He wrote and said a lot of things. Some of them may turn out to fit to reality, things that happen. Then he will gain some credence. Yes, a very American sort of disaster, on the one hand. But then also a very old type of human disaster.
Nature makes some individuals with a stronger sense of leadership than others.
Those who have it can't avoid living it out. It is a program that, for the good of the species, has to be run. Who knows, the event could lead to a new religious direction that grows into something bigger than he and his group experienced. But only if it helps its adherants adapt to the current situation better. If it gives them an advantage over other groups.