TIL that a Christian sect called “Millerites” believed that Christ would return by Oct. 22, 1844. When that didn’t happen, the “Great Disappointment” caused them to fall into confusion and disband, with some former Millerites reinterpreting their doctrine and forming the Seventh Day Adventists.

Jesus: “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” Millerites: October 22, 1844

AudibleNod

It’s amazing how many times things like this happen throughout history. The New Testament *explicitly* declares that nobody will know the time of Jesus’ supposed return… *even Jesus himself*. These people are not very good at reading, apparently.

OdiousTitration

Can confirm. Was raised SDA and was taught all about it.

Duyfkenthefirst

Basically they did a bunch of calculations based on the Bible to figure out a certain period of time and a certain start date. Then they added that time to the start date and got 22 Oct 1844. After the Great Disappointment, there were a few main schools of thought: * they calculated the period of time wrong, but got the start date right; * they calculated the period of time right, but got the start date wrong; or * they got both right and Christ did return, but not in a physical form.

tobotic

More than a few parallels to be drawn to conspiracy groups one sees today.

corey_m_snow