Harold Camping Oct. 21 Rapture: Supporters Defend Family Radio Broadcaster on Facebook

By Ray Downs, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, October 19, 2011

As the calendar inches closer to Harold Camping's predicted Oct, 21 doomsday date, many of his followers are getting ready to be lifted to the heavens. Other people, however, do not believe Camping at all and have taken to the radio prophet's Facebook page to let him know exactly how they feel about his doomsday prophecies.

Michael J. Janssen felt that he should give Camping a bit of advice for his end of the world prediction strategy.

"Hey Harold, when Saturday comes and we are all still here, you should do yourself a favor," Janssen said. "Pick a new date a few years down the road so you have time to think of better excuses about your next failed predictions."

Sumit Chadha figured there would be a good time to be had after Camping is proven wrong: "So, is anyone organizing post rapture looting or parties?"

Not everyone was in a joking mood, however, with some people angry at Camping for misleading people.

"Beware of false prophets sayeth the lord," said Cathy Froeschle.

Soror Rekhetra was worried about how people would be affected by Camping's predictions.

"So who's going to suffer this time after this next date?" she said. "Will it be more children who come close to losing their lives because of unstable adult minds you mess with? You are despicable and a false prophet - you should be held accountable for the lives you mess with. You are NOT God."

Camping's followers also came to his defense, praising the preacher and offering their support.

"We are with you here in NY," Craig Alan said. "We look forward to completing our life's journey with you Friday. God bless you. Forgive the non-believers. You are the TRUE prophet."

People who do not believe Camping’s predictions also defended the bible preacher, lauding him for his faith.

" 'Judge not lest you be judged in the same manner,' " Stephen Kaye said, quoting Matthew 7:1. "Mister Camping is, I am sure a false prophet, for all are to be judged on their fruits (works) predictions, yet this man is more of a devout believer than many and has spent his entire life walking in Christianity praising the Lord. How many here can say the same."

Kaye added: "He has said openly that if this prediction is wrong then he is answerable to his maker - he has done nothing for material gain and he has suffered scorn and abuse just as the original followers of Christ did - he deserves compassion not further denigration and condemnation."

Nonetheless, few people agreed with that sentiment.

"All you need to do is erect a golden statue of Harold to bow down to," Glen Husted replied. "How many people has this man led down a deceitful road? What does the Bible say about dealing with people who do that? You are exactly the gullible type person to get sucked into cults like this."

Although Christians hold conflicting views about how the world will come to an end, the accepted theological view is that the Bible does not offer clues as to the exact day or date of Jesus Christ's return, as Camping continues to purport.

Family Radio released a statement on Sept. 20, informing visitors that Camping had "improved substantially" and was being cared for at home by his wife. This latest audio message was likely published some time afterward, according to RadioSurvivor.com, which first reported on the audio clip.