End of the World
Thursday, May 21, 2026
The Great Disappointment and Its Afterlife. The most consequential failed prophecy in American history came from William Miller, a Baptist preacher who used biblical arithmetic to predict Christ's return by October 22, 1844. An estimated50,000 to 100,000 followersprepared for the event, with many giving away their possessions. When the date passed without incident, the fallout became known as the Great Disappointment.Rather than extinguishing the movement, the failure reshaped it. Former Millerites reinterpreted the prophecy and eventually organized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which was formally established in 1863 and today has over 21 million members worldwide
History
The Great Disappointment and Its Afterlife. The most consequential failed prophecy in American history came from William Miller, a Baptist preacher who used biblical arithmetic to predict Christ's return by October 22, 1844. An estimated50,000 to 100,000 followersprepared for the event, with many giving away their possessions. When the date passed without incident, the fallout became known as the Great Disappointment.Rather than extinguishing the movement, the failure reshaped it. Former Millerites reinterpreted the prophecy and eventually organized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which was formally established in 1863 and today has over 21 million members worldwide
How It's Celebrated
End of the World is observed by recognizing the importance of the day, learning about its background and significance, and sharing awareness with others through conversation and social media. Many people take time to reflect on the meaning of the observance and participate in relevant activities or community events.