/Rapture. You can also connect with the Cosmic Log community by "liking" the log's Facebook page or following @b0yle on Twitter. And for something completely different, check out "The Case for Pluto," my book about the controversial dwarf planet and the search for new worlds.
Leave a Comment:
must be a slow news week
Not really, but this is news for the slow
"I am not afraid of death but I don'[t want to be there when it happens." Priceless, Woody Allen
Just because of my curiosity, I have purchased 150 helium balloons, which I'll attach to my lawn chaise lounge so I'll be able to film the enraptured for at least a part of the journey upwards, be sure to watch my download on Youtube. Please do not employ firearms in my general direction! Thanks!
I am amazed at this hype over the end of time...Yes, people the end will be here and Jesus Christ will return, but do not allow that to be your focus. Rather, allow your focus to be on the teachings of Christ and carry them out in your everyday life, set your judgements aside of others, and wash your hands of the love of money. Read the Bible and you will be prepared. Don't listen to these "others". Be prepared. The time will come when you least expect it.
Susan R.M.
Wayne my God have mercy on your soul.I also had rather beleave in something and be wrong than
beleave in nothing at all.I pray that you find peace within yourself and that you will call upon the lord
and he will smlie on you and say I love you my Son.
Some live on sensationalism. I guess most agree sensationalism sells. I personally stick completely with the Bible and the Literal view. Man can set dates and argue point ofter point but still only God knows when the second coming will happen. Jesus warned us of false sensationalism and Paul said to beware of date setters. 2 problems. Firstly, this gives opportunity to naysayers to ridicule true Christianity. Secondly, there is a possibility that some would begin to realize that Christ may come again soon and realize that their lives will not measure up to God's Love and turn to Christ confessing Him as Savior, repenting of their sins, turning their lives over to the God of Creation for true salvation. May be, just may be they would get active in a true believers church and get involved in spreading the Gospel. Just may be. :-))
I bet every single one of you belivers 10000000000000 bucks that this doomsday is a load of @!$%#. wait..yeah, thats a WIN-WIN FOR ME, BABY, YEAH!! there have been lots of "doomsdays" like y2k, uh..u get teh point. XP anyway, "god" in your christian bible said that he made rainbows after the noahs ark flood to show that he would never do such a thing again. suck on that. yeah. i went there. anyway, its kinda stupid for "jesus" to judge us for not beliving someone with no proof who looked a little insane. game. set. match. all of you belivers, find the nearest gun shop, buy one, 2 bullets, suck on the barrel and pull the trigger. itll do the world better than your "doomsday." and dont even think about praying for me. i know im goin to hell, if there is one. XD buhbye. you may type rude and stupid comments above if you wish.
This kind of stupid stuff makes Christianity look very bad . . . Insane. No wonder it has a bad name. People like this are "religious" . . . they are not "Christians". Otherwise, they would clearly see that the bible states in no uncertain terms that only God knows the date of the rapture. It will come as a "thief in the night". Do you know any thieves who warn you that they are going to break into your house?
all christianity will look bad once everyone see's the real truth. havent any of you people studied the sumerians? they started everything. the god or gods that were walking among men ages ago were simply astronauts from another world. it isnt hard to understand you guys. now i am sorry to say this but the bible was merely a reconstruct of what really happened. a primitive way of describing technology they didnt understand. because the beings that were here all those years ago created our race and also got us a head start on what we are today. think about and think about long and hard
View a video of what the Second Coming of Christ could look like here.
i believe the end of time will come and i know that i will be blessed enough to go to heaven. i dont think that the end can be predicted. only GOD knows when the time will come and i hope that when that time comes that all the lost have been saved. also for the Idiot that wrote " i hope the earthquake swallows up religion or what not" i feel truly sorry for you. i hope that you can find jesus before the end does come. the end is going to be so much worse if you dont have the faith and Gods hand to guide you through it.
Those that put faith in man instead of God are foolish. God will end the world in his time and only he knows. Also those of you who do not believe in God that is your choice. I will pray that God shows you his truth and you are truly blessed. That is my choice!
ok so...NO MAN KNOWS when the world will end or why or what time! this man has gotten his 15 minutes of fame SO i think its time for this station to start showing things that matter. Only GOD himself knows when he will send his son Jesus back to earth. so until that day live life and have fun. but always be on the watch for you do not want to be left below when it does actually happen
ok and now zombies? really people come on get a grip!
"Narrow is the gate and few will enter"....God doesnt call on everyone to believe. One thing I know for sure --HE is Alive!! He reveils Himself to me every day. He graciously answers my prayers and guides me, on a daily basis. And His word ensures us ..no one knows whenChrist will return except God.
I want everyone to think long and hard about the absolute hilarity and hypocrisy of the above statement. According to the poster, people who believe that the end of the world will happen tomorrow look "stupid" (and on that, we can agree). But, the poster then goes on to explain his own belief in the end times, but with the disclaimer that it's going to happen on a different day. Anyone see a problem with this? If Harold Camping and his "May-21st-as-rapture-day" followers are "stupid," why are "real Christians" who simply subscribe to the belief that the world will end on a different day any less stupid? I mean, May 21, 2011 or October 14, 2064 or January 3, 2233 -- does it really make a difference? Can we really say there's anything more "stupid" about Harold Camping's followers than any other Christian?
any true christian knows the bible says no man shall know the day or the hour of his return so any day man predicts you can be assured is false furthermore the mark of the beast which i think is already in development is not complete yet it is a microchip whitch can be inserted in the hand and can be scaned when you purchase items anywhere and will be used instead of money or debit cards read your bible folks
WOW! The bible talks about microchips inserted in the hand? Does it say if it's a Mac or Windows OS?
LOL!
the bible speaks of the mark of the beast being in the palm or forhead and anyone who takes it will be doomed to hell and anyone who does not will not go without so what else do you think it could be lol
Listening to a Christian criticize Harold Camping and his followers for having specifically picked May 21, 2011, as the date of the rapture, only to then listen to the same Christian pontificate about how it's just going to happen on a different day is kind of like listening to one adult argue with another about how many reindeer pull Santa's sleigh:
Adult #1: "It's eight reindeer, I tell you! Eight!!!!"
