Panic-buying in Utah as Mormon 'preppers' get ready for 'doomsday' later this month

In Matthew 24:36, the Bible tells us that no human being can ever know when the apocalypse will take place: "About that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

However, some Mormons in Utah are stocking up on food supplies and emergency kits, believing that "doomsday" will come later this month.

At the Bountiful Store, for instance, salesman Jordan Jensen is currently making a fortune out of selling 72-hour emergency kits to Mormons. He described the current situation in the store as "crazy busy, sales up by definitely a large amount."

"[The kits] are almost impossible to keep on the shelves, and we get a shipment every day," Jensen said.

Why exactly are these Mormons, also known as "preppers," doing a mad dash to prepare for the supposed apocalypse? The factors for their panic-buying range from the upcoming blood moon to fear of an economic collapse.

These Mormons believe that history is divided in seven-year periods, based on the Hebrew notion of "shemitah" or Sabbath.

The preppers noted that in 2008, or exactly seven years after the devastating Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, the United States stock market crashed, bringing about an economic recession that burdened the lives of many Americans.

Now, another seven years after, a similar circumstance is happening: Wall Street has fluctuated wildly after the Chinese stock market crashed due to the devaluation of the yuan.

Also, another supposed doomsday sign coming by the end of September is the moon turning full red, or what is called the "blood moon." Preppers also believe that a major earthquake will happen in or near Utah.

Some of the Mormons also believe that America will experience invasion and technological disruptions due to its "wickedness."

related articles
Apocalypse Soon: how End Times theology drives American evangelicals
Apocalypse Soon: how End Times theology drives American evangelicals

Apocalypse Soon: how End Times theology drives American evangelicals

Doomsday Clock now reads three minutes to \'midnight\'
Doomsday Clock now reads three minutes to 'midnight'

Doomsday Clock now reads three minutes to 'midnight'

Doomsday fears vanish as giant asteroid buzzes past Earth 270,000 miles away
Doomsday fears vanish as giant asteroid buzzes past Earth 270,000 miles away

Doomsday fears vanish as giant asteroid buzzes past Earth 270,000 miles away

Earth may be submerged in water in a billion years due to its shrinking crust
Earth may be submerged in water in a billion years due to its shrinking crust

Earth may be submerged in water in a billion years due to its shrinking crust

Bubonic plague cases in Colorado: Another sign heralding the 2nd Coming of Christ?
Bubonic plague cases in Colorado: Another sign heralding the 2nd Coming of Christ?

Bubonic plague cases in Colorado: Another sign heralding the 2nd Coming of Christ?

President Obama depicts doomsday scenes if world doesn\'t act to fight climate change
President Obama depicts doomsday scenes if world doesn't act to fight climate change

President Obama depicts doomsday scenes if world doesn't act to fight climate change

Blood moons and the end of the world: How not to interpret biblical prophecy
Blood moons and the end of the world: How not to interpret biblical prophecy

Blood moons and the end of the world: How not to interpret biblical prophecy

News
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day

English Heritage has admitted it got it wrong when it shared false claims that the date of Christmas is derived from a pagan Roman festival in honour of a sun god.

Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'
Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'

Pam Knowles started helping out her church Sunday school in 1951 at the age of 13.

The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations 
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations 

Today in the UK we celebrate Christmas and the period around it with many familiar traditions and activities. There is an understandable assumption that we have always done things this way. However, celebrating Christmas has a long and complex history and things change over time. 

Venezuela stops cardinal from leaving country
Venezuela stops cardinal from leaving country

The cardinal has spoken out against the excesses of the Maduro government.