May 21st 2011 is NOT the end of the world

In what is almost certainly a cliché for cults, yet another wacky group has predicted the end of the world with a specific timestamp. Harold Camping from Familyradio.com has predicted that May 21st 2011 is the exact day that Jesus returns. His logic is based on some far-fetched calculations based on a mix of biblical numerology, an even helping of poor exegesis and a good dose of coincidence.

Billboard announcing Judgement Day on the 21st of May, 2011
on Victoria St in Footscray, Vic. Photo: ebiblefellowship.com

89 year old Harold, like all good cult leaders, has built his theology on some solid grains of truth which provide enough credibility for anyone with a passing knowledge about Christianity to be interested. From this platform though, Mr Camping has constructed an entire understanding of eschatology with a preoccupation with numbers found in the bible as opposed to the words which display the intent and meaning that many of the biblical writers were conveying. This type of biblical interpretation is very similar to the bible code fad that was popular in the late '90s, as it was more concerned with hidden mathematical patterns than the actual words and stories used in the Torah (first five books of the Old Testament).

When the clock strikes 12AM on the 22nd of May 2011, Harold Camping will join a long line of leaders who have famously been incorrect in their prediction of Judgement Day. Mr Camping originally made a prediction that the world would end in September 1994, but later revised his calculations, which again is pretty much cliché. For a quick history in different predictions of different past dates for the world's end, check out this article: Apocalypse Not.

Mainstream Christianity acknowledges that Jesus will return in the future. Since Christ's ascension, 40 days after being resurrected on Easter Sunday, until the time when Jesus returns, the bible describes this period as the 'last days'. So far, the 'last days' have continued for over 2000 years and they may well continue for another 2000. The fundamental problem with predicting the date of Christ's return is that Jesus himself said:

"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come." 
[Mark 13:32–33]

Jesus goes on to say:

"At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time."
[Mark 13:21-23]

So, not only is Harold Camping preaching a misleading doctrine, he is also directly teaching against the words of Jesus. Therefore, sleep easy tonight and enjoy your Sunday the 22nd of May. Don't go quit your job, flee to the hills or prematurely sell all your possessions. Should Jesus return like a 'thief in the night', then it will be a glorious occasion for Christians, however until then though, relax and make the most of life.

Comparison Between Mainstream Christianity and Harold Camping

Topic	Mainstream Christianity	Harold Camping
Biblical interpretation method	Historical-grammatical	Hidden meaning, numerology
Intended meaning method	Exegesis	Eisegesis
Will Christ return?	Yes	Yes
Can humans know when Christ will return?	No	Yes
When will Christ return?	Unknown	21st of May, 2011
Rapture?	Speculative; no consensus	Definitely
Will Christ return on the anniversary of the Noahic Flood?	Highly unlikely	Yes

Further Reading

• Refute Camping
• Can We Know When Jesus Will Return?