Adult #2: "Any true believer in Santa Claus knows it's nine! Rudolph makes nine!!!!"
I dont think i said i knew when it would be but any day man predicts it will be it will most definatly not be it will be in the twinkling of an eye and unexpected
Whether you've picked a day or not, the point is that you still think it's going to happen. Any way you slice it, you're no less crazy than Camping and his followers -- you merely disagree on the timing.
If you dont believe in god then i guess i cannot argue with someone who must think they evolved from apes
STILL apes. We are STILL apes... Didn't evolve from because we ARE. Just like we are STILL eukaryotes, multicellural, vertebrase, animalia, mammales, and primates. If you're going to TRY to talk trash about something atleast know the BASICS, I mean 1.01 ABC 123 BASICS of it.
with a name like you chosen on here you must have evolved from an ape !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Harold Camping may be wrong about the end of world for good and the exact date for it. However, he is completely in error. The world is coming to an end of sorts - it will soon be so completely transformed that we may not be able to recognize it. The Christ is soon to return the world openly, not to destroy it, but inaugurate a whole new age - where justice and egalitarianism prevail. See www.christmaitreya.org for more info. Harold Camping may have the last laugh afterall (but he will still be on earth when he does).
Maybe Mr. Camping should pay a little more attention to what the Bible actually says about when the rapture will occur. Mark 13:32 clearly states that no man, not even the Angles, nor Jesus himself knows when this will occur, only the Father in heaven. Maybe he used a marker to erase that line. As a Christian myself, it saddens me to see stuff like this happening. We are supposed to be good stewards of the word and not mis represent it.
Camping, since when did you make your self above Jesus Christ because God will tell him first when to come not you, I will pray for you, and I hope that instead of doing earthly calculations that you will study the Bible more and know and understand Jesus and Gods word more, and I know for a fact that God is not going to tell you before he tells his only begotten son lol and to put fear and worry in the hearts of men and women is thru Satan and only thru Satan, so everyone if someone says Jesus is here or there don't listen, when he comes it will be with a very very loud trumpet and the dead in Christ will rise first not zombies, and earthquakes happens alot so where are you going to go from here,
God Bless you with love
We are not APES!!!!!!!!! we only have some of the same dna patterns. I took bio 101 and 102.... I believe in god, jesus christ, and the holy spirit...... If the rapture comes 2morrow then so be it because im ready when god is. further more the way the world is getting he is not going to tolerate much more of the violence, sexual preditors of his children and etc. But whether he comes 2morrow or next month or next year people need to get their life and their home in order...... Just sayn... prayers go out to non believers of christ. I dont care what people say about me because there is noone better than me!!!!! reply what you will whether good or bad cause IDC if noone likes what i said they can bend over and BITE ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is that a term Jesus would approve "bend over and bite me"? Wow.
the mark of the beast is not anything you can see, it isn't anything "inserted" into the skin. it is your belief in your head and your actions with your hands. it isn't anything in research and development. it is already in everyone. what you do with your beliefs and your actions makes your mark permanent.
spoken like someone that is truly self-delusional
I will not look toward the sky waiting on His return, I will live my life. I will live everyday praising Him. I will live everyday caring for others. I will pray, and try not to judge those whom sometimes are misguided in their search for answers. I will not make "religion" more important than the Son.
some crazy stuff being talked about but if you do believe in the mark like the bible says doesnt it make sense that when the time comes itd be like a computer chip.... like for instance ppl steal identities now.... you cant get past that unless you end up getting eye scans or bar codes or something.... and what a perfect excuse... we put them in our dogs now adays so we can find them if lost. I v heard that ppl put them in babies in other countries. It wont matter because if true christians stand up and are willing to trust in God even if they cant buy or sell or have a home or anything because they didnt take a mark they will be taken care of. A true christian has no worries about their destination in life. Ive had many experiences being very poor. I used to get very upset about how I would pay my bills how I would feed my children and then I read a passage where it says in the bible why fear?Do not worry about how you will eat or your needs. Look at the Birds.... your heavenly father feeds them. They dont have to worry about where they will find their next worm... anyway.... when I finally let it go and let God do the worrying for me... I still havent completely accomplished it... but when I made that concious decision at the point in time and just prayed about it... something awesome would happen... someone would show up who had no idea i was really having it hard... they d come with food or Id recieve a check in the mail unexpectedly I mean something completely unexpectedly... to have faith... and not just count everything as a coincidence is beautiful... Because the more faith you have the more God will show just a little bit more to you personally about what he does for the people who " cast their care on him cause he cares for us"
Another stupid human opinion. Only one interpretation of scripture holds up to scrutiny, not based on opinion. Find out at jw.org.
Well now that is funny, JW's were also embarrassed by some end-of-the-world faux pas... a couple times if I remember correctly.
Hummm another opinion, but yours is right....right? Isn't an interpretation....well ummm an opinion? And wasn't scripture written by people who have opinions....so we form opinions based on someone's interpretation (a preacher's opinion) on the writer's opinion on what Jesus said and did.....but, what do I know I am just a stupid human...and opinionated, too!
Actually Mud some so called Jehovahs Witnessess took it upon themselves to predict the end of the world. Those people were never truly faithful the our faith because they left when it didnt happen. Our higher ups NEVER endorsed a date because the scriptures read that no one knows the day or hour(Jesus to his apostles).
Lot's Of People Obviously forgot about the great book that should be read by all PERIOD
Kim, I asked my Jehovah's Witness friend to look it up in the archives of the Watchtower magazines because she had access to the Kingdom Hall and I wanted to know the truth for myself (it was true-I didn't just want to believe what others had told me.) She told me that my information had been correct, that the Watchtower itself had predicted the end of the world more than once and had been incorrect, but that she did not care. Shortly after that she went to work for the organization in Brooklyn, NY. You probably won't believe me because you have been told not to, but I swear this is true. Look it up in the archives yourself.
