Beginning in 2010, Christian broadcaster Harold Camping stirred up an apocalyptic frenzy with his prediction that the Rapture would occur last Saturday. His fear-mongering and doom-saying were directly opposed to what religion is supposed to be about: giving people hope. Fortunately, the damage he wreaked appears to be reversible.

Camping plucked arbitrary numbers from the Bible, plugged them into an equally arbitrary equation and pointed to its product to support his prediction of the end of the world. This led people to sacrifice their entire lives — family and job abandoned, money squandered on propaganda — in order to help others prepare for the supposed return of Jesus Christ.

Whether Camping is a con man or just dangerously deluded, men like him must be outed as the charlatans they are.

But outing them will not change the minds of those poor souls who were desperate for hope. What might help those preyed upon by these wolves in sheep’s clothing is the aid of the merciful.

It is the duty of every compassionate human on this planet to help those led down the primrose path to get back on their feet. You don’t need to give money or go far out of your way, just show some compassion.

Instead of laughing at or insulting those that have been hoodwinked, be nice to them. Enlighten those who might be vulnerable to the ravings of false prophets. Above all, be a caring human. And that is something people of all faiths should do for others.