Topic: Don't worry about Harold Camping and May 21st

[podkarpatska]

As we all know by now, a Protestant radio preacher has advised us all that the world will end this Saturday, May 21st. While I would hope that no faithful Orthodox Christian would put any stock in such heretical musings, I know from growing up as a priest's kid that many a pastor's phone is busy this week with worried parishioners seeking reassurance after being scared to death at work or at the grocery store by  someone convinced that they are about to be raptured and their poor Orthodox neighbor is doomed.

Here are two thoughtful and cogent articles to read to put your mind at rest.

The first is a post from my friend, Fr. Jonathan's blog, Second Terrace. He is an Orthodox priest and a former Protestant preacher. His insight is really on point:  Eschatological fruitcake Part One: the Depressing Sunday. http://janotec.typepad.com/terrace/2011/05/eschatological-fruitcake.html

And for a great, catholic , point by point refutation of Camping's musings, I suggest this from the National Catholic Register: Major Supernatural Event This Saturday! (Rapture Prediction Analyzed!) http://www.ncregister.com/blog/major-supernatural-event-this-saturday/ .(It's on point whether you are a Roman Catholic, or if you view the Orthodox Church as as being the catholic one.)

Please read these, sleep tight and spare your priest a tortured phone call. His kids will thank you for sure!

[LizaSymonenko]

It's sad that some folks can be swayed so easily.

[Tallitot]

Here's how much time we have left

Actually I'm not worried...I live in the Virginia where everything happens 20 years later

[LizaSymonenko]

That's too funny!

[IsmiLiora]

Everyone, calm down. God won't want the world to end on my birthday. 

[podkarpatska]

It's sad that some folks can be swayed so easily.

I think the whole thing is ludicrous, but there are many misguided souls out there who can be easily misled. There are unscrupulous people taking advantage of them by offering pet sitting services etc...How bizarre.

[Melodist]

I was looking forward to getting a new "unmanned in case of rapture" car. 

[podkarpatska]

I was looking forward to getting a new "unmanned in case of rapture" car. 

probably not too many Audi's, Caddies...etc...except outside of the megachurch employees lot!    But wait a bit as they will likely come out for them after all....

[Justin Kissel]

Everyone, calm down. God won't want the world to end on my birthday. 

What if he does though, and just puts you in some kind of delusional stasis, until your appointed birthday time is fulfilled?

[Melodist]

Everyone, calm down. God won't want the world to end on my birthday. 

Is there a better birthday present than Jesus?

[IsmiLiora]

LOL guys!  Maybe Jesus will take me up in the Rapture first!!! I have to be good for the next few days.

[orthonorm]

If it weren't for this site, I would have no idea what you are talking about.

[quietmorning]

**sitting here laughing until tears are falling**

You guys/gals are a riot! 

[Robb]

The event this Saturday is supposed to be the "Rapture"?  I had mistakenly heard that the world was to be destroyed by a giant earthquake that day (Either way its not good news).

Also, from Fr. Johnathans blog, I had no idea that Pittsburgs exurbs are home to a bustling Pentecostal population?  You usually don't associate both Pittsburg and "exurbs" as being pentecostal havens (Its also a shame if a lot of those Pentecostals are former RC/OC's).

[Justin Kissel]

Also, from Fr. Johnathans blog, I had no idea that Pittsburgs exurbs are home to a bustling Pentecostal population?  You usually don't associate both Pittsburg and "exurbs" as being pentecostal havens (Its also a shame if a lot of those Pentecostals are former RC/OC's).

The blog entry mentions Pittsburgh, which is not the same as Pittsburg.  

[Gamliel]

Everyone, calm down. God won't want the world to end on my birthday. 

It depends on how presents your husband is expected to buy.  God might be doing him a favor.

[biro]

I bet lots of people are going to have 'he was wrong' parties.  That cake is going to taste really good.

[podkarpatska]

The event this Saturday is supposed to be the "Rapture"?  I had mistakenly heard that the world was to be destroyed by a giant earthquake that day (Either way its not good news).

Also, from Fr. Johnathans blog, I had no idea that Pittsburgs exurbs are home to a bustling Pentecostal population?  You usually don't associate both Pittsburg and "exurbs" as being pentecostal havens (Its also a shame if a lot of those Pentecostals are former RC/OC's).

For as many Slavs and Greeks of the eastern persuasion as there are in wa/pa (western Pennsylvania) there are probably far more Bible belt types...they don't call it 'Pennsyltucky' for nuttin' !  

I read a blog entry somewhere that at a Catholic college in the South, several of the fraternities were planning to leave piles of clothes and shoes lying around the town as a joke. Don't know if the townfolks would take too kindly to that, but it is devilishly funny.  see http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121968371215699

[recent convert]

I don't think most evangelical Protestants have any use for Camping, I have heard a couple of mainstream radio preachers denounce him. I also knew a Landmark Baptist preacher who called Camping a heretic.

[IsmiLiora]

Everyone, calm down. God won't want the world to end on my birthday. 

It depends on how presents your husband is expected to buy.  God might be doing him a favor.

Hey, I'm very low key. I don't know why my husband isn't happy with just giving me his credit card and taking me to a Sephora.....it's not like he has to be creative or anything.... 