Seen too much, That is totally incorrect. Way back when we knew 1914 was a pivotal date because it was the end of the Gentile times.The bible talks about the" last days" but they were not sure if it was literal days or not. But they NEVER said an actual date because as I said before Jesus said that no one knows the day or hour in which it will come not even the angels in the heavens know. i also have access to the Kingdom Hall library and most of my family are Elders and we also have many friends at Bethel thats located in Brooklyn NY. So you must of misunderstood what she was saying to you because they NEVER said a date just that we were living in the last days. And just to make 100% sure I looked all this information up once again. We have Watchtower magazines from 1914 saying the same thing i've told you above and no where in any of them is a date predicting the end of the world.
it is said that man will not no the date or time of man demised but think about it for just a second if it not then life goes on but if it true and you only had a few minuet or days how will you plan to do go and kill as many people as possible or spend it with someone you love or like think how you wasted your time on earth life is presage's do not waste a second blinkering and frighten with each other and all who want to harm to a child or your fellow mankind your judgment is coming and god almighty will be the one that judge you have a good day
@arhillbilly. First god alhumanlike needs to show you spell check, and proper grammar. As far as being judged by an all too humanly flawed biblical god- don't expect anyone to be holding their breath.
"run on sentences" - look it up
when you learn to write, we'll read
Punctuation, perhaps you've heard of it? It's the little keys with funny marks on them over at the right hand side of your keyboard. You do know which is the right hand side, yes? That's good. Very good. There's also some useful punctuation keys in the top row (they also do fun things, like this!). Now then, next time you want to interrupt the adults, try using some of those keys while you type and maybe we'll read what you have to say.
I know why you call your self hillbilly.
you worry about puctuation and grammar, when someone is speaking about god. whether you think he exists or not, your day with him will... and i repeat will come. then you can tell god you don't believe in him.
Shouldn't God be capitalized there? Just a thought....
@cesar roman. Dude, sorry to burst your bubble, wait- no I'm not, but I didn't say I did not believe in the creator spirit. I feel quite comfortable in my relationship there. What I said I could care less about, is the narcissistic humanly (with emphasis on human) flawed god depicted in the bible. Now caligula- er I mean cesar, you can believe any silly thing you want, that is your right. And I can spend 12 hours laughing @ the foolish comments such misguided beliefs generate, which I did, before telling you that I sincerely do feel sorry for you. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
If i had only a few minuets left I'd choose mo acuisle Sinead [my darling Jenny] as my final dance partner. Never learned the minuet though, darn it.
There is no rapture as some of the deceived believe. Christ will return for His bride exactly when He said He will.
I hope, he has been sending alimony checks all these years to her. Because with full payment due in arrears, penalties, interest and legal fees, the bride would be able to buy heaven and Christ will be out of a home. Just saying.
Am I missing something here? His bride? There was a bride...and when he said he would....when was that exactly? This guy has been reading the "Book of Uncle Manard" I think....row faster I here banjo music!
G*ddammit, it better be fore real this time. I'm sick of the false alarms.
It wont be funny for you when it does happen and there wont be a big party in hell for eternity, stop, drop and roll wont work there.
Agreed. There would sure be a big party on Earth if all the religious zealots were removed from society.Think how many fewer wars, how much less bigotry,no more interference with medical research,never another holocaust...
yes, God will removed all religious people and keep us in a safe place. but for those that don't belived will be getting crazy looking for a bible when they see all the bad thing that are going to happen so when that happen if you don't know nothing about god just asl for forgiveness god love us and he will forgive you.
I totally agree. Wouldn't that be nice.
i totally agree. this is just b.s. it is just another person trying to prove they are the best because they want to to be right, but thing is if they are right they will not be able to prove it.
On the plus side, the rapture will get rid of all these folks who don't have spell check, know nothing of punctuation, or, have the slightest clue of how to speak or write the english language. Come and get em' 'To Serve Man" crew.
Why is this making headlines? Simple, people love to read about the antics of others that are obviously serious idiots. The more we read about idiots, the less idiotic our own minor transgressions seem. Keep it coming idiots, I feel better already.
And when/if the end of the world really comes, you won't need billboards and flyers to find out about it.
I hope the "earthquake" swallows religion and removes it from the world. It's pointless and unnecessary.
Hope you like eternity in Hell.
im with you all the way wayne-3043511
JESUS CHRIST AND GOD ARE REAL!!!
If they weren't real who created the universe? HUH?! THINK before you SPEAK!!:P
"Religion" could possibly disappear.......but a one-on-one "relationship" with the Creator lasts for eternity!
There is no hell. And no one on the planet can prove there is. Just like the supposed existence of the Abrahamic "god." Until some believer can offer empirical proof of his existence, the concept should be exactly what it is...a fairy tale created by men to control other men.
As the great Christopher Hitchens says, "Religion...poisons...everything."
I'm praying for you you, waynejohn.
I hope that you really do see the truth. Because what really convinced me that God is real was the Big Bang Theory. A couple of atoms exploded and the world appeared? Really. And where did those atoms come from? Chemicals? And where did those come from? It's just not possible when you look at the beauty and complexity of everything around you.
Jesus loved you and everyone else who choices to accept Him as Lord and Savior OR NOT TO CHOOSE. but be prepared to spend eternity in HELL RATHER THAN WITH OUR SAVIOR IN PARADISE, THE CHOICE IS YOURS CHOOSE WISLY HE IS KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS PRAISE HIM
I do not hope you burn in hell. I hope you come to your senses. I would rather believe in God and be wrong than not believe and be wrong.
it might be true that we cant prove that heaven and hell exist but that is were faith comes in
everyone has to learn to see the unseen and believe in the unbelievable
WayneJohn - I feel very sorry for you and pray that you come to know the love and awesomeness of the power of Jesus. You must feel very lost and alone. Please hook up w/notreligion.com or Joyce Meyers and hear her testimony on how Jesus made her the person she is today.
I totally agree! Religion has been The biggest waste of: time,money,and human life this world will ever know. sad really
I believe in God, but I sure as hell don't believe in this Rapture BS. Can't wait to hear from more of you idiots pushing your rapture crap come Sunday.
God is imaginary. Primitive humans have dreamed up thousands of religions to help explain things they didn't understand and to deal with their fear of death. There is no more a Christian god than there were Aztec gods, Roman gods, or Egyptian gods. All of them, equally imaginary.
