Another predicted arrival of the Rapture came and went this week and Jesus failed to indicate up, leaving Christian believers nonetheless caught right here on this flawed and fickle world somewhat than being lifted into the sky to satisfy the savior.
Predictions in regards to the Rapture have popped up every now and then ever for the reason that early nineteenth century each time one or one other befuddled preacher or self-appointed prophet has been daring sufficient to set a date for the occasion. This time round, it was a radio pastor in South Africa who went out on a limb to proclaim Sept. 23 and 24 as the massive days that might finish our humdrum human existence. The pastor’s message obtained so amplified by TikTok that fairly a number of people stop their jobs, bought their vehicles and homes, and gave away their possessions in order that they’d be able to go.
I’m prepared to wager that a lot of them, regardless of their losses, can be prepared to do it once more the following time a Rapture prediction is made. Some folks simply need to consider loopy issues.
Some time in the past, desirous about the plague of conspiracy theories that has contaminated our politics, I stated to a pal that I used to be mystified by the best way hundreds of thousands of individuals on this nation so eagerly put their religion in preposterous concepts.
He responded, “Haven’t you ever heard of the Catholic Church?”
Good level, I suppose, however, when an establishment has been round so long as Roman Catholicism or Islam or Hinduism or Judaism, even the wackier parts of the faith are perceived extra as conventional, venerable tropes, somewhat than voodoo. Mormons, alternatively, get hit much more usually for the tall tales spun by their founder as a result of he concocted these tales comparatively just lately — and in upstate New York, of all locations.
For a few of us, rationality and science won’t ever be as alluring as myths, miracles and conspiracy theories.
I suppose that explains Marjorie Taylor Greene.
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Be aware: An earlier model of this column incorrectly said the day Cal Raleigh surpassed Mickey Mantle’s report.
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