Jesus will return to earth on May 21, 2011, a Christian Web site has proclaimed through a billboard campaign.

Allison Warden of North Carolina-based WeCanKnow.com group is planning on placing billboards slated to hit the Atlanta area next week, proclaiming Jesus' imminent return, reports Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Warden, one of the group's founders, said an analysis of scripture and biblical genealogy shows Jesus is about 6 months away from his return. She insisted that the Christmas-timed campaign is not a gimmick.

The billboards, which are up already in places in Omaha and other U.S. cities, show three wise men on camels and the star of Bethlehem with the message, He is coming again.

According to WeCanKnow.com, following the rapture for believers on May 21, God will destroy the world on October 21, 2011.

If May 21 passes with no return, it could prove to be embarrassing for the campaign organizers and a disappointment for those who take such things seriously, said David Gushee, a professor of Christian ethics and head of the Center for Theology and Public Life at Mercer University. It's really a bad idea.

Seventy-nine percent of Christians in the United States say they believe Christ will return someday, according to a 2006 survey by the Pew Research Center. 20 percent believe the Second Coming will happen in their lifetime.

Religion