'It's the End of the World as We Know It' (an Apology to R.E.M.)

By Greg Stier, Op-ed Contributor Thursday, May 19, 2011

Dear R.E.M. Band Members,

I’m sorry guys, but I don’t feel so fine. Harold Camping has hijacked your song and put a date on it.

On a total side note I’m wondering if you happen to be a Christian band? Does R.E.M. stand for Rigorously Evangelizing Mankind? If not, it should. Come to think of it, didn’t you play at a Franklin Graham festival not too long ago? If not, you could. But hurry because you only have a few days left…or that’s what Harold would have us believe.

You have to be a little embarrassed by the whole May 21st “end of the world as we know it” thing. Seriously, Harold Camping took the core messaging of one of your best songs and abused it for, well, what$ver reason. There’s nothing like a billboard bumper sticker to make you think twice and puke once.

But, if you’re offended I guarantee you there is somebody who is even more upset. His name is Jesus. He doesn’t tolerate fools or date setters. You can see this clearly when his disciples asked him in Acts 1:6, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” his answer in verse 7 was direct, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.”

So, let me get this straight, Jesus wouldn’t reveal the date to his own disciples but leaked the news to 92 year old Harold Camping? And now he is using Harry’s billboards to warn all men everywhere of the exact date of his return? So much for “no one knows the day or hour….”

Guys, I know Mr. Camping’s shenanigans are enough to make you lose your religion, but please don’t judge all Christians by this one supposed prophet. He is an elderly man and, sadly, has misplaced his exegesis.

I guess one thing H.C. did get right is that J.C. is coming back soon! But when he does, trumpets, not billboards, will announce his return (see the whole book of Revelation.) This same Jesus is coming to the earth for the second time. The first time he came to die in our place for our sins. The next time he is coming back to redeem those who are his. If you’ve never put your faith in Jesus, I beg you to do so right now.

The prediction of the date of Christ’s return is a joke. But Jesus is not. Neither is his return. As for Harold? On May 22nd he should just go camping…for a long, long time.

Listening for the trumpet,

Greg

P.S. I like your weird videos.

Greg Stier is the Founder and President of Dare 2 Share Ministries International. He has impacted the lives of tens of thousands of Christian teenagers through Dare 2 Share events, motivating and mobilizing them to reach their generation for Christ. He is the author of eleven books and numerous resources, including Dare 2 Share: A Field Guide for Sharing Your Faith. For more information on Dare 2 Share and their upcoming conference tour and training resources, please visit www.dare2share.org.