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Rapture tomorrow?!
#603546
05/20/11 11:33 AM
05/20/11 11:33 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,453
California
XDCX
OP
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OP
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,453
California
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I certainly hope not. I'm kinda looking forward to seeing THE HANGOVER 2 next weekend. Source: The Wichita Eagle, via Kansas.com Believers, skeptics plan for rapture
Preacher’s prediction for May 21 rapture viewed with caution, humor
73 Comments
BY FRED MANN
The Wichita Eagle
On Saturday you could shop, chill at home, do some yard work — or join Jesus in heaven and leave the rest of us behind to suffer torments until the world ends in October. The rapture has been added to Saturday's schedule by radio preacher Harold Camping, an 89-year-old retired civil engineer from Oakland, Calif.
Camping's Family Radio Worldwide has been broadcasting worldwide his prediction that May 21 is Judgment Day. RVs and campers heralding the event have passed through cities around the country, including Wichita, for months.
Camping's prophecy comes from numerological calculations based on his reading of the Bible. His math was off in 1994, the last time he crunched the numbers.
Most religious leaders don't like the way Camping treats the Bible as a math book, claiming it misrepresents Scripture.
Bruce Hays, pastor at Parkview Southern Baptist Church in Wichita, said he believes in the rapture and the end of the world, but he also believes in taking the Scripture literally. And Jesus said nobody knows the date or hour it will happen.
"It's God's timetable," Hays said.
People like Camping do more harm than good to true believers when their predictions fail.
"At the end of the day, Christianity looks like an idiotic faith system. It's branded across the board," Hays said.
Skeptics hope to educate
Groups of atheists and skeptics around the country are planning events for Saturday, including in Wichita.
The Air Capital Skeptics at Wichita State University will hold a Rapture Day Conference from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the CAC Theater on the WSU campus. Organizers expect 200 to 300 people to attend.
The day is not being held to mock rapture believers, nor as a party, they said. There are two serious goals: to educate people on the history of such predictions and the dangers they present, and to let other skeptics and nonbelievers who may feel stranded in the Bible Belt know they are not alone.
Andrew Juby, one of the organizers, noted that some believers of Camping's prophecy around the country have disrupted their lives and the lives of their children to prepare for Saturday.
Sean Gillespie, president of Air Capital Skeptics, said education about such claims is important to head off future claims.
"We've seen Jonestown, we've seen Waco, we've seen Heaven's Gate. These things typically don't end well," he said.
Reaction to the event, which will include six national and local speakers, has been mixed on campus, Juby said.
He printed 300 fliers about the conference to post around campus, and most have been torn down repeatedly, he said.
Mocking, preparing for the event
Nationally, Camping's prediction is being mocked.
A Facebook page titled "Post rapture looting" offers this invitation: "When everyone is gone and god's not looking, we need to pick up some sweet stereo equipment and maybe some new furniture for the mansion we're going to squat in."
By Wednesday afternoon, more than 175,000 people indicated they would be "attending" the "public event."
An atheist from New Hampshire, Bart Centre, decided to make some money on the prophecy. He has offered rapture believers an insurance plan for the pets they leave behind. For a fee of $135, Centre and some of his fellow nonbelievers will take responsibility for the abandoned animals.
Camping's followers ignore the nonbelievers and prepare for the event. Marie Exley, who left her home in Colorado last year to join Family Radio's effort to publicize the message, just returned from a lengthy overseas trip that included stops in the Middle East. She said billboards have gone up in Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq.
"I decided to spend the last few days with my immediate family and fellow believers," Exley said. "Things started getting more risky in the Middle East when Judgment Day started making the news."
Signs of disaster?
Hays and other religious leaders in Wichita who believe in the rapture said signs are growing that it's going to happen, but probably not by Saturday.
Jesus compared the end of the world to birth pains, when the Earth suffers disasters such as earthquakes, pestilence and famines that grow in numbers and intensity as the end nears, they said.
Although more disasters than usual seem to have occurred in recent times, the intensity isn't there yet, Hays said.
"For anybody's who's wanting to pay attention, there's not going to be any question," Hays said.
Meanwhile, Camping's predictions discredit true believers.
"If in our lifetimes more of these things do begin to happen, and I stand up and say, 'It's here,' who's going to believe you?" Hays said.
Dade Ronan, associate pastor at Calvary Chapel in Wichita, also believes in the literal return of Jesus to take believers to heaven.
But, he said, "We do not believe in setting a date. We just have the hope he is going to come, and we persevere until that time."
