James White on Harold Camping and the end of the world

Alpha & Omega Ministries ^ | 05/14/2011 | James White

[Choozer]

Every time some maverick like Camping decides to go off the reservation and promote a prophecy like this, scorn is brought on all of us who believe Jesus is coming again. The mockery factor will be quite high come Monday the 23rd.

I do not know what Camping is going to do. He has closed every door on his options. He has said the Bible guarantees it. There is no plan B. This is it, plain and simple, no question marks after May 21, 2011? or the like to fall back on. I have thought he might spiritualize it, like Miller did back in 1844 or so, but he has really not left that option open either. He could always claim a blown calculation, but that would leave him without much credibility as a number-cruncher, and his system is nothing if it isn't based on number-crunching. Will he even show up on Open Forum on Monday? I mean, at 89 years of age, you'd think retirement would all of a sudden become a very viable option.

I can't imagine what a Monday, May 23rd, 2011 Open Forum broadcast would be like. Can you imagine the calls? Not only the mockery from unbelievers, but the anger from his own followers? It would probably be the highest rated program ever. Their servers would melt down on the Internet side. But that would be temporary, and one can surely predict the collapse of Family Radio as a result of Camping's second major prophetic failure. One would hope, at least, that finally he would be removed and taken off the air so as to deceive no more. But, you would have thought that would have happened back in 1994. It didn't. There is always an audience for false prophets.

[Choozer]

Excerpt: After Camping began to work full-time with Family Radio, he spent much time studying the Bible. His knowledge of Bible verses is impressive indeed. But his study of the Bible was undertaken in isolation from other Christians and theologians. He adopted a proud individualism. He did not really learn from Bible scholars. He studied the Bible in isolation from the church and the consensus of the faithful. As a result his understanding of the Bible became more and more idiosyncratic. No one could help, direct, or restrain him. He was really an autodidact, that is, someone who teaches himself. He never really submitted his ideas to be challenged and improved by others. He was truly his only teacher. He has repeatedly said that he would be glad to change his views if he is shown that he is wrong from the Bible. But this humble statement covers a very arrogant attitude, because no one can ever show him that he is wrong. He alone really understands the Bible. Read the full story

[Choozer]

Links to debate with Camping and many other resources: http://www.aomin.org/aoblog/index.php?itemid=3983

[CynicalBear]

I have no interest in what Camping believes. He’s obviously misinterpreted prophecy and will be shown wrong but he is only one of many. He’s on one end that says it’s going to happen this month then there are the Dominionists who say their religion must dominate the world before Jesus can return. There are those who say the church has replaced Israel and those who think Mary is queen of heaven. All wrong, but believe they can prove their view is according to scripture. Non rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them.

[roamer_1]

Not only that in explicit statement, but about a dozen parables describing the end of the world coming by surprise; A thief in the night.

1Th 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
1Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
1Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
1Th 5:5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
1Th 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

(e-Sword:KJV)

[roamer_1]

Rest assured I will not be joining the scoffers.

AMEN, brother! Look heavenward, for your redemption draweth nigh!

[TXnMA]

Your #17 and the following post make — shall we say — a curious pair... ;-)

[Lexinom]

On the other hand, scripture has much to say about scoffers and none of it is glowing or supportive. Rest assured I will not be joining the scoffers.

Amen, bro.