People get deceived because they don't want to take the time to do their own homework. Caveat emptor.
The important lesson here is that you can find "evidence" for anything if you try hard enough. You see, looking at it from a certain angle I'm sure that Harold Camping and his followers
thought they had evidence that Christ was going to rapture them on May 21, 2011. In other words, they thought they did their homework.
The point of the matter is that while people are to blame for following him and his nonsensical interpretations, Harold Camping does take advantage of individuals who sincerely wish for the rapture to happen and sincerely want to go to be with God. They thought they did their homework because Camping projectiled a bunch of "make-sense" numbers at them. He then proceeded to reinterpret the book of Revelation to them and reinterpret Christ's statements in Mt. 24:36 for them.
You can find evidence for anything if you try hard enough. The way to interpret the Scriptures is through the Scriptures themselves. Simply put, Jesus Christ just means exactly what he says.
Ultimately people are responsible for their own decisions. However, Harold Camping must take a share of the blame here as well for taking advantage of those enraptured (no pun intended) in his doctrines.
Its utterly disgusting that the "brethren" of Christ will not come together and pray and love on this man. You all shall be ashamed of yourself for your judgment towards this man. You will be judged for it. The rapture did occur and judgment did begin. Seek The Holy Ghost.
Are you a follower of Mr. Camping? It sounds like you are. Let me ask you a question - What do you think Peter, or John, or Paul would say if Harold Camping lived back in their day?
"
1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who
privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3And through
covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not." 2 Pet. 2:1-3
"
16But
shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
17And their
word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18Who
concerning the truth have erred, saying that
the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some." 2 Tim. 2:16-18
In short, freeChris44, the rapture did not occur, nor will it occur prior to the book of Revelation starting, and judgment did not begin, nor is it possible that judgment (I assume you're referring to the book of Revelation here) begin until we have a global government and an antichrist.
