OAKLAND, Calif. — As crestfallen followers of a California preacher who foresaw the world's end strained to find meaning in their lives, Harold Camping revised his apocalyptic prophecy Monday, saying he was off by five months because the Earth actually will be obliterated on Oct. 21.
Camping, who predicted that 200 million Christians would be taken to heaven Saturday before global cataclysm struck the planet, said he felt so terrible when his doomsday message did not come true that he left home and took refuge in a motel with his wife. His independent ministry, Family Radio International, spent millions — some of it from donations made by followers — on more than 5,000 billboards and 20 RVs plastered with the Judgment Day message.
Follower Jeff Hopkins also spent a good deal of his own retirement savings on gas money to power his car so people would see its ominous lighted sign showcasing Camping's May 21 warning. As the appointed day drew nearer, Hopkins started making the 100-mile round trip from Long Island to New York City twice a day, spending at least $15 on gas each trip.
"I've been mocked and scoffed and cursed at and I've been through a lot with this lighted sign on top of my car," said Hopkins, 52, a former television producer who lives in Great River, NY. "I was doing what I've been instructed to do through the Bible, but now I've been stymied. It's like getting slapped in the face."
Camping, who made a special appearance before the press at the Oakland headquarters of the media empire Monday evening, apologized for not having the dates "worked out as accurately as I could have." Through chatting with a friend over what he acknowledged was a very difficult weekend, the light dawned on him that instead of the biblical Rapture in which the faithful would be swept up to the heavens, May 21 had instead been a "spiritual" Judgment Day, which places the entire world under Christ's judgment, he said.
The globe will be completely destroyed in five months, he said, when the apocalypse comes. But because God's judgment and salvation were completed on Saturday, there's no point in continuing to warn people about it, so his network will now just play Christian music and programs until the final end on Oct. 21.
"We've always said May 21 was the day, but we didn't understand altogether the spiritual meaning," he said. "The fact is there is only one kind of people who will ascend into heaven ... if God has saved them they're going to be caught up."
It's not the first time the 89-year-old retired civil engineer has been dismissed by the Christian mainstream and has been forced to explain when his prediction didn't come to pass. Camping also prophesized the Apocalypse would come in 1994, but said later that didn't happen then because of a mathematical error.
Monday, rather than give his normal daily broadcast, Camping took questions as a part of his show, "Open Forum," which transmits his interpretations of the Bible via the group's radio stations, TV channels, satellite broadcasts and website.
Camping's hands shook slightly as he pinned his microphone to his lapel, and as he clutched a worn Bible he spoke in a quivery monotone about listeners' earthly concerns after giving away their possessions in expectation of the Rapture.
Family Radio would never tell anyone what they should do with their possessions, and those who did would cope, Camping said.
"We're not in the business of financial advice," he said. "We're in the business of telling people there's someone who you can maybe talk to, maybe pray to, and that's God."
But he said he wouldn't give away all his possessions ahead of Oct 21.
"I still have to live in a house, I still have to drive a car," he said. "What would be the value of that? If it is Judgment Day why would I give it away?"
Apocalyptic thinking has always been part of American religious life and popular culture. Teachings about the end of the world vary dramatically — even within faith traditions — about how they will occur.
Still, the overwhelming majority of Christians reject the idea that the exact date or time of Jesus' return can be predicted.
Tim LaHaye, co-author of the best-selling "Left Behind" novels about the end times, recently called Camping's prediction "not only bizarre but 100 percent wrong!" He cited the Bible verse Matthew 24:36, "but about that day or hour no one knows" except God.
"While it may be in the near future, many signs of our times certainly indicate so, but anyone who thinks they `know' the day and the hour is flat out wrong," LaHaye wrote on his website, leftbehind.com.
Signs of disappointment also were evident online, where groups that had confidently predicted the Rapture — and, in some cases, had spent money to help spread the word through advertisements — took tentative steps to re-establish Internet presences in the face of widespread mockery.
The Pennsylvania-based group eBible Fellowship still has a website with images of May 21 billboards all over the world, but its Twitter feed has changed over from the increasingly confident predictions before the date to circumspect Bible verses that seem to speak to the confusion and hurt many members likely feel.