Because predicting a date contradicts what Jesus said, someone like Camping is a false teacher, Ronan said. In the old days, he'd be stoned to death.
"But ultimately in America he has a right to free speech," Ronan said.
Marty Freeman, senior pastor at Believers Tabernacle in Wichita, also believes the rapture will happen at some point, but it's something that's not to be feared, he said.
"My concern is it (Camping's prophecy) portrays God as some sort of big bogey man," Freeman said. "If we look at the Scriptures as a whole, God is a loving father. He's trying to draw people into a relationship with him."
Camping's May 21 prediction is another example of "fringe wackos that get a lot of attention for their extreme views," Freeman said.
"On May 22," he said, "nobody's going to remember it."
"Growing up my dad was like 'You have a great last name, Galifianakis. Galifianakis...begins with a gal...and ends with a kiss...' I'm like that's great dad, can we get it changed to 'Galifianafuck' please?" -- Zach Galifianakis
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Re: Rapture tomorrow?!
[Re: XDCX]
#603596
05/20/11 03:52 PM
05/20/11 03:52 PM
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,414
Bar Vitelli, Queens, NY
Signor Vitelli
Underboss
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Underboss
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,414
Bar Vitelli, Queens, NY
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Rapture? From what I understand, it's really no big deal anymore. I mean, the days of wearing an uncomfortable truss are mostly behind us; modern surgical techniques are minimally invasive and can be done on an outpatient basis. You'll be home the same day. Oh, wait a minute..... Sorry..... Never mind.  Signor V. ("Rapture Tomorrow, Comedy Tonight!"  )
"For me, there's only my wife..."
"Sure I cook with wine - sometimes I even add it to the food!"
"When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies?"
"It was a grass harp... And we listened."
"Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it? Every, every minute?"
"No. Saints and poets, maybe... they do some."
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Re: Rapture tomorrow?!
[Re: ginaitaliangirl]
#603618
05/20/11 10:14 PM
05/20/11 10:14 PM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
The Italian Stallionette
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
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Per CNN here are some "end of the world" songs.  Doomsday hits: An end of the world soundtrack So many songs, so little time. To hear it from the followers of the Christian broadcasting network Family Radio, Saturday will mark the beginning of the end. Those who’ve been selected for salvation will move on to heaven, but the rest will experience unspeakable suffering until the world ends on October 21. With all this doomsday talk, we at CNN have been contemplating our favorite end-of-the-world songs - music to listen to as the world falls apart, if you will. Here is our top 10 list, to get the soundtrack rolling: “Eve of Destruction” by Barry McGuire “It’s the End of the World” by REM “Until the End of Time” by 2Pac “The End” by The Doors “Until the End of the World” by U2 “Waiting for the End of the World” by Elvis Costello “Doomsday Clock” by Smashing Pumpkins “Apocalypse Please” by Muse “The End of the World” by Skeeter Davis “The Man Comes Around” by Johnny Cash What hits would you add to the mix? As far as movies, I suppose we could watch "End Of Days" in honor of Arni. TIS P.S. Oh, and just as I posted this I thought of a great one that nobody will remember........ "Goodbye Cruel World"......James Darren
Last edited by The Italian Stallionette; 05/20/11 10:16 PM.
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
"War is over, if you want it" - John Lennon
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Re: Rapture tomorrow?!
[Re: BAM_233]
#603629
05/21/11 01:43 AM
05/21/11 01:43 AM
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 31,285
New Jersey, USA
J Geoff
The Don
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The Don
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 31,285
New Jersey, USA
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hey geoff since you live in new jersey and all, can you give a few tips of surviving hell? Sure thing.... Tip #1: Avoid Chicago "pizza"  
I studied Italian for 2 semesters. Not once was a "C" pronounced as a "G", and never was a trailing "I" ignored! And I'm from Jersey! lol Whaddaya want me to do? Whack a guy? Off a guy? Whack off a guy? --Peter Griffin My DVDs | Facebook | Godfather Filming Locations
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Re: Rapture tomorrow?!
[Re: SC]
#603649
05/21/11 11:10 AM
05/21/11 11:10 AM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
The Italian Stallionette
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
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Ok, 6:00 P.M. PDT????? I usually go to 5:30 mass, so I should be in church. How appropriate. Do I score points for that? I guess if I had to be anywhere, that's not bad no? In the meantime, I don't have plans to drain my bank account but I may really pig out and have a great dinner, or should I say "Last Supper?" TIS
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
"War is over, if you want it" - John Lennon
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Re: Rapture tomorrow?!