It's already May 21 in about half the world and they are doing just fine. Does the rapture not take time zones into account? :P
I'm only happy the media are heaping so much attention on this rapture nonsense, so when May 21 comes and goes and NOTHING happens and the world just keeps on spinnin', it will be another illustration of how irrational and baseless and often harmful religion truly is.
AMEN Brother. What a bunch of crap. Weak minded individuals. Man made God God did NOT make man. Get a grip on life for God's sake.
You didn't know Chad? White Jesus only cares about America. You see to god America, and the red white and blue, IS the world! Everything else is just a bunch of cult followers only THINKING they have the right god. So when you see a figure running across the U.S. to keep up with 12:00am you better start praying before he passes you! :D
SO ARE YOU!!!!
so we can laugh at the people that are spouting the nonsense.
some of these poor fools are so sure that they are right, they have quit their jobs and spent any savings they had.
I think all of you are dumb becuz Why take the time to argue over this! You are definately.....WOW! How was man created if there is no GOD? Or no JESUS? Would someone please explain that....I do not want any explaination from people who believe in GOD either becuz I 10000000000% believe in him. I just want to know what these non believes have in their imagination as to how man even began existence since man made God supposedly! Now I don't know about this rapture thing and the end of the world...but I do know it says in the bible it will be the end of the world as we know it!!! Not the actualend of the world! And who are we to predict or even have nerve to say when the world is going to end! Remember GOD is the one who will take care of all that! So even for all you christians who believe in this.....WHY? Now come on we never know when our time is done so if you love GOD and Jesus and BELIEVE then you should just sit back go on with ur life and praise and let go and let GOD!!! God Bless you all!
There is one real truth. When it all comes down, God will either be there or he won't. So each man and woman must decide where they will place their bets. Only God knows the day and the time the rapture will occur. No man knows that information. Quite frankly what anyone else chooses to believe or not to believe is on them. I know the Lord is comming when He is ready. To all the rest of you....Good Luck with your choice!
waynejohn said, "I hope the "earthquake" swallows religion and removes it from the world. It's pointless and unnecessary."
I hope the "earthquake" swallows those of us who STILL preach hate & discrimination, stuff that MOST of us matured out of about 1960 or so. If it weren't for people like you, constantly attacking other humans & their beliefs, there never would have been anything such as slavery, Indian relocation, or the Holocaust. You're no different, same hate, same discrimination, different type of people.
Aren't you proud to be so mature & all that. You can now paint yourself, a religous-hater, right in there beside Hitler, who hated Jews, and hang that up on your wall to brag to the grandkids about.
Geesh I'm so glad I don't harbor those type feelings towards fellow humans. But there are still plenty who do.
Isn't that about the number of people that die on earth every day? I guess every day is judgement day.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_people_die_in_one_day_worldwide
It is true that no man knows the day or hour of Christ's return. However, the time of the end is indicated by things that are happening in the world. The last sign which must be fulfilled before Christ returns is that the Gospel must be preached in all the world. All the other signs have been fulfilled. The return of Christ will not be a secret event. Every eye will see Him as He, all the angels, and God the Father come with a great noise. And yes there will be earthquakes accompaning this event. In order to believe these things, one must have faith. Otherwise, they cannot be proved. Neither can evolution be proved. The origin of the universe cannot be proved. I personally have faith to believe that the Bible is God's word. Otherwise, I have no basis to substantiate my beliefs. No prediction of the day and hour of Christ's return will ever be true.
Okay you see LetGo there was Traipain, god of ALL universes and he got drunk one day and saw Yahweh. Well he pretty much just slaped him around and things got a bit blurry like. 9 months latter Yahweh, black eyes and all, gave birth to our universe and so here we are. That explain why Yahweh is such a prick too.
i hope because the fact that you said that, god forgives you. but you choose weather you go to hell, or heaven and be safe with the Lord. Have a blessed day HATER!
and by the way im only 13 and even now i have more religous sence then you.
ok...so this guy is nutz.. its neat to read peoples comments of beliefs... it can get one thinking... in the bible it says that he will come as a thief in the night and that no one knows what hour.... so if you are going to be raptured... there are no worries... you wont be here suffering earthly problems... if you are still here and you have just decided to ignore spiritual things... look in to faith.... or find what your purpose is...then when everyone whom Christ took will have just proven you wrong.... so then what a lonely life to realize you knew it but didnt pay any attention. But as far as this doomsday thing.... didnt some dude already predict that the world would end in 2012??? The bible also warns against false prophets in the last days!
sorry kasey, you know what your parents have told you from birth, nothing else.
We're still so primitive... war, murder, poverty, fear, government, religion, borders.. this is all level 1 sh*t people! We'll be in this chaotic state until it's engrained in our DNA.. mastering earth and life just takes time. Knowing that we should accept and understand people that need faith. We just need to shift it from imaginary supreme beings and instead have FAITH IN HUMANITY!
waynejohn, if the earth does open up tomorrow it will be to swallow you and many of your friends on here. Repent now or it will be very hot where you go.
how much time does it take to master earth??? so far we have recorded 2011 years.... its going down hill and not getting better.... funny how that works.... christianity is dying as far as the country believing in the true biblical principals....and the world getting worse... lots of coinsidence in life
we've recorded a bit more than that...
I realize that... just saying weve been around a long time.. and I would have loved to live in the days before today I think that we are not only at step one we are not beginning we are going to end someday.... I dont believe that sudden peace is going to magically come about.... you cant make evil hearts get better by just telling them to get better
Its up to you whether you believe or not, but i know that i since i believe, if he is real im saved, if i believe and he isnt, at least i was able to live happy. Those people who believe in the big bang and evolution have been lied to, because they are both still THEORIES. big bang THEORY, THEORY of evolution. Therefore, your believing something you cant even prove. God is like air, you cant see him, but you can feel him. Has it ever hit you how perfect everything is? How humans have lungs to breathe, hearts to beat, brains to think, tongues to speak? Have you wondered why Earth is the only planet that can support life, how earth is protected by either the sun or the asteroid belt? How we have a sun to keep us warm? Its too perfect to just be coincidence, someone had to have had a plan for it, and its God. You dont have to believe, but your a fool if you dont.
