We've been following the news this week concerning the Christians at Family Radio who have followed the teachings of Harold Camping. They strongly believed that on May 21, 2011 they would experience the Rapture along with Christians like them, that they would suddenly be removed from the earth and taken heavenward by Jesus while others would remain on earth and experience five months of tribulation until a final apocalypse five months later in October.While these Christians have received a lot of press and have at times been made into jokes, many have also been feeling a great deal of compassion for them. What would it be like to pour so much time, energy, and wealth into the expectations of May 21st? What would it be like to feel that kind of loss? What would it feel like to lose such a strong conviction of your faith? At the same time, some feel that it is at best misguided and at worst arrogant to claim to know this type of knowledge with such certainty. Feelings and opinions run the gamut.
Many people have been awaiting the response of Harold Camping now that May 21st has come and gone. While some of Camping's followers are understandably confused, angry, saddened, and incredulous, Camping announced tonight that May 21st was a spiritual Judgment Day but that his prediction was off by five months. He has now set a new date for October 21st.
Many Christians (this author is one of them) are sad to hear that Harold Camping continues to set dates like these, but it is certainly interesting to follow the thoughts, feelings, and future outcomes for those who have followed and are currently following his teachings. We hope that these Christians do not lose more of their wealth and identity, but that they are able to recover fully from the grief they are currently experiencing.
Here are some news stories concerning Harold Camping's statements tonight:
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