> Joseph Sterlynne wrote: Consider the
> Millerites, a vocal Christian sect which was absolutely sure for some
> reason that the Rapture would occur on a particular date in 1843
William Miller used the prophecy of Dan. 8:14 to conclude that the
world would end 2300 years after 457 BC, and used Bishop
Ussher's 22 October. When that date passed, he recognized that
our calendar had no year 0, so then: -457 + 2300 = 1844.
> then, when nothing happened, in 1844.
When the 1843 date passed, he recognized that
our calendar had no year 0, so then: -457 + 2300 = 1844.
> the Millerites, fragmenting, learned to not be so specific. . . .
Well, most of them learned. The jehovah's witnesses continued
to set dates into the 20th century, and the lunatic fringe is *still*
doing it. Your point is noted, however, that it is trivally easy to
make a living by setting apocalyptic dates, gathering a following
of lost people who desperately need a leader. Monte Python's
Life of Brian should be required viewing for all high schoolers.
> The (S/s)ingularity, of course, is a notion which has many of the
> qualities of a classic apocalyptic program....
Of course. The singularity *is* coming, sooner or later, and
one of these days the crazy guy who carries the sign "the world
will end tomorrow" will be absolutely correct. {8-[ spike
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