| Published 2012 |
Harold Camping is retiring from the prediction business after failing to predict the
end of the world for at least the fourth time. The former head of Family Radio, a
California-based organization, applied numerology to the Bible in attempts to
determine when the world would end with the return of Jesus.
Camping first set May 21, 1988 as the date for Judgment Day. When that date
passed uneventfully, he then determined September 6, 1994 would be the day.
Not giving up after that failure, Camping reset the date to May 21 of this year and
later October 21. Well, we’re still here, of course, and according to The Christian
Post, Harold Camping has now given up.
Camping’s own staff says more than $100 million was spent trying to wake up the
world to his warnings. Many of his followers reportedly sold all their belongings and
turned their savings accounts over to the church, although it is hard to fathom why
they did this if they really believed the world was ending.
Camping reportedly was surprised, saddened and embarrassed by the failed
predictions and feels he can no longer lead his Family Radio ministry. Yet, he has
only himself to blame. If he had studied the Bible as carefully as he claims, why did
he have so much trouble understanding the plain words of Matthew 24:36, “No one
knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but
only the Father”?
The May 21 prediction in particular attracted a lot of attention including end-of-the-
world parties. However, it was the international ridicule that followed his failed
predictions that may be the most serious fallout of Camping’s foolishness.
All Christians should be prepared for the coming of Jesus at any time. While
waiting, we ought to be spreading the Gospel to those around the world who do not
yet follow Jesus. This job may have been made a bit more difficult in some cases
because of the ridicule following the unfortunate Camping prophecies.
St. Peter, in chapter 2 of his second book, warns against false prophets and their
heresies. We do well by sticking to the true prophecies we find in God’s Word while
we prepare for the real return of Jesus—someday.
—Warren Krug, editor
end of the world for at least the fourth time. The former head of Family Radio, a
California-based organization, applied numerology to the Bible in attempts to
determine when the world would end with the return of Jesus.
Camping first set May 21, 1988 as the date for Judgment Day. When that date
passed uneventfully, he then determined September 6, 1994 would be the day.
Not giving up after that failure, Camping reset the date to May 21 of this year and
later October 21. Well, we’re still here, of course, and according to The Christian
Post, Harold Camping has now given up.
Camping’s own staff says more than $100 million was spent trying to wake up the
world to his warnings. Many of his followers reportedly sold all their belongings and
turned their savings accounts over to the church, although it is hard to fathom why
they did this if they really believed the world was ending.
Camping reportedly was surprised, saddened and embarrassed by the failed
predictions and feels he can no longer lead his Family Radio ministry. Yet, he has
only himself to blame. If he had studied the Bible as carefully as he claims, why did
he have so much trouble understanding the plain words of Matthew 24:36, “No one
knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but
only the Father”?
The May 21 prediction in particular attracted a lot of attention including end-of-the-
world parties. However, it was the international ridicule that followed his failed
predictions that may be the most serious fallout of Camping’s foolishness.
All Christians should be prepared for the coming of Jesus at any time. While
waiting, we ought to be spreading the Gospel to those around the world who do not
yet follow Jesus. This job may have been made a bit more difficult in some cases
because of the ridicule following the unfortunate Camping prophecies.
St. Peter, in chapter 2 of his second book, warns against false prophets and their
heresies. We do well by sticking to the true prophecies we find in God’s Word while
we prepare for the real return of Jesus—someday.
—Warren Krug, editor
Four Strikes and You're Out |