[Re: J Geoff]
#603650
05/21/11 11:27 AM
05/21/11 11:27 AM
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,414
Bar Vitelli, Queens, NY
Signor Vitelli
Underboss
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Underboss
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,414
Bar Vitelli, Queens, NY
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So Camping's 6pm (PT) means what, 3pm ET I saw an interview with Crackpot the other night on TV. In it he said that the end will happen at 6:00pm local time, wherever you happen to be. Meaning that when the clock strikes six - poof! Everything will not end for everyone all at once, due to different time zones. Then the interviewer asked him what happens if the world doesn't end, if the rapture doesn't happen - he ignored the question and said very emphatically, "It will happen!"What a jackass. Rapture? Crapture. Signor V.
"For me, there's only my wife..."
"Sure I cook with wine - sometimes I even add it to the food!"
"When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies?"
"It was a grass harp... And we listened."
"Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it? Every, every minute?"
"No. Saints and poets, maybe... they do some."
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Re: Rapture tomorrow?!
[Re: XDCX]
#603653
05/21/11 11:52 AM
05/21/11 11:52 AM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
The Italian Stallionette
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
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X Speaking of Hangover II, Zack G. was on Real Time last night and Bill Maher asked what his schedule was like the next few days. Zack says, (loosely) "well I am suppose to be promoting my movie, but with the rapture coming I guess that's pretty much moot." (Btw, I only saw the first Hangover on HBO thinking it wouldn't be that good, but I thought it was hilarious. Don't know about the 2nd though). TIS
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
"War is over, if you want it" - John Lennon
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Re: Rapture tomorrow?!
[Re: SC]
#603659
05/21/11 12:35 PM
05/21/11 12:35 PM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
The Italian Stallionette
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
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Whew, what a relief.  I was about to go on a spending spree and max out my credit cards. Glad to know the rapture is cancelled. Btw, Huffington Post has a "live blog" on this. TIS
Last edited by The Italian Stallionette; 05/21/11 12:35 PM.
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
"War is over, if you want it" - John Lennon
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Re: Rapture tomorrow?!
[Re: XDCX]
#603666
05/21/11 01:16 PM
05/21/11 01:16 PM
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 31,285
New Jersey, USA
J Geoff
The Don
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The Don
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 31,285
New Jersey, USA
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The excuse should be amusing What if May 21 ends and nothing occurs?
The Biblical evidence is too overwhelming and specific to be wrong. Christ's people can look with great confidence to this date because God promises His "beloved" He will not come upon them as a thief in the night.
God in His mercy has revealed the vital information needed to know the day. Judgment Day on May 21, 2011 will occur because the bible declares it. Anyone whom God has not saved will arrive at that day with no hope for salvation. God warns simply the "door will be shut."
Last edited by J Geoff; 05/21/11 01:17 PM.
I studied Italian for 2 semesters. Not once was a "C" pronounced as a "G", and never was a trailing "I" ignored! And I'm from Jersey! lol Whaddaya want me to do? Whack a guy? Off a guy? Whack off a guy? --Peter Griffin My DVDs | Facebook | Godfather Filming Locations
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Re: Rapture tomorrow?!
[Re: The Italian Stallionette]
#603668
05/21/11 01:20 PM
05/21/11 01:20 PM
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 31,285
New Jersey, USA
J Geoff
The Don
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The Don
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 31,285
New Jersey, USA
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Huffington Post has a "live blog" on this. I like this one: I think it's beginning! Ten minutes ago there was a group of people waiting at the bus stop outside my house. Now, they're all gone!  [ Blog]
I studied Italian for 2 semesters. Not once was a "C" pronounced as a "G", and never was a trailing "I" ignored! And I'm from Jersey! lol Whaddaya want me to do? Whack a guy? Off a guy? Whack off a guy? --Peter Griffin My DVDs | Facebook | Godfather Filming Locations
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Re: Rapture tomorrow?!
[Re: J Geoff]
#603673
05/21/11 01:43 PM
05/21/11 01:43 PM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
The Italian Stallionette
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,984
California
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Huffington Post has a "live blog" on this. I like this one: I think it's beginning! Ten minutes ago there was a group of people waiting at the bus stop outside my house. Now, they're all gone! [ Blog] Or these:
Satan has just risen from the ground in my backyard!
Ah, . . . sorry it was just a mole, but he was EVIL looking! I 'm going to be pissed if the post rapture looting party is canceled TIS
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind. War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." JFK
"War is over, if you want it" - John Lennon
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