A second interview with Harold Camping

It was less than 48 hours before the end of Harold Camping’s world and it wasn’t as easy to get an interview with him. Posing as a reporter from the New York Times, I managed to get through his PR secretary and ask him a few questions that have been posed by readers over the last week. You can read the transcript of my first doomsday interview here, and the second one below.

Let me start off with the question that’s been on many of our lips this last few weeks: The world – how sure are you that the world is going to end on May 21st 2011?

Camping: It is certain that the time of the Rapture is all but upon us. It’s written in so many different ways by so many people in the bible – the word of god has been written through the hands of so many. The date is spelled out loud and clear. It’s coming, and in less than a few days.

If it’s so clear to you, why is the same vision not shared by the vast majority of the world’s clergy?

Camping: It is clear to me that the bible isn’t held in such high regards by many churches.  If you look at the numbers it’s obvious. The number five is used again and again in description of the Atonement, the number twenty three represents destruction. It’s all in the scripture. I find a great deal of men of the cloth don’t actually read the bible as much as they should, or with such an open mind.

Is there still time for people to save themselves? What can people do to survive the end of the world?

The bible teaches that satan rules in the church, so you can skip the masses. If people want to save themselves, they have to accept the love of the little baby jesus into their hearts. As long as they believe with all their might, and have faith, they’ll be saved.

So if I see people flying into the sky and I want to suddenly be saved from impending Judgment Day, all I have to do is believe?

It’s not so simple. Mostly, you’ll find that everyone gets judged. It’s not a problem being judged so long as you repent and believe. I think a lot of people will be able to believe when they see the evidence of their own eyes. It’s hard to witness a miracle and not come out a little changed.


How about pets? If I get into heaven, will my pets be able to come through – they’re not likely to ‘believe’ in any significant way.

Pets are allowed in, but only on a leash. There are special pet boarding areas in the West Wing. And remember, pets have to shuffle off their mortal coils before they can join you.

Are you suggesting I pop a cap in Fido’s ear before the big day?

Absolutely. Let freedom set them free.

 

Why are all the ducks surrounding your home? [His summer home in Basingstoke was besieged by journalists and a large number of anxious looking ducks who appeared to be trying to quack their way through the rhododendrons that serve to shield the view through the windows of his 19th Century cottage]
I’ve always been partial to ducks. I think it’s the work of the big JC – trying to make sure I don’t forget. I’m 97 years old you know, things get a little rusty.

It says in my notes that you’re 82 years old.

That’s entirely possible my good chap. Now if you don’t mind, I’ve got Oprah on the other line.