After creating a storm of media headlines through his May 21 end of the world predictions, preacher Harold Camping lay low on Sunday when his predictions failed to materialise. The media continued to ask questions, however, with many wondering at the fate of his many followers who had sold their possessions and given away life savings.
On Sunday afternoon, nearly 24 hours after Camping’s predicted time for the start of Judgement day and rapture had come and gone, he finally spoke to The San Francisco Chronicle.
“I’m looking for answers,” the 89-year-old said, before admitting he was “flabbergasted.”
The International Business Times has subsequently reported that Camping will make a statement in a "public forum" sometime on Monday to explain why he had chosen May 21, 2011, as Judgment Day and why it had failed.
The newspaper had been informed by representatives from Camping’s ministry, Family Radio, that he needed time to "think and recover" but will "explain everything."
What is less clear is the fate of Camping’s many followers, many of whom are now severely out of pocket. Some followers have already shared that they feel their faith has been deeply shaken as well.
One commenter identified only as TL wrote a blog on the website Patheos entitled, “A Letter to Harold Camping and Those Who Expected Judgment Day,” in which he said that his mother had believed in Camping’s teachings for some 20 years, including his previously failed 1994 prediction.
“The faith she gave me as a young child (and my sisters) became the subject of much ridicule,” wrote TL. “This has been so hurtful on so many levels. Today, on May 22, I am strengthened by your words and pray for compassion.”
Another commenter called “Lara” wrote on the same website: “As the daughter of a man who completely bought into Harold Camping’s false teachings this is the most comforting thing that I’ve read so far. Our lives have been wrecked for the past 2-3 years. My father apologized to our family today. We are thanking Jesus for the miracle. We have hope that God will use evil for good.”