While many Christians have dismissed Harold Camping’s predictions of the May 21 Judgment Day businesses across the country are profiting off of those who believe the rapture is near.
Although this isn’t the first time Camping has said the end of the world is near (he said the same thing in 1994), and others have made false predictions in the past, many have begun making arrangements for their pets, setting up notifications for their non-raptured family members and stocking up on insurance.
These businesses are not new, but many have gained recent attention since Camping’s predictions have made the news.
Earth-Bound Pets is just one that’s looking to make money off those who believe Judgment Day is imminent. The business, run by sworn atheists, has 259 clients who have paid $135 for the first pet and $20 for each additional pet at the same address, NYDailyNews reports. For that fee, crews will rescue and care for the amount of pets paid for in the event of the rapture, as long as it occurs within 10 years of payment.
“I saw dollar signs, because no one has more pets per capita and more rapture-believing Christians than the good old U.S.A.,” Bart Centre said in a Los Angeles Times article.
According to the article, Centre said he bumped up the price from $110 to $135 because the business’ inquiries have increased in the recent months due to Camping’s May 21 predictions.
The Los Angeles Times also reports that 43-year-old Natalie Jones paid $14.95 last year to have a website called You’ve Been Left Behind send letters to her nonbelieving loved ones if the rapture takes her away.
“I’m the only Christian in my family, so what I really have to achieve is to warn them about everything, but they just think I’m crazy,” Jones told the Times.
Even the insurance industry is getting in on the profit. According to Property Casualty 360’s website, property-casualty coverage sales should be through the roof, “considering the accidents and other disasters that will inevitably happen when the Chosen are snatched from behind the wheel.”
One eBay user is hoping to make some money off those who are worried about leaving behind their loved ones. The listing offers $100,000 Rapture Insurance for $19.99 (free shipping).
“Don’t be caught off guard and leave your family high and dry without a way to survive when you are taken to Heaven. Prepare for this magical day and take care of your family,” the listing says.
The seller offers to email a copy of the plan to a family member and asks buyers to include the email of a family member they are certain will not be raptured, with their Paypal payment.
While most of these rapture-related business deals are geared toward Christians who believe Judgment Day is near, one smartphone app is aimed at people who are unsure of their fate shall May 21 really turn out to be the end.
The website Mobiledia reports that “Rapture Detector” tells users that “sin, lust and fornication can be yours again!” because the app will give a warning a half hour before the supposed rapture, allowing enough time to repent and be saved.
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