Eveyone, listen, I'm not one of this Religon thing, but I do belive in evolution. Some said, earlyer on that how do you explain evolotion. Now I ask, how do you explain this "Rapture"? What about religon? See my point? No? Let me see, ah, look at all these predictions on when it will all end. 2012,Y2K, all of that. 2012 is based on a calendar, a CALENDAR! None knows how, or when the world will end, so how did this man know? I'm not hateing on religon, but I'm saying this could be completely a fad. I'm going to get ALOT of hate for this comment, but I have freedom of speach.
I can hardly believe the intolerance I'm seeing on here. Does no one on here tolerate anyone else's viewpoints? Those of you who wish to see religion removed-I hope you are willing to step in and feed the homeless, help the poor, provide free medical assistance, and do the many, many other things that religion-based charities are doing now. You probably have no idea about all of that, do you? Forget the Salvation Army, which provides disaster relief and was right there with the Red Cross after those tornadoes hit recently. All that will be gone along with millions of volunteers doing charity work in hospitals and other settings. I assume all you guys are ready to take up the slack, right?
I realize there are several "atheist charities." I came across such a list, but many of those were simply neutral charities which did not promote religious ideas at all and others appeared to have an agenda "against" reigion. No doubt there were some that simply helped people. However, considering that studies have shown that religious people and conservatives give more to charities of all types than other people (from abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=2682730&page=2) I couldn't post it because my computer is messed up, there will be more slack to take up-unless all the poor get "swallowed up" as well.
Here's the post:
from abcnews.go.com/2020/story
Can I make one observation here, what about all the billions of humans on planet Earth that God created that do not believe in Christianity but believe in God? What about those cultures that are still cut-off from the modern world and know nothing of the Bible? Are they permitted into Heaven or is it only for Christians? What about the Jewish people, they do not believe the Bible (except the Old Testament -Torah), are they to be left behind to suffer the "end of times"? If a loving and forgiving God leaves behind the vast majority of humanity because they just happen to not know about, or subscribe to, the "right" religion, what does that say about God?
well, I don't know about living in the days before today (depends on how far you go back, most of the time, existence was quite brutal).
"sudden peace"?, probably not, we humans are extremely adept at justifying our beliefs, and it doesn't really matter what that belief is.
That too is what I worry about, I don't believe that some incredible being will arrive out of nowhere and miraculously save us from ourselves. I truly think that we have only ourselves to count on and to save us. if that means that some diety is going to cast me into a lake of fire, then so be it. my concern is solely for the long-term survival of the Human race, if some diety actually exists to save us, then fine, but that is not the way to bet, history has shown that those that do end up extinct.
Well said waynejohn. People use religion as comfort and it's a haven for intellectual laziness. The scariest thing to face is not what if there is a god, but what if there is no god? The idea that there may be no god is so frightening, only the bravest and intellectually honest are willing to confront it. In the end though, all will have to face it.
I will say this, I do not believe that an omnipotent diety exists. I believe that when we die, that is the end of us. but if I am wrong, and somehow this diety (in my view, unjustly) demands my eternal suffering to save the rest of humanity, then I would gladly do so. I am not important, the Human race is.
Does anyone find it quite ironic they people who criticize all religion like the first comment act the complete same way as the religious fanatics they are against? Could it possible be that humans like to justify horrible actions toward another by using anything regardless if its politics, religion, or any human construct. Take one away and someone will find a justification for a genocide, war any act of hurting another human. By the way those who fail to take any basic world history classes. Religion brought the world the concept of zero and numbers from the Hindus, later practiced and refined by Muslims. Muslims also created Universities which later spread to Christian world.
I don't wish ill on anyone except snakes that feed on the stupid. And only then to the extent that they lose all they have gained by using stupid people to their advantage. I don't know how many times I've had posters just drowling over how I might be frying and screaming for forgiveness in hell though.
No, people are just getting sick and tired of bs because they are starting to understand how it influences their lives.
With that name, you must be Jewish.... I thought you did not believe in Jesus Christ..
Jesus was a Jew. It's the "Messiah" aspect that doesn't compute.
Apparently it "computed" with Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, et al.
Apparently that's what happens when a bunch of idiots don't agree with each other. They all just make up their own type of BS.
you can shut your mouths. Let us belive in what we want to belive quit being stupid LYBRALS and act like opened minded civilans. Im sick of hearing all this. Quit acting like God is just a "thing" because He's not He is what created this land and that is what i belive in. It doesnt have to be what you belive in but please be more polite about it AND relize that not every one belives what you belive in. So be Opened Minded and i will pray that when that day comes when Jesus is ready to step down to earth that you are taken with him and not left behind.
Kasey: Hearing you say "let us believe what we want to believe" is cute. How about let others live the way they want to live without ramming your beliefs down their throats and / or lobbying legislators to make us all fall within your beliefs? Do that and we are all even.
Won't ever hear me tell someone to shutup. I'm all for freedom of speech. Let's me know who has a decent I.Q. on certain things.
This aspect of the end times within our lifetime has been around since Christianity was penned as a religion by a bunch of helenized Greek speaking jews, who were trying to develope a competetive syncretic religion to attract new followers. They were up against Mithras, Isis, Serapis and others.
The appeal of the new religion was that a human/god superhero confronted both the vassal sanhedrin and their corrupt Roman overlords, was put to an horrific death, but won in the end by cheating death. It was an escape story and it caught on. Much of the literature was rejected much later by voting commitees when the it became the final religion state of the Roman Empire and the final cannon was chosen. The doctrine of literal belief led to the dark ages, and we still have vestiges as can be seen here.
How long did it take you to come up with that total lie? Or did you pinch it from an anti-theist website?
I would say about 80% percent of that is truth.
Charles - I agree as well. Christianity's big draw was the promise of eternal life and the return of Christ to smite their enemies. They still are waiting, over two thousand years later. Doesn't patience have reasonable limits.
...and their favorite threat is eternal damnation in the lake of fire from which, of course, only Zombie King Jeebus can save you if you just telepathically invite him to possess your soul. Mmm... thanks, but no thanks, I'd rather not.
