Who's Waiting for the Second Coming of Jesus? (Infographic)

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GoFigure today looks at the beliefs of Christians who wait for Jesus to return again.
GoFigure today looks at the beliefs of Christians who wait for Jesus to return again. (Image credit: Ross Toro, LiveScience Contributor)

Religion and doom seem to go hand-in-hand, at least for some believers. Take Harold Camping, who preaches on Family Radio, has a history of end-of-world predictions, though they have all fallen flat as the doomsdays have come and gone.

His latest, following a forecast of Judgment Day to take place this past May 21, is that the world will end today (Oct. 21). Things have been pretty quiet so far.

These "second coming" beliefs are generally tied with an end-of-the-world scenario. Thinking the end is near may actually be comforting to some, say sociologists. For instance, a belief in doomsday may give followers a clear sense of the world and their place in it. Such apocalyptic worldviews may also stem from an overwhelming feeling that one's problems are too big, and, as such, the only possible solution is a clean slate.

Whatever the reasons, these religious apocalypse forecasts all lead to a deflating aftermath, as believers struggle to cope with a doomsday no-show.

Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
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