Our understanding of the symbolic, apocalyptic prophecies of Daniel and Revelation have made us distinctive in the Christian world. But the delay of the Advent has caused some to take another look to see if perhaps we have missed something, or if something needs to be re-interpreted. This is to be expected, and a re-study of the prophecies is commendable, but it is also dangerous. The symbolic, apocalyptic prophecies have always been a playground for egomaniacs, charlatans, and the sincerely misguided who play upon human fascination for a knowledge of the future, for soothsaying and fortunetelling.
Prophetic exploiters motivate through fear and apprehension.
Some thirst for power over minds and the lives of others using whatever it takes to control and manipulate all who would come under their spell. Some take advantage of people who have a strong faith in the authority of the Bible as God's word by convincing them that they have a special gift for solving the mysteries of apocalyptic prophecy. Adventists have been vulnerable to this kind of deception because of our tendency to want the Lord to come quickly. People who claim to have a new interpretation of the symbols will usually attract a crowd. We live in a society that is swayed more by charisma than by truth.