A viewpoint I've often considered. What is religion if not a great form of social control and financial genious for those who can stomach their own BS long enough to get followers to start atoning (paying) for their sins?
Where can I find historical backing of your opinions hammerhead?
Jesus said ,"behold I stand at the door and knock, "if you open that door to your heart you will surely know.Not just today,but for life you will know. May you find peace in your search!
reply to open minded: I THINK YOU ARE 100% RIGHT. I ALSO THINK RELIGION IS NOTHING BUT A MONEY MAKING ENITY.
I am a Christian. I do no believe that the world is going to end on May 21. I feel sorry for the man who predicted it and pushed it upon the rest of us. He is totally wrong. The scriptures tell us not to try to find out when the end will be. Not even Jesus knows, only the Father. And you who do not believe in God, I am sorry for you also. If you are right, then when I die, I will just cease to exist in any form, that will be the end of me. But, think of it; if I am right, then when I die I will spend eternity with good people in a good place with the Heavenly Father and you will spend eternity in unspeakable agony and misery with Satan and his minions in a bad place with evil people. Is that what you want? I hope not!
There is some truth to what u said hammerhead, but then again, you'd have to be the best writer the world has ever seen to come up with something like the bible. Sit down and think about the world a little bit before all you atheists say "I don't believe it because it hasn't been scientificly proven", that's called faith, and I hope God gives you a little more than you have now.
so... someone should believe in a religioin because of the consequences if they are wrong? If you're christian what if you're wrong about a different religion that sentences people to eternal damnation for not following, should you believe in it because you might be wrong? Would you believe in islam because you might be wrong? What about hinduism, or buddism, are you going to believe in them because you might be wrong? no. so according to you, everyone should be christian because of the consequences if they're wrong. and as for every other religion it doesn't matter if you might be wrong about them, because those religions aren't christianity. in hinduism, if you live a bad life you might be reincarnated as a pig. so should i believe in hinduism because i don't want to be a pig. but then what about christianity/judaism/islam, if i believe in hinduism i'll suffer damnation if those religions are right. what then?
a christian, you make it sound like a 50/50 proposition.
Jupiter will be displeased when you meet him.....
(or was that Ra?)
(FSM?)
WOW!!! you guys are retarded the second person who replied to this comment a bunch of atoms one had a mutation or something, like a birth defect as something to compare to, it just happens randomly, the atom became a negative and all the others were positive, impossible to get along, like me with you retards, thus the big bang. i want to believe in god but there is no proof, tommorow if it happens there will be proof, and then i will TRUELY believe.
WoW! I see alot of bible thumpers on here!
I haven't taken much interest in this, but I know that among some species of animals, if one of their number is wounded and falls, he is immediately set upon and torn to pieces by his fellows.
The same cruel spirit is indulged by men and women... even men and women who bear the name of Christians. Mr. Camping has fallen into the bog of self-deception, there is no doubt, and it is not easy to get out... even when his prophecies fail.
The religious ought to read the bible alot more. God does not interact,nor Jesus. The nerve of you to say that he has saved or blessed you and ignored millions of others. Also why would the Devil(if you believe) would burn you for eternity, when his only purpose was to turn souls away from God.
The only problem with your viewpoint Charles, though you certainly have a right to it, is that if early Christians were competing with Mithras, Isis, etc, as you say, then why did they come up with a religion that just got them killed? It is known to history that Nero burned many of them at the stake. (If you are going to tell me that Tacitus was dicredited, then you had better check what britannica.com has to say about him.) If they had just stuck to Mithras or Isis, I doubt Rome would have minded very much considering how many gods were worshipped in that culture. Jesus was the one Rome had a problem with because the Christians refused to worship the emperor as god. If they had worshipped Mithras or Tammuz, they could have worshipped the emperor as well, but the Christian God demanded complete allegiance. Why would they come up with a religion like that? The Jewish people were disgusted by the very idea of a savior who was hung on a tree-the book of Leviticus clearly states that incurred the curse of God. So how did THAT work, you wonder? If you read the ENTIRE Bible instead of just mocking it, you will see that Jesus was intended to come under God's curse all along-that was a large part of his purpose. Instead of God punishing people who had come under the curse brought by the Fall (not saying you have to believe this, just explaining it), God punished Jesus in their place. God had said all along that if man sinned he would die (ie, "If you eat this fruit, you shall surely die"), and he did, physically and spiritually. When Jesus took the curse in the place of man, he died as well; but he was able to pay the full penalty like we are not because we are just humans. Therefore he was not held by death forever and he came back to life. This is actually quite different from the myths of Mithras and Isis if you have actually studied them. Certainly Mithras did not die as a sacrifice to save mankind! Nor did Tammuz or any of the others I have read about. Isis was a goddess.
from britannica.com
As for the money-making thing with religions, you are confusing first century Christianity with current televangelists. First Century Rome was not exactly like 21st century America. Everyone was required to worship the emperor along with whatever other gods he or she worshipped. A special exception was made for the Jews, who were allowed to worship their own God; but Christians were not considered part of the Jews. Tacitus makes it clear that they were considered a nuisance superstition by Rome, though even he thought Nero went too far in his cruelty to them. The first century Christians obviously were not making money, they were dying and being persecuted. Honestly, though, I don't blame any of you for any cynicism you might have after seeing the cheap money appeals by some current televangelists. Many of them seem to preach sort of a "prosperity gospel" meaning that if you give them more money, God will give you stuff. All I can see coming out of that is the televangelist getting rich. Please don't think that all Christians are like that. There are some that actually give away money and donate time and items. Unfortunately, they are the ones that don't get seen precisely because they are NOT seeking money and power for themselves.
My local pub usually serves a fine prime rib on Saturdays starting at 4pm EDT, so if it happens at 5pm I'll witness the event well fed.
On the other had during 1700's, Bishop Ussher along with Newton, Kepler and a host of others tried their hand at Biblical Chronology to calculate the creation date of the Earth. Ussher's research gave the most precise date of Sunday 23 October 4004 BC. Some say this happened at 9am but there is controversy over the precise time given to this all important event.
