So, it came and passed.  All the hub-bub about doomsday and judgement seems to be forgotten and laughed off now …

I have many questions and curiosities about this event:

1. Who came up with this theory of May 21st being the beginning of the end of the world?
2. Who is Harold Camping?
3. Why did the media give this any credence?
4. Is he a false prophet?
5. What should Christians do now?

Who came up with this theory of May 21st being the beginning of the end of the world?

Fortunately, someone took the time to explain this theory.  There is a man named Harold Camping who formulated a belief that specific numbers and passages in the Bible led to the Calculation that May 21st, 2011 would be judgement day.  Apparently Camping is an ardent Christian and lover of the Bible.

Matthew 24:36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven,but My Father only.

Who is Harold Camping?

Camping is an 89 year old broadcaster on the Familiy Radio network (150 stations across America).  He is also the president of Family Radio.  I have to assume that his position in the media realm is what made anybody pay attention to his theory of judgment day.

Why did the media give this any credence?

I don’t fault Camping with wanting to know and understand scripture better … but I do have an issue with him proclaiming his belief as a media source. Its easy to see Camping using his own platform, Family Radio, to communicate his beliefs. But why … oh why did the secular media decide to pick this up? I guess its scandal, its sensationalist. Is it news though? Also, as a news reporter, why were there no counterpoints to Camping’s theory? I didn’t see any other Christian interviewed or asked for a biblical counterpoint to Camping’s theory. Really news media? You couldn’t bother to call the local seminary and ask for a scholar’s opinion on this? This in my opinion is why listening to the news is so biased and sometimes untrustworthy because in an effort to gain viewers and readers, news outlets are only looking for the scandal angle and not really interested in the truth.

Is Camping a false prophet?

I can’t really speak to his status as a prophet at all. Does Camping prophesy on a regular basis? Did the Lord ask him to communicate this doomsday message to other Christians? It doesn’t appear so to me. It looks to me like Camping is something of a Bible scholar and communicated some information he thought to be true. So, how can you classify Camping as a false prophet? Is he leading people away from the Lord? Did he miss the rapture date? Absolutely, but missing an interpretation of the Bible (contrived or not) doesn’t classify him as a false prophet in my opinion.  I think if the Lord came down and pointed out all of our theological beliefs, we would all be ashamed.

What should Christians do now?
Personally, I’m a little angry to be “lumped” in with Harold Camping as a loon or idiot. However, I believe the Lord is much more interested in the unity of the body and that we as Christians should support Camping in his faith …even if we disagree with his math or interpretation of Biblical numbers. Is Camping a lover of Jesus? I think we should be much more interested in that piece of information rather than how many times he has failed or misinterpreted. It is a shame that we as Christians are more interested in chastising and distancing ourselves from believers who have fallen or made mistakes. Have we as believers ever been wrong? sinful even? Thank God that Jesus doesn’t turn His back on us whenever we fail. We can never be good enough to get into Heaven or good enough to please God. It is only by HIs grace and belief in Jesus’ work on the cross that makes us acceptable to God.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

I think now, Christians as a whole need to continue to fulfill the Great Commission.  Just because the rapture didn’t occur on May 21st, doesn’t mean that it isn’t coming.  Be thankful that we do have more time on earth.  Just as Paul said, I long go to heaven, but if I remain it is to your benefit.

I am reminded of the parable of the 10 virgins … we all need to keep our lamps filled with oil for when the bridegroom does return … so that Jesus doesn’t find us sleeping and unaware.