The Great Disappointment

The Great Disappointment in 1844 refers to a failed prediction by followers of William Miller, a Baptist preacher, who believed Jesus Christ would return to Earth on October 22, 1844, based on his interpretation of biblical prophecy. When the anticipated event did not occur, it disillusioned many and led to the decline of Millerism. However, some followers reinterpreted the event, leading to the formation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The episode exemplifies the challenges of predicting apocalyptic events and the importance of careful biblical interpretation in religious movements.