This is interesting in that the 6th millennium of that date occurred in 1997. (noting that the Christian calendar began in the year 1 rather than 0.) I spent that evening channel surfing to note any celebrations, or fireworks, or commentary. Nothing what-so-ever was noted to mark what should have been a significant event, judging from the brouhaha over the year 2000 celebration that took place just a few years later.
So why is it that May 21 has gained so much publicity while the anniversary of Bishop Ussher's work was so widely ignored? I'd really like to know.
Bishop Ussher's work was recognized in that seminal piece of religious literature, Good Omens. Although it does mention that he was off by roughly 15 minutes.
Hi Everyone,
Check out my blog post, "Judgement Day Or Judgement Nanosecond?" at (www.quarkythoughts.wordpress.com)
All is well!!! Infinite blessings 2 U!
Nicely put.
"I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints..."
Billy Joel
Well there wont be no laughing in hell only crys of agony and gnashing of teeth, its true weather people want to belive it or not , like they say wait and see, world has not been in this shape ever and only getting worse.
Yaw think? is igorance really bliss?
Is that rain, sleet or snow? ...and what exactly is false weather? sunshine?
Who was it who said 'heaven for the climate, hell for the company?"
The Bible plainly says that only God knows the day of the end of the world. It will happen but not just because some false prophet says on a certain day. It will happen when God and only God says so. These people only cause others to be uncertain about Christ. He is real. He died and on the third day he arose from the dead and now sits at the right hand of God. He will rule over the devil and reign forever more.
Reply to Wayne above:
The world is only getting worse...Have you ever watched a movie from the Dark Ages??? Seriously, humankind in some parts of the world have never had it so good. By the way, how is it that God loves all his children, but an entire African continent can be starving daily, with an entire generation wiped out by AIDS that the rich powerful countries have the medicine to allow them to now live their lives, but that is okay because only the tears of anguish of white babies matter. That is why I do not believe in God. If he existed and he were love incarnate, he would NEVER allow millions of human babies to suffer and die miserable deaths in wars, poverty, and malnutrition. What is it a child's fault where they are born? Once Christians answer that one for me, then I may consider...and please spare me the "he has a plan" explanation. Really, for millions of innocent children to die?
Camping may have spent all his money on doomsday advertisement - he is truly psychotic and I hope he has to check into the looneybin to avoid prosecution when this is all over - but I wonder how many tens of millions Jenkins and LaHaye have made off gullible but harmless religious fanatics? These two are in my mind far more responsible for spreading misinformation, increasing ignorance, and generating panic than are Camping et al. I have no personal acquaintances who pay any heed to Family Radio, but many of my colleagues and (shudder) even a few family members have wasted money on and read "Left Behind" and subscribe to that craziness. Jenkins and LaHaye are as guilty as a prankster shouting "Fire!" in a theater and should be prosecuted for the same crime. All kinds of mental illness and misery that will never be directly attributable to "Left Behind" is resulting from the sick ideology these people spread.
Although I do not believe that scaring people out of hell and into heaven is the way to go, they are fictional books and are presented that way. It is no different than any fictional sci fi or criminal sociopath book presented out there. You are giving people less credit than they deserve for intelligence.
No ONE knows the hour or day. People need to stop assuming and making a judgment! This puts Christianity very bad. The Bible DOES NOT say when Jesus is coming to RAPTURE His church!! We just have to make sure we are READY to go with Him when the Trumpet sounds!!
Surely you can't be serious . . . The fable of jesus is so preposterous and totally inconceivable with or without a god that I wonder how people can still justify this outrageous story in this day and age.
Inconceivable without a god because it is ludicrous, inconceivable with a god because a god with no foresight that must constantly repair his mistakes isn't godly at all and certainly isn't capable of creating a universe by speaking it into existence.
And even more ridiculous is the jesus concept based in the reality of the known universe!!!
I can understand ignorant goat herders falling for the fable 2000 years ago - but adults now????
There is no excuse for that kind of ignorance.
Well said!
So true right on the mark. Its not when you go but where you go cause were all going, like they say 10 out of 10 people die.
Amen!
Meant to be directed at Thirteen year old girl. I'm so proud to see one of the youth of our nation with the Faith to know the word of our Lord and Savior. Praise God and whether it's tomorrow or 50 years from now, I'll be waiting to spend enternity with Jesus.
the world ends when the deception system dedicated to world rule fails; what is the ultimate truth so carefully hid? we know the billionaire group ran up its wealth a hundred fold the last 30 years, US democracy illusion set Oligarchy. Whatever weather planetary, you choose, is on the table that long... profiteer on disaster, internal exile, steal his money; is US dignification in my experience. yes, walk on water garden stories truth. The dragon is key, if you will not give directions, you cannot complain and the giant country is coward betraying the world.
My guess is this guy is making money somehow. We just don't know exactly how yet. We will the week of May 23rd though.
He's about 9/10 in the grave as it is. I'd say this is just his sick way of going out with a BANG. Too bad a lot of very... very... very stupid people, but people none the less, are going to be paying for this afterwards though.
It's all a misunderstanding.. the 'rapture' isn't coming, the RAPTOR is coming! Godzilla!!
The Rupture. The Crapture. There's a bunch of 'em...
The United States lags other countries in the study of science, math and physics. So what? So we have a general population that is so gullible they will believe absolutely anything. And BY GOD do not tell them they are wrong or crazy because we have freedom of speech and are free to believe any and every crazy damn thing anyone says. Remember Y2K? This too will pass. That this idiot believes the end of days is coming from a biblical prediction is laughable. I am embarassed for him.
Yep the guy is off his rocker because he forgot to inquire of God's Word which says that "No man knows the day or hour of Christ's return." But, it certainly doesn't mean Christ is not coming back, you just don't know when He is and when you will have to swalllow those words you have callously typed. You still have a chance to believe what is really true before you end up facing the judgement (which will come) and you are going to wish you had sought out sensitive and real followers of Christ who know the truth rather than opting to show the world your glaring ignorance. The guy who is claiming to know what God says no one can know is showing his ignorance too. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who claim to be Christians who don't get it right either. Most of us, do try to get it right, and we make sure WITH the Bible, God's Word. You will eventually give an account to God when you die, and you will die buddy, so...I don't envy you friend when you are before the Almighty God having to 'splain yourself. Look up Matthew 24:36 if you don't believe me.
refering to a previous post: "this puts Chrisitanity very bad". as if any religion needs help with that
That's just it - this is "religion" - not "Christianity". Everyone is on their own road, and if you are going a different way than I am, I will respect that, and you need to respect me.
