I wrote this up today in prepartion for meeting with a writers group. Thought I'd see what you guys think. Anybody know an agent?
Author’s Introduction to “Armageddon’