# Will the world end on May 21, 2011? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [May 11, 2011, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485 "2011-05-11T05:36:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/101 "2011-05-12T20:01:09Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > Yeah but on the upside we won’t have to put up with them gloating about being right. Hey, I’d be delighted if Jesus would kindly Rapture all those folks who believe in ‘the Rapture.’ I don’t care what he does with them afterwards, so long as he gets them out of our hair. I won’t say their absence would enable the rest of us to live together in peace and harmony, but we’d surely be somewhat closer to that goal without them around. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/102 "2011-05-12T20:45:09Z")
Harold Camping on May 22: “It worked! We warned so many people, and they prayed so hard, that God relented! Praise the Lord!” ---
**Author:** ![Trepa\_Mayfield](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/edb3f5/32.png) [@Trepa\_Mayfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trepa_Mayfield)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/103 "2011-05-12T22:53:09Z")
> [@Whack-a-Mole](#): > > I’m going with the woman (or guy…whatever) [in this picture](http://i.imgur.com/ADJME.jpg) for when the world will end (she has it a bit wrong but close enough and it is the larger notion I am going with). Wow, that’s a good picture! ---
**Author:** ![Southern\_Yankee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/southern_yankee/32/2800_2.png) [@Southern\_Yankee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Southern_Yankee)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/104 "2011-05-12T23:06:22Z")
This [guy](http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2011/05/12/2011-05-12_world_will_end_on_may_21_says_exmta_worker_robert_fitzpatrick_whos_putting_money.html) thinks so. (Apologies if this has already been linked, I did a quick scan for it…) ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2011, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/105 "2011-05-12T23:19:02Z")
Camping figured it out mathematically. He took a book of parables ,written by lots of different people then translated into English , and subjected it to rigorous math. How could he be wrong? ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2011, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/106 "2011-05-13T22:02:20Z")
> [@MEBuckner](#): > > Well, Matthew claims here to be quoting Jesus Christ, the alleged Son of God. > > Remember, I’m not claiming the Bible is an authority–I’m saying _ **Harold Camping** _ claims the Bible to be an authority. He’s claiming to have derived something from the Bible (the exact day of the End of the World) which the Bible itself says is impossible to know. My man Harold explains this: [http://www.familyradio.com/graphical/literature/nomanknows/nomanknows.html](http://www.familyradio.com/graphical/literature/nomanknows/nomanknows.html) ---
**Author:** ![graceful1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c67d28/32.png) [@graceful1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/graceful1)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2011, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/107 "2011-05-13T22:31:59Z")
> [@Otara](#): > > You have to believe in the bible as literal truth for there to be any point in examining his claims. > > So I dont really see the point in asking non-believers to comment on him specifically, or read his claims, other than as a conversion attempt. > > Otara That’s an interesting point. Not trying to convert anyone, tho’. I’m a lapsed Catholic. ---
**Author:** ![Cheshire\_Human](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f8ce5/32.png) [@Cheshire\_Human](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheshire_Human)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2011, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/108 "2011-05-14T01:29:31Z")
> [@graceful1](#): > > That’s an interesting point. Not trying to convert anyone, tho’. **I’m a lapsed Catholic**. [Welcome to the fold…](http://www2.mp3raid.com/search/download-mp3/1113386/welcome_to_the_fold.html) ---
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2011, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/109 "2011-05-14T15:58:37Z")
I don’t know how we’re supposed to have a serious discussion about a bunch of preposterous claims made by some mountebank. I just marvel that people who claim to put faith in the Bible have so little regard for its contents, or even apparent knowledge of what’s in there. Instead they indulge in this sorcery of interpreting every line wildly out of context. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2011, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/110 "2011-05-14T16:57:20Z")
> [@graceful1](#): > > That’s an interesting point. Not trying to convert anyone, tho’. I’m a lapsed Catholic. So what is _your_ opinion about this guy and his prophesy? ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2011, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/111 "2011-05-14T19:37:49Z")
Well, 70,000 people die every day . So May 21st will be the end of the world for those who die that day. ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2011, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/112 "2011-05-14T22:31:26Z")
Wouldn’t it be a bitch to win the lotto on the 20th? ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2011, 9:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/113 "2011-05-16T09:16:37Z")
[Uncle Jay Explains it all.](http://unclejayexplains.com/2011/05/15/uncle-jay-explains-may-16-2011/) It’s his very last episode, of course. Clever, and only 3 minutes long. Uncle Jay also has a new version of the famous White House photo and shows OBL watching his favorite videos. Watch it before the world ends! ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2011, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/114 "2011-05-16T13:49:59Z")
There was a guy in National Airport yesterday wearing a May 21 Judgment Day t-shirt, handing out tracts. I asked him whether Family Radio had sold all its broadcast licenses, effective May 22, to raise funds to get the word out. He told me I had to listen to Family Radio to find out. I expect I’ll find out on May 22. ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2011, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/115 "2011-05-16T16:03:58Z")
[QUOTE=gonzomax] Wouldn’t it be a bitch to win the lotto on the 20th? [/QUOTE] Only if you are one of the 200 million elect. If you are anyone else, then you will have 5 months to spend it. I imagine one could have a lot of fun in 5 months spending all of your lotto winnings. -XT ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2011, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/116 "2011-05-16T16:12:36Z")
> [@xtisme](#): > > Only if you are one of the 200 million elect. If you are anyone else, then you will have 5 months to spend it. I imagine one could have a lot of fun in 5 months spending all of your lotto winnings. > > -XT Would that be true in a world where almost everyone is convinced it only has five months to go (which I’m sure would be the case if Camping is correct about this Saturday)? Would you find airline workers that would give a damn about getting you to your vacation destination? Car salesman that want to sit in a dealership all day so they can make commission selling you a Ferrari? Cooks and staff that care about whatever money they’ll make serving you a gourmet dinner? I’d bet that being filthy rich in that case would be next to useless. ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2011, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/117 "2011-05-16T16:19:22Z")
Presumably even with 200 million people disappearing (world wide), most people won’t really notice (unless there are some other spectacular paranormal events…maybe all the elect will be wished away in giant fiery chariots or something). Gonzo, however, being the keen eyed observer that he is, and in possession of his lotto winnings, will know the world is ending in 5 months (presuming he isn’t one of the elect…you never know). So, he should have ample opportunity to blow the lot on whatever it is that gonzo’s blow millions on. Giving it away to the poor or something, I shouldn’t doubt. -XT ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2011, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/118 "2011-05-16T16:23:21Z")
> [@xtisme](#): > > Presumably even with 200 million people disappearing (world wide), most people won’t really notice I’m not buying that. 200 million loved ones all reporting missing persons on the same day? I wonder if that’s the story Camping will use on the 22nd, although he’d have to explain why he wasn’t one of them. ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2011, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/119 "2011-05-16T16:32:08Z")
Maybe Camping has a bunker painted with clouds and harp playing angels or something, and he’ll retreat there after going on a bender on the 20th. I don’t know if 200 million people world wide would be noticed, though I guess if we narrow it down to just Christians (or just Christians from one of the sects) then it might be more noticeable. I was thinking in terms of nearly 7 billion people, but if only Christians are counted then 200 million would be, what? 20%? That would certainly be noticeable. -XT ---
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2011, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485/120 "2011-05-16T16:37:48Z")
Don’t forget that 200 million people won’t just go missing, they will disappear, no doubt with millions of witnesses on hand. That’s gonna be news worthy. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-world-end-on-may-21-2011/581485.md?page=7)