NP? America's gnostic religion in the news

[pynchonoid]

[...] An estimated 70 million Americans call
themselves evangelicals, and their beliefs have
already reshaped American politics. In the last
election, 40 percent of the votes for George W. Bush
came from their ranks, and now those beliefs are
beginning to reshape the culture as well -- thanks to
a group of best-selling novels known as the “Left
Behind” series. 

[...] “I think if you cut us, Jerry and I would bleed
red, white and blue,” says LaHaye. “We believe that
God has raised up America to be a tool in these last
days, to get the Gospel to the innermost parts of the
earth.” 

[...] “I think 9/11 was a wake-up call to America.
Suddenly, our false sense of security was shaken. And
we're vulnerable. And that fear can lead many people
to Christ,” says LaHaye, who takes that message around
the country. ”When Jesus shouts from heaven, there are
going to be millions of people taken to heaven, and
there will be millions of people who are “Left
Behind”.” 

“I realize that our message is inherently offensive
and divisive, especially in this new age of tolerance.
Especially since 9/11,” says Jenkins. “I understand
how that sounds. But I'm telling you this ‘cause I
really do believe it.”  

[...]Gary Bauer, who once competed with George Bush
for the Republican presidential nomination, now runs a
Washington organization that lobbies for evangelical
Christian issues. He remembers being at the Iowa
Republican Presidential debate, when all candidates
were asked which political philosopher they most
identified with. 

President Bush said: “Christ, because he changed my
heart. When you accept Christ as a savior, it changes
your heart. It changes your life.” [...] 

...read it all (video, too):
Rise Of The Righteous Army
Feb. 8, 2004
<http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/02/05/60minutes/main598218.shtml>

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