Of The Rapture

I have to write something about this.May 21, 2011 was the date. Really? Why did the claims of an 89 year old (clearly with some Mental Health issues) get such traction? Particularly after he’d already previously predicted the Rapture and got it wrong.Matthew 24 is explicit. No one knows the day or hour of the Return. So if anyone claims to know then he or she is false.I can understand the motivations of those in Media to talk it up. Firstly to discredit and mock, secondly to get people to tune in or buy their publications which increases viewership or readership which increases the marketable return on investment for their advertisers.I can understand those who aren’t Christian talking it up. Rapture jokes are funny after all.But I get SO frustrated at Christians who get caught up in the frenzy. Yes, the belief that ‘Christ will return’ is key to the Faith. It’s an idea that inspires believers to adhere to the tenets of their Faith. It is also an idea that has a lot of fear and potential disappointment associated with it. An example: Why would you bring a child into the world, knowing that The Rapture is imminent? You’d miss out on getting to know them and seeing them grow. For a parent, this is heartbreaking.And that is only the tip of the iceberg.Christians have a responsibility to learn their Faith. To read and actually understand the Bible. They should never allow a dominant figure (ie. Camping et al) to tell them ‘what this passage means’ or ‘this is what God tells you to do’.Even in New Zealand we have church leaders who have positioned themselves in such a way that they represent God to their flock. And people let them do it. And allow themselves to be manipulated and extorted.Christians, you need to wise up. Theological ignorance makes you a laughing stock and exploitable.Non-Christians, keep living your lives to the fullest. Be good to others. Find your own path and ignore those that tell you you’re doing it wrong.- Simon