American atheists to celebrate 'Rapture parties'

The world is set to end on Saturday, according to a US pensioner – but thousands of non-believers are getting ready to party.

Atheists are sponsoring so-called “Rapture parties” and will gather to celebrate their prediction that the world will not end.

Online, a Facebook group sarcastically promoting post-Rapture looting has many people signed up to participate.

Harold Camping made the calculation based on his reading of the Bible. It has been spread by advertising, publicity and missionary groups.

Mainstream Christians are also scoffing at the prediction, although they are not planning parties.