Representational Picture
Bear in mind the hysteria surrounding December 21, 2012? The world was supposedly ending, and lots of believed it. This perception was primarily based on a misinterpretation of the Mayan calendar, which some thought hinted at an impending world disaster on the stated date. Nevertheless, December 21, 2012, arrived, and nothing occurred. The world continued to spin and life went on as common.
Predictions of the world’s finish have been made for hundreds of years, from floods to fires to comets. However none have come true.
Here’s a checklist of a number of the main failed doomsday predictions:
Maya Apocalypse
On December 21, 2012, the Maya Lengthy Depend calendar accomplished its first cycle. Regardless of the calendar’s steady time monitoring, many misinterpreted this occasion as a harbinger of doom. Fanciful predictions emerged, together with a collision with a fictional planet, photo voltaic flares, and axis realignment. Some even constructed arks and bought survival kits. However the predicted apocalypse by no means got here.
Harold Tenting
Harold Tenting has made a dozen apocalyptic predictions primarily based on his biblical numerology interpretations. In 1992, he wrote “1994?”, forecasting the world’s finish round that yr. His most important prediction was Could 21, 2011, calculated as 7,000 years after the Biblical flood. When nothing occurred, he recalculated and pushed the doomsday date to October 21, 2011, when, once more, nothing occurred.
True Means
Chief of the True Means motion, Hon-Ming Chen predicted God would seem on TV in 1988, adopted by his bodily manifestation. In 1989, he foretold huge flooding, satan spirits and even human extinction and stated his followers might escape by shopping for spots on “cloud” spaceships. His weird prophecies in the end proved false.
Halley’s Comet
In 1910, as Halley’s Comet approached Earth, fears of destruction and toxic gases unfold globally. Media headlines like “Comet Could Kill All Earth Life, Says Scientist” fueled the panic. Some believed the comet’s tail would wipe out all humanity. A gaggle in Oklahoma tried to sacrifice a virgin to appease the comet, whereas others stockpiled bottled air. Finally, the Earth handed by way of the comet’s tail with no obvious results.
Millerism
William Miller’s apocalyptic preaching attracted many followers who believed Jesus would come for the second time in 1843. When the prediction failed, William Miller recalculated, setting a brand new date for 1844. His devoted followers anxiously waited, solely to face crushing disappointment.
Joanna Southcott
Joanna Southcott started listening to voices at 42, predicting future occasions like crop failures and famines. In 1813, she proclaimed she would give start to the second messiah at 65, regardless of being a virgin. Her followers eagerly awaited the arrival, nevertheless, Joanna Southcott died earlier than the anticipated start might occur.
Prophet Hen
In 1806, a hen in Leeds, England, appeared to put eggs with “Christ is coming” written on them. Folks flocked to see the hen, fearing Judgment Day. But it surely was a trick – the proprietor had been writing on the eggs with ink and reinserting them into the hen’s physique.
Nice Hearth Of London
In 1666, many Europeans feared the tip of the world, linking the yr to the “variety of the Beast” (666). The Nice Hearth of London, which razed a lot of town, appeared to verify these fears. The blaze destroyed 87 church buildings and 13,000 homes, however surprisingly, solely 10 folks died.
World Flood
In 1524, German mathematician and astrologer Johannes Stoffler predicted a worldwide flood on February 25, saying the planets had aligned below Pisces. However regardless of mild rain, the flood by no means got here.
Montanism
Within the 2nd century, Montanus’ visions led to a Christian cut up. He predicted Jesus would return and satisfied many to depart their properties and await Jesus in Phrygia (fashionable Turkey). They anticipated the heavenly Jerusalem to descend, however the deity did not materialise. The motion brought about disruption, with many Christian communities left nearly abandoned.