Apocalypse not now: Rapture fails to happen

The Guardian by David Batty | May. 21, 2011 (News)

Christian doomsday prophet Harold Camping looks likely to be less than rapturous after his prediction that the world would end on Saturday failed to materialise. The 89-year-old Californian preacher had prophesied that the Rapture would begin at 6pm in each of the world's time zones, with those "saved" by Jesus ascending to heaven and the non-believers being wiped out by an earthquake rolling from city to city across the planet. But as the deadline for the ... Full Story »

Posted by Fabrice Florin - via The Guardian (US), Memeorandum, Google News (U.S.), Lynnette Fusilier (t)

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2.9

by Jack Dinkmeyer - May. 21, 2011

An okay news article about another failed end-of-the-world prediction in a millennium of failed end-of-the-world predictions.

Looking at the bible from an objective, scientific, and historical point of view, Camping’s dire predictions were doomed to failure considering the bible is composed mostly of myth and symbolism. Christianity’s error was to consider the bible history rather than apologue.

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3.4

by Kristin Gorski - May. 21, 2011

While much breaking news these days is often heard of first on Twitter, I can understand why the reporter "took to the tweets" to get the story. It's a superficial treatment, however, as a vital investigative opportunity lurks just beneath the surface: Camping's multi-million dollar organization which inspires some to sell their possessions, donate their money, and wander the world telling people of the end times. (See related link for a more in-depth look at the con in this organization.)

Still waiting for a through investigative report from some media outlet on this doomsday organization. The way many media dealt with this story was, "Well, IF it were the end of the world, what would you do? Go to our website and tell us....." Their angle drove TV and radio viewers to their websites for increased traffic and ad revenue; it did not responsibly cover this story.

Doomsday church: Still open for business - See Info »

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3.5

by Fabrice Florin - May. 21, 2011

Fabrice posted this story.

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3.0

by Randy Morrow - May. 22, 2011

“Well we have had the #Rapture going for 50 minutes now. So far it hasn’t interrupted my fish & chips and glass of stout.” —- ... More »

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3.1

by Dwight Rousu - May. 21, 2011

"Camp" is defined as so bad that it is good. Camping was just camping. He thought the bible was all about the math, but it was all about the myth. Perhaps he got high on myth.

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3.7

by Glenn LaBauve - May. 21, 2011

Damn, I had already mapped out my looting sequences since I was pretty sure I would be left. But to those of you that sent me cash to take care of your things in the event of the rapture, remember my no refunds policy.

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3.5

by Frank Whitman - May. 21, 2011

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2.8

by Robert Becker - May. 22, 2011

Fails to point out the larger motivation or context -- why the whole Rapture functions as a fundraising ploy -- and it's very much about taking care of earthlings. Fails to put this ploy in the larger fundamentalist world -- how similar or different. Simply repeats what the headline says. Fails to explain who Camping is -- and what drives him. In short, notable by omissions.

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3.3

by Christine Walden - May. 22, 2011

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5.0

by Neill Muldowney - May. 22, 2011

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3.3

Average

from 10 reviews (46% confidence)

Quality

3.3

Facts

3.7

Fairness

3.4

Information

3.0

Insight

3.0

Sourcing

3.3

Style

3.5

Accuracy

3.0

Balance

3.0

Context

3.2

Depth

2.5

Enterprise

2.8

Expertise

3.0

Originality

3.0

Relevance

3.0

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3.0

Responsibility

3.0

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3.3

Recommendation

3.1

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3.7

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Doomsday church: Still open for business

CNN by Annalyn Censky | May. 19, 2011 (News)

Harold Camping and his devoted followers claim a massive earthquake will mark the second coming of Jesus, or so-called Judgment Day on Saturday, May 21, ushering in a five ...

Posted by Gin Ferrara

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