Mayan 1: "Oh crap! I can't continue the calender."
Mayan 2: "Why?"
Mayan 1: "I ran out of stone to chisel on."
Mayan 2: "Oh don't worry about it. 2000 years is more than enough to look forward to, and if we run out we can make more."
Mayan 1: "Think we'll last that long?"
Mayan 2: "Sure! And if we don't, what's the worst that can happen?"
Well said... and most likely the truth!
Cannot believe it is true. Just just curious though, what can you do now if the end of the world is May 21 of 2011? Not much. Finger crossed and see then!
Jen.
I just love Jesus! Some answers really amaze me. I'm sure the unrelated or unrealistic comments are from the people who cause our unemployment rate to be so high! Go to work and talk to Jesus while you're there!
There is NO Jesus, ... and there is NO GOD!!! You people are ignorant sheep who deserve to give all your money away to a charlaten who has already screwed it up once.
Jesus was a Prophet just as Mohammed was. Jesus died on the cross in order to martyr himself and perpetuate his religious beliefs. He's dead, .... has been for 2000 years. Yet you idiots are still "keeping the faith", and making Mr. Camping a multi-millionaire ($72 muillion at last count).
Are you trying to buy your way into Heaven? (Here's a hint, ... there is no Heaven and there is NO hell !!)
Wow Arnie Golf....All I can say is, may God be with you!!! I will definitely pray for your soul.
I agree. Praying for you tonight. God tells us to love athiests, but Dang its so freaking hard! but i do not believe Camping is correct. He is the false prophet. an idoit on top of that. as the Good Book says "No man nor angel shall no the end. Only God Himslef.
Arnie Golf seems to be a sour puss, who is depresed because the world has fallen around him, has not found a way out and just probabely started pointing fingers, LOL, I myself am a educated Christian and now when i see/hear someone like him for the fact that im a sychologist, who ever reads this ask your selves one thing, in the bible god sent his son to die for us and forgive our sins, why!!! would he do this if the entire time he was planing to blow us up. This whole theory of the world ending tomorow is stupid and pointless. . . . . . . . .One more thing, Scince?????????? Aint it still called the "THEORY" of evolution? YES!!!!!!!!!!!!It is, why because it was developed by man and is just as imperfect as him, Unlike the bible witch was writen by man but inspired by god, making it the perfect book, no contradictions, no false promises, all that the bible has profisised and promised has and is coming true, unlike science that keeps contradicting itself with ironic theories. I just hate people like this, stupid, agressive, and badly educated, what does the army say? "To beat your aponnent, study him first"witch is something arnie golf he hasnt done, "unwise, unwise" though i do agree with him in the fact that he sais that there is no hell, no hell? No!!! Study the bible and youl reallise that it does not mention any fact that god will torture you in flaming hot lava. In the end, people who "hate' on religion and our believes are mostly idiots who have no study in it and in reallity are idiots that are braine washed by science, society and its stupid theories.
Are you a product of the American education system? If so, we are indeed in sad shape, whether there's a rapture right around the corner or not. I see some well-written, cohesive posts here, but the majority are not. For those of you who rely on spell check, please consider suing your grade schools; but be quick about it as I hear the end of the world is nigh.
wow real list-42, It's clear from your rant that your self-proclaimed education didn't include spelling.
I am most curious about the true believers. So if you wake on Sunday does it mean you were simply lying to yourself about your faith? Or does it mean there is no god? Or is it oops we were wrong again and a new prediction will be made?
Get a clue, no one knows, thats why you need to be ready cause it will happen one day , from a true beliver not a false one. remember , live everyday if it were your last, cause on day it will be.
Who needs a clue? It will happen one day because we all die, not because some being decided it was your time.
No YOU need to get a clue wayne. Triathpain 2wagillionbillionjazafillion XXXto the power of infinite is PISSED that you are worshiping his bathroom maid Yahweh. Someday it will be YOU who will see! You of little faith in Triathpain. Oh, and trust me there is a reason why Pain Is in his name!!!
I agree with you, the old KOOK will probabely off him self as soon as he sees that it dosent hapen, many of his followers will probabely stop paying attention to him, and move on with theyr lives, witch they should do, rather than listen to fake prophets.
true christians dont believe this guy, he is a false prophet. dont lump us all in with this guy.none of what he is saying is verified by the bible. he is a cook that the devil is using to make true belivers look bad. say what you want but God is real and one day everyone will acknowledge he is the one true God. im praying for all
Gimme Dat Ole Time Religion
Jonestown 1978
Don't drink these people's Koolaid
to bobby jones bia- The true believers know that a rapture on the 21st will not happen! The true believers know that no man will predict this monumental event. The only one who knows when this will take place is God himself, not even the angels or his son Jesus will know the date or the time. When we are all still here on the 22nd, true believers will not be surprised. True believers will not loose their faith. True believers know without a doubt that God is real. You can make fun of us Christians all you want, but when you feel his presence and witness his miracles , there is no denying that he exists. I pray one day something will get you to change your mind and you will get to feel and witness this most awesome gift.
"If you're reading this, the Rapture hasn't happened yet."
FAIL. And in the first sentence, no less!
I'm not a believer, but what the Rapture actually means is that all the believers are taken up into heaven and the rest of us are "left behind" to endure all manner of pestilence, earthquakes, flooding and "tribulation."
A little research will prevent one from starting an article on exactly the wrong foot.
well to start the all the people that say the world is ganna end tommoror is wrong its all bannanas ohkaii dont you think if the woulrd was ganna end it would of already starded in uhm i dont knoe the OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD ohkaii so all the people that say the dumb thing is wrong the world will end wheN GOD WANTS IT TO END not when some dumb calendar sais it will end why du you belive that dont you read the bibble the world will end but now one knows but GOD so stop scaring people ohkaii!!!! so just remember nothing is ganna happen =!!