why are people talking about the rapture today

People are talking about the rapture today because a South African pastor named Joshua Mhlakela predicted that the rapture will happen on September 23 or 24, 2025, coinciding with the Jewish festival of Rosh Hashanah (the Feast of Trumpets). Mhlakela claims Jesus appeared to him and revealed this date for his return and the rapture event, where true believers will be taken to heaven before a period of tribulation on Earth. This prediction has gone viral, especially on TikTok under the hashtag #RaptureTok, sparking both genuine belief and humorous skepticism among users. Some followers are preparing seriously, even selling possessions or readying themselves spiritually, while others mock the idea or debate its biblical basis since the rapture concept is largely evangelical and not explicitly named in the Bible. The viral spread is fueled by the alignment with religious timing (Rosh Hashanah) and certain interpretations of biblical scripture, leading to a surge of social media content discussing and anticipating the event today September 23, 2025.