Camping offered no clues about Family Radio's finances Monday, saying he could not estimate how much had been spent on getting out his prediction nor how much money the nonprofit had taken in as a result. In 2009, the nonprofit reported in IRS filings that it received $18.3 million in donations, and had assets of more than $104 million, including $34 million in stocks or other publicly traded securities.
Josh Ocasion, who works the teleprompter during Camping's live broadcasts in the group's threadbare studio, sandwiched between an auto shop and a palm reader's business, said he enjoyed the production work but he had never truly believed the May 21 prophecy would come true.
"I thought he would show some more human decency in admitting he made a mistake," he said. "We didn't really see that."
Comments (72)
Add commentJust wondering how many women
are mentioned in the "begetting" books.
Maybe if the begetting was described in a little more detail, it would make for an easier read.
Something more like the Song of Solomon, but maybe a bit more explicit.
Although I never thought
Although I never thought camping was gonna be right, I think it did get a point across...how else has someone made Christianity so noticed. He got an entire world talking and thinking about it. It did me for sure.
I have always been a person of faith. I know there is a God, and he loves me unconditionly. I was raised a Baptist, but hated how my church mocked you for wearing the same dress every week, not putting enough money in the church, driving older cars. It was before I was even ten I stopped attending church.
A bunch of people, took stories they heard and wrote them down. Some say God told them, so remember hear say. Apparently when people started populating the world they started over near Jeresulem. Most every bible relates to that and to Noah being there as well. If this is true, why are there sooooo many different religions? Wouldn't everyone know the same thing. A God built our Earth and started populating it with people and animals. From there on all religions take their own direction. Some, even that there is no God.
What religion has started the most wars? The Crusades? Pilgrims? Those are all, "you do it my way or you will have no life". Is that what a God would want? He didn't ask us to tithe money, he probably said share his love and knowledge. Tithe with your mind, body and soul. He did not say if someone disagrees with you that they will go to hell. God built this place on Love and desire. Churches seem to interpret the bible how they want it, translate it how they think and tell other's they are going to hell. There is not ONE way to desend into Heaven. You believe it this way, they believe it that way....but most of us do want to go to Heaven. LIve an enternal happy life. God wants us to love each other, take care of the land, animals, and other people. He wants us to be kind...that's all. He will forgive you if your heart turns to honesty.
And, the rapture will not happen any time soon. That is crazy. Why did God give us an enormous brain to calculate and build upon? He wants us to do so much more....He will give us time.
Camping, PR, et al
TV evangelists are so dangerous for the elderly in our society. If they preach on TV to the "homebound," these older people are so vulnerable when the begging for money is included in the message. They are still thinking they must tithe as that is what they heard all their lives in the evangelical churches.
I know - friends of my grandparents have given to the TV fakes when they barely have money for food. A few dollars at a time from those susceptible to the scams adds up to big dollars when you consider that these guys preach their message nationwide. It is another form of robbery IMO.
Religion makes a difference JEZBUZZ.
When the con-folks hit the Lubbock area with a new scam, law enforcement gets involved in warning the elderly (frequent targets) of the particulars of the scam.
However, when dealing with religion, it's a whole 'nother thing.
When I was taking some grad classes at TTU, the topic of religion and religious beliefs came up, and the rule of thumb is "religious beliefs are not a psychological issue". If someone is having problems with their religious beliefs and their actual experiences in the world, they should be referred to someone religious to help them resolve their problems.
@carpbreath,
Just a question.
Let's say that I am a believer in the Spaghetti God, but those I love are not.
Will it save them if I cook up a big pot of marinara, and paint some around their doors?
I saw this work with lamb's blood in "The Ten Commandments", and I was wondering if it might also work in this case.
