It's the end of the world and I feel fine -- atheists prepare for Rapture parties

[eppur_se_muova]

'Rapture' apocalypse prediction sparks atheist reaction

US atheists are to hold parties in response to an evangelical broadcaster's prediction that Saturday will be "judgement day".

The Rapture After Party in North Carolina - "the best damned party in NC" - is among the planned events.

Harold Camping, 89, predicts that Jesus Christ will return to earth on Saturday and true believers will be swept up, or "raptured", to heaven.
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"Though the absurdity of this claim is obvious to the majority of the world, it's a great opportunity to highlight some of the most bizarre beliefs often put forth by religious fundamentalists and raise awareness of the need for reason," said a posting about the party on the group's website.

Atheists in Tacoma, Washington, have headed their celebration "countdown to back-pedalling".
***
more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13468131

[SidDithers]

1. "Countdown to Back-Pedaling" ! I love it!...nt

Sid

[Buns_of_Fire]

2. I just KNEW I should've bought some stock in companies that supply helium and blow-up dolls! nt

[ixion]

3. Seriously: If all the fundies get raptured up, that'd be fine by me

we could use a few million fewer idiots on the planet.

[ixion]

4. FB Official Post Rapture After Party

For those interested... :toast:

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=210041159018475

[regnaD kciN]

5. It isn't just the atheists...

The members of an Anglican Communion (Episcopal) list I subscribe to have been planning "Left Behind" events since Camping made his prediction.

[Walk away]

6. My 82 year old Dad has a pile of old clothes ready.....

to put in front of his house in the hopes his neighbors will think he got "Raptured". He is getting a big kick out of the whole thing. It has to be a good thing if it makes the old folks happy!

[customerserviceguy]

7. If I recall correctly

This is the first major widespread apocalyptic prediction of the Internet era. I certainly remember the Comet Kohotek predictions of doom and gloom from the mid-70's, and I believe that the Heaven's Gate cult only became newsworthy after the mass suicide.

The nature of Internet news means that if some phenomena gets enough attention, then it gets near-total attention. Like Keyboard Cat.