[Monk Vasyl]

So is the Rapture on the Old Calendar or New Calendar? 

You know on Monday I'd love to go up to these people as say, "I guess you weren't one of the chosen either."   

[Marc1152]

Just for the record, I'm nervous

[Melodist]

So is the Rapture on the Old Calendar or New Calendar? 

You know on Monday I'd love to go up to these people as say, "I guess you weren't one of the chosen either."   

I think the other thread refers to "local time". So, it must be on May 21, whenever that happens to fall on whatever calendar is being officially used. I'm sure it will happen again 13 days later for all those Protestant missions in countries still officially on the old calendar.

[Monk Vasyl]

So is the Rapture on the Old Calendar or New Calendar? 

You know on Monday I'd love to go up to these people as say, "I guess you weren't one of the chosen either."   

I think the other thread refers to "local time". So, it must be on May 21, whenever that happens to fall on whatever calendar is being officially used. I'm sure it will happen again 13 days later for all those Protestant missions in countries still officially on the old calendar.

Ah, a double Rapture...tee hee

[Jharek Carnelian]

The event this Saturday is supposed to be the "Rapture"?  I had mistakenly heard that the world was to be destroyed by a giant earthquake that day (Either way its not good news).

Also, from Fr. Johnathans blog, I had no idea that Pittsburgs exurbs are home to a bustling Pentecostal population?  You usually don't associate both Pittsburg and "exurbs" as being pentecostal havens (Its also a shame if a lot of those Pentecostals are former RC/OC's).

Yes apparently this Saturday is the Rapture (stay pure, old Blondie joke..) and then the world will later on be destroryed according to Mr. Camping in October. I advise everyone to pop along to his site. It's a laugh riot, one of the proofs he offers that his date is correct is that when he asks people what does the Bible say about the end times it says no-one knows the hour or the day. Harold somehow views people giving this to him as an answer as supporting his er, theories.

[Marc1152]

Saturday morning is a DL for The Evangelist John the Theologian. So I will be in Church.

Does anyone know what time this is going to happen? 

[biro]

I wonder what Family Radio (Harold Camping's AM & online network) will play right up to the 'end.'

Or, what will they play the day after, when nothing has happened? 

[vamrat]

Wait, so the world is not ending now?  I'm confused...

[stashko]

 

[PrincessMommy]

I don't think most evangelical Protestants have any use for Camping, I have heard a couple of mainstream radio preachers denounce him. I also knew a Landmark Baptist preacher who called Camping a heretic.

I agree. 

[Mivac]

<-----  Going to lay out some clothes on the street corner as if someone was raptured. 

[Mivac]

I wonder what Family Radio (Harold Camping's AM & online network) will play right up to the 'end.'

Or, what will they play the day after, when nothing has happened? 

Last song request, "This is the End" by the Doors.

[Monk Vasyl]

How about:  "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" by R.E.M.?   

[Schultz]

How about:  "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" by R.E.M.?   

And instead of the "Leonard Bernstein!" line, the dj can drop the music out and sing, "Harold Camping!" at the appropriate part.

[Monk Vasyl]

How about:  "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" by R.E.M.?   

And instead of the "Leonard Bernstein!" line, the dj can drop the music out and sing, "Harold Camping!" at the appropriate part.

I guess none of us is going to be raptured...

[Jharek Carnelian]

You've escaped the attentions of the Camping Crew themselves I notice here. Several other religious forums I use have had new posters appear over the last weeks who not so subtly try and show how Camping predictions are true. Using methods ranging from saying 'I don't know if it's true but here's a load of links, now share them with your friends' to saying that they are been victimised and trying to play an appeal to pity to card regarding these predictions.

[Marc1152]

You guys are going to be sorry you were so snarky about this.

[vamrat]

You guys are going to be sorry you were so snarky about this.

Nah, my bases are covered.  We have our Church Slava on Saturday and Sunday, so if the Lord does come back I will be at the right place!

[LizaSymonenko]

Just read a story, that Camping stated he will spend Saturday at home with his wife, sitting by the radio and TV.

THAT is how he wishes to spend the last moments on earth...sitting by the TV???  Really?

Well, if the end comes at 6 p.m. as he stated, my ENTIRE family will be in an Orthodox church, at Vespers....with the relics of four saints present.  What better way to go?

[podkarpatska]

You guys are going to be sorry you were so snarky about this.

[podkarpatska]

You guys are going to be sorry you were so snarky about this.

The way I look at it, if Mr. Camping is right, we are all out of luck anyway, so why not be snarky? There's nothing to lose.

As far as Camping and the television thing, well, he did say the end would come at 6 pm local time, so perhaps he will be following CNN's continuing coverage from across the globe while he is waiting!

He won't be listening to this, though....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eyFiClAzq8&feature=share

[IsmiLiora]

I am going to a Greek festival that day, and there is no way better to go out than at your church, with a delicious gyro in your hands!

[podkarpatska]

I am going to a Greek festival that day, and there is no way better to go out than at your church, with a delicious gyro in your hands!

I would choose a holubki, but that's just me.

[Tallitot]

Here's how much time we have left

[Tallitot]

6:00pm? I don't think the world will end before Shabbat does