a description of the amazing and exciting adventures i have here in baltimore--- and other lies.

 
The whole Left Behind series, by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins is both hilarious and creepy, simoutaniously. Hilarious, because it makes for fun science fiction, a great, "what if" scenario. Really, think of it: if the book of the Apocalypse of St. John was literally true, and if the revelations were to happen in the present day, this could be a way it happens.

It is creepy, however, in that many millions take it to be an accurate expression of how the Rapture and its aftermath will proceed. The same people who believe in the literality of a revealed book are the same ones who teach Creationism as a science. This anti-intellectual onslaught against rationality is the germination of fear mongers who would have us all quake and quiver at the sound of their fire and brimstone broadsides.

I will not.

But I will read good science fiction, and that is why I am going to finish the series to the end.
posted by gregorio at 8:48 PM