Did you know that you have about five months to live?

According to a news report, Harold Camping, the leader of the Oakland, California-based Family Radio Worldwide, an independent Christian ministry, the end of the world will occur on May 21, 2011.

The Family Radio Worldwide is part of a movement of Christians, loosely organized by radio broadcasts and web sites and not affiliated with any denomination. Harold Camping believes that the Bible essentially functions as a cosmic calendar explaining exactly when various prophecies will be fulfilled.

Camping said that all his calculations come from close readings of the Bible. In addition to the Bible, he also believes that external events like the foundation of the state of Israel in 1948 are signs confirming the date.

“Beyond the shadow of a doubt,” Camping said, “ May 21 will be the date of the Rapture and the day of judgment.”

One of the followers who believes in Camping’s doctrine said: “If May 21 passes and I’m still here, that means I wasn’t saved.”

Whether you think I believe that the world will end on May 21, 2011, you will have to wait until May 22 when I will write a post saying that Camping is a false prophet. As Jesus said: “But as for that day and hour no one knows it – not even the angels in heaven – except the Father alone” (Matthew 24:36).

Claude Mariottini
Emeritus Professor of Old Testament
Northern Baptist Seminary

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