American First
I agree with you that it wouldn't have much to do with the organization itself. UNLESS, PR and the other vile pretenders similar to him are pocketing percentages of cash to fund those opulent life styles, and not allowing MORE money to be sent to those in need of disaster response and relief. Not belittling your response sir, but I've found most apples don't fall very far from the tree...... How soon will GR be spewing judgment and hate?
jeffross, carpbreath, & Doc
You gentlemen are real piece of work. You carry on how you are so tolerant of other's belief and rights and yet you sit here and mock Christianity. If i challenge one of you on something I am acting so un-Christian like. You are hypocrites of the highest order.
Doc, make no mistake you would have to climb up many rungs on the ladder of accomplishments to even get up close to being half the man Pat Robertson is.
Enjoy yourselves in your self indulgence of mockery at other people’s expense, because one day you will answer for you words whether you believe it or not.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NIV)
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
@jeffross
Yes, it will save them. Heck, a good marinara will solve all kinds of problems.
@A1st
If I ever said I was tolerant of others, I was mistaken. My bad.
Carry on. ;^)
Puzzled
Any time a religious topic comes up, it's atheists/agnostics who comment the most, and seem be the most vocal and antagonistic. I'm not talking about just on a local level either. Can any of the people in this category explain to me whether there is an Agnostic Bonus or some other motivation to trash Christianity (and there is a difference between stating your own views and trashing another's, I know)? Is there a reward for converting Christians to agnosticism/atheism? I guess I could comprehend if it's just nose-tweaking, if ya'll have had people in your lives who constantly hounded you about your own beliefs/lack thereof. But to me it seems like it runs a lot deeper. I don't get it. Maybe someone can explain it to me.
Poor Med School Graduates
Those poor students that graduated Saturday will still owe money on their student loans, since the END didn't come.... oh, well, at least they'll get to write some prescriptions and order un-necessary tests!
rettch
First, what you consider a crutch may not be a crutch to them, but integral part of their life that is dear to them.
Second, all the condemning I see comes from some of the more extreme people that show a definite dislike for people with conservative Christian values.
Third, I can see where a person not believing what is written in the Bible would make the accusation of a Christian not dealing in facts, but to a Christian the Bible is based more in fact than secular humanism. You have never seen me step from the field of battle to steal away.
@rettch
I have a lot I could say to your post, but two things will have to do:
1. Christianity is not a crutch 2. What do you expect from someone who disagrees with you, praise and hosannahs?
@smadrid717,
You Christians certainly have a very hard row to hoe, especially around here. It must be very difficult to have a super majority of the country's population and still have to put up with what you perceive as insults from minorities.
I feel free to identify as a member of a minority since I so obviously am, especially around here.
How many of those elected to public office identify as non-Christian? How many of those elected to public office identify as agnostic or atheist? How many atheists or agnostics could have the same kind of impact as Camping or Roberts?
I wouldn't be looking for an apology for harming your sensitivities if I were you. Seldom, if ever have those of religious faith apologized to me or mine for what they have said or done in the name of their religion.
Americanfirst, you have the
thumper talking points down as well as you do the political ones.....do we have to accept all you say by faith and faith alone...
@rettch,
I've already had this discussion with A1st. The answer is "yes".
Jeff, I'm afraid you're
correct......however, we were both trained to require more facts to back up statements than we can get from some ......why are those from from the right? .......I know that will cause a reaction.....however, most of those I see post who are not right wingers......try to give reasons, facts to back up their statements.....I'm not talking about only liberals.....most moderate conservatives give reasons and not blanket statements....
but statements indicating that Pres. Obama has taken us further down the road to socialism than any other president in history and that's all...well, that's not enough!!
I know I'm preaching to the choir (interesting choice of words)
@rettch
That's okay. I used to sing in the church choir.
Why would anyone
provide facts for someone who would never accept them in the first place, and who would in all likelihood treat him in the same hideously insulting fashion after the facts as he did before them?
No, thanks. I'll just go on saying in terms as civil as possible what I believe to be the truth, and letting the spew of hatred from the other side speak for itself.
"Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; Whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse." - Proverbs 9:7
adunn
"Why would anyone provide facts for someone who would never accept them in the first place,"
a couple of reasons.... 1) if you backed up your blanket statements...someone might believe you know what the h e l l you are talking about.......otherwise they might assume you are spouting foolish generalities.... 2) how do you know they would never be accepted......you've NEVER provided ANY!!!
Just
A hunch.
Take your pick,
which translation fits the bill..?
New International Version (©1984) "Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse.
New Living Translation (©2007) Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.
English Standard Version (©2001) Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
New American Standard Bible (©1995) He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself.
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995) Whoever corrects a mocker receives abuse. Whoever warns a wicked person gets hurt.
King James Bible He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked [man getteth] himself a blot.
American King James Version He that reproves a scorner gets to himself shame: and he that rebukes a wicked man gets himself a blot.
American Standard Version He that correcteth a scoffer getteth to himself reviling; And he that reproveth a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
Bible in Basic English He who gives teaching to a man of pride gets shame for himself; he who says sharp words to a sinner gets a bad name.
Douay-Rheims Bible He that teacheth a scorner, doth an injury to himself: and he that rebuketh a wicked man, getteth himself a blot.
Darby Bible Translation He that instructeth a scorner getteth to himself shame; and he that reproveth a wicked man getteth to himself a blot.
English Revised Version He that correcteth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that reproveth a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
Webster's Bible Translation He that reproveth a scorner, getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
World English Bible He who corrects a mocker invites insult. He who reproves a wicked man invites abuse.
Young's Literal Translation The instructor of a scorner Is receiving for it -- shame, And a reprover of the wicked -- his blemish.
What does it take to be a Christian?
On one end of the spectrum, I have had people who defined themselves as Christian, who have told me that all it requires is a belief that Jesus was/is the Savior spoken of in the Bible, and to accept Him as their personal savior.
At the other end of the spectrum, I have had people who defined themselves as Christian, who have told me that there is a long list of requirements, one of which is a rejection of such unChristian concepts as the theory of evolution. Some have even opined that one cannot be a Democrat or liberal, and be a Christian at the same time.
What makes Camping any more unusual than the ones on the latter end of the spectrum?
What does it take to be a Christian?
@Jeffross
The first definition, I think. If it were much more complex than that, I'm afraid I'd still be a non-believer.
Camping is a Christian ---it's just that he's wrong about this. If Christians were never wrong, there'd be no need of forgiveness, no?
@JAT
My word, you have a lot of Bibles. How interesting!
adunn
""Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; Whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse." - Proverbs 9:7
How can you correct a mocker without any evidence to correct the mocker?
Are you saying I'm a wicked man?
"Judge not, that ye be not judged" Matt. 7:1
Oh my goodness no!
I never mentioned your name/alias!
But I've spoken to you more today than would have been warranted in a month, so I bid you good night. I'm going to go and do something more pleasant ---that leaves an astoundingly wide choice of activities! :-))
Edited to add:
Pouf! He's gone again!
And then there are those who commit atrocious actions
against those who do not "believe" as those in power do. I am currently reading The Huguenots: A Biography of a Minority (G. A. Rothrock, Chicago: Nelson-Hall1979) because my distant Huguenot ancestors immigrated from France to the Carolinas in 1686.
The wars between the protestant reformers and the established Roman Catholic Church were terrible -- tortures and executions that we would not even consider -- all because those who thought differently were considered "heretics." Both sides did terrible things to the other side. It was more political than religious, but they USED religion as their excuse. These were all supposedly "Christians" -- none were Islamic or any other faith.
@BTX
Yes, I have that book.
Yes, those were terrible times. So too were the Crusades. So too was the Inquisition. So too were the "conversions by the sword" wreaked among the Native Americans by the Conquistadors.
So too was Joshua's Hebrew conquest of Cannan. So too were the wars by which Islam was spread, soon after it was founded.
In every case, there was indeed much blame for the perpetrators.
Do you mean to use this undeniable history as a justification for saying Christianity is bad? I have to say to you that if I'd thought I was perfect, there would have been no need for me to become a believer.
they why did you put
the bible verse in your post adunn?
are you showing all the heathen that you are now a bible scholar?.....
edited to add:
I can understand how you can support Herman Cain, who doesn't have a snowball's chance.......you both are factually challenged!!!