The passage describes a media event surrounding the prediction of the rapture by Harold Camping, a prominent figure in Christian media. The event was heavily promoted, with millions spent on advertising, leading to a significant increase in Family Radio's revenue. However, the prediction did not materialize as expected, causing a substantial drop in the radio station's revenue. The passage also mentions the negative impact of the event on the reputation of Family Radio and its relationship with mainstream Christian groups.
1. The text discusses a prediction made by Harold Camping, a prominent figure in Christian media, about the "rapture," a term used in Christian eschatology to describe the event of the second coming of Jesus Christ.
2. Camping predicted that the rapture would occur on May 21, 2011.
3. The prediction was accompanied by a significant advertising campaign, which included billboards, bus stops, and subway ads. The campaign was reportedly the most expensive single event advertising campaign ever, totaling over 100 million dollars.
4. Despite the prediction, the rapture did not occur on May 21, 2011.
5. Camping later made another prediction for the rapture to occur on October 21, 2011.
6. The text also mentions a number of individuals who followed Camping's predictions, including Robert Fitzpatrick, who spent almost all of his life savings on advertising posters in New York City.
7. The text also mentions the Bauer family, who drove across the country to see landmarks before the rapture.
8. The text mentions the Ramsey family, who quit their jobs and high school to prepare for the rapture.
9. The text also mentions a number of individuals who were disappointed when the rapture did not occur.
10. After the failed predictions, Camping admitted that no man could know exactly when the rapture would happen.
11. Camping's media empire, Family Radio, raised a lot of money during the rapture campaign but also spent a significant amount.
12. The text mentions that Family Radio sold off important radio stations to pay for the advertising.
13. The text also mentions that Family Radio's revenue dropped significantly after the rapture campaign.
14. The text mentions that Family Radio moved to distance themselves from Camping and his teachings after the failed predictions.
15. The text mentions that Family Radio announced they would no longer air the teachings of Mr. Camping and removed the archives of Mr. Camping's audio recordings from their website.