Rumors of the Rapture Return

Cecilia McLean ‘27

Editor

Rumors arose claiming the Christian rapture would take place on September 23, 2025. Joshua Mhlakela popularized this prediction after having a vision where Jesus informed him about when the rapture would take place.

Mhlakela's vision was shared, resulting in a many reactions. Many who believed his words panicked, they sold belongings in preparation for the return of Jesus Christ, furthermore, many posted about it online. Both Christians and non-believers pointed out absurdity in this prediction and made many comedic content about the idea of the rapture. Many jokes were made about videos of Rapture tips, “When you start moving up into the air, I recommend that you don’t hold on to anything,” stated one woman on TikTok.

Mhlakela is a South African man, the internet described him as a pastor. But, a YouTube video uploaded by Mhlakela stated “I’m not an apostle, I’m not a pastor, I’m not a bishop. I’m just a believer.”

There have been many predictions on the date of the rapture in the past. Every time, people have joked about it while others panic. This time, it specifically caused a lot of content to be made surrounding it on TikTok by the term RaptureTok.

Various TikTok creators offering advice, satire or insight on the religious phenomenon.