The latest prediction of the Christian “rapture” is scheduled for tomorrow, May 21st. Keep in mind that such predictions have been “foretold” for centuries. These forecasts have been based upon such Biblical passages as:
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18: The coming of the Lord
Matthew 24: 3-31; 36-44: Signs of the End of the Age
Mark 13:1-27; 29-32 (NRSV): The coming of the Son
Revelation 20:1-10: The Thousand Years – Revelation based upon the Book of Daniel
2nd Esdras – from the books of the Apocrypha (Latin Septuagint version)
The destruction of the Temple (Jerusalem) in 70 AD is a touchstone event.
Since the Reformation [thank you Luther, et al] some of the names and notions connected to the “rapture” are:
Increase Mather – Boston 1680’s
A Chilean Jesuit, Manuel Lacunza, who published a book in 1812 entitled The Coming of the Messiah in Glory and Majesty.
A commentary on the book of Revelation in 1690 by a Jesuit priest named Francisco Ribera, credited with a method of interpretation called futurism.
John Nelson Darby – Plymouth (England) Brethren leader & futurist.
Dwight L. Moody– Moody Bible Institute & Moody Church.
Cyrus Scofield – Scofield Bible
Hal Lindsey – Late, Great Planet Earth
Tim LaHaey & Jerry Jenkins – Left Behind
Christian eschatology, the end time [ἔσχατον], is not represented by those who make claims to the “rapture”, especially in predicting its arrival: Matthew 24 & Mark 13 make clear to those who believe in the return of Christ (Christian Messiah) that the time is unknown to all but God (heavenly parent). The Biblical prediction is that many false prophets and messiahs will attempt to lead the faithful astray. The May 21st prediction and those who adhere to this claim would fall into this category.
Eschatology can be found within various world religions: Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism.
So enjoy your May 21st because people of all faiths will be around May 22nd and past 2012 – see Mayan prediction for the ἔσχατον – and I’ll be in church the next day, Sunday.
A relatively accurate description of the rapture can be found, of all places, on:
