God missed His Rapture date. It was set for Sept. 23 – according to Christians on TikTok anyway. The news came as a shock to many, but for others, it was anticipated. Parents began prepping their children for Heaven, others gave advice for how to go peacefully, such as making sure not to look down or grab onto anything, and some prepared their homes for those left behind. One guy even sold his car.

If you grew up Christian, as I did, then you are likely familiar with the story of the Rapture. It is said that on a day unknown to man or the angels, the trumpets of God will sound, and those who are saved will ascend to the pearly gates of Heaven. For many, this day was supposed to come on a Tuesday. But if the Rapture is meant to be unknown to man, and is not known to even the angels in Heaven, how do humans on Earth predict it? This is connected to something called “religious psychosis.” 

Religious psychosis is made up of many things, including hallucinations, strong false beliefs, and delusions. People who experience these things often find themselves emotionally overwhelmed as religious psychosis consumes their lives. These “visions” are often connected to people with schizophrenia; according to an article by MedicalNewsToday, out of 100 people with schizophrenia, all but one believed in God. This means that religious psychosis is a mental disorder. While it may be funny to point and laugh at these seemingly “insane” individuals, it is important to think about what trauma they could be living with. Going about your life thinking you could die at any moment is beyond mentally taxing. I would know, I have lived with it my whole life.

We are all searching for a purpose in life. If there is no purpose, why live? Why are we here? Why is my name Peyton, and why was I born in Harrisonburg? There are so many reasons for believing in a religion, but believing in a religion and having strong false beliefs of said religion are two completely different things, and the difference is terrifying.

I grew up attending a Baptist church, and every Sunday was the same message: repent now because if you were to drop dead in the next minute, you need to be sure you would get into Heaven. They would say that the end days are near, but you should rejoice! You’re going to die, and it’s going to be great! And while everyone around me would celebrate with the pastor, chiming in with the occasional “AMEN,” hands flying into the air, I would sit in the pew and contemplate my life – all 14 years of it. I would never be able to get married, own a house (which is impossible now anyway, but a girl can dream), have a career, or live a fulfilling life. It would cause me to go numb from fear.

Since then, I have grown to understand what is and isn’t in my control. I have learned to take religion at my own pace. So I tell you, live without worry. If you resonate with my experience, try to learn the Bible and grow with God outside of the people who cause you anxiety. At the end of the day, nobody truly knows when it will happen. We have been in the end times for years. Do what makes you happy, and find the aspects of religion that bring you strength and joy. If it causes you harm, it’s probably not from God.