Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Stella Ramage's avatar

Just re-read this - such a well written and researched essay! Thank you. Your analysis of 'rapture-theology' and its basis in a misguided misinterpretation of ancient texts is fascinating. It interests me that so many eighteenth-nineteenth century Protestant sects seemed to have put down deeper roots in the US than in Europe. (Maybe Europe just had a stronger Catholic taproot that resisted Protestantism? Or at least watered it down as Anglicanism?) The Latter Day Saints were of course born in the USA, but Jehovah's Witnesses and Plymouth Brethren and Mennonites (I believe?) all grew out of radical Protestantism in Europe and are all in for the literal readings of the bible that you describe here. And, like Mormons, they all seem to have found more fruitful soil in the USA than elsewhere. New world new religion? Why is that?

Expand full comment
1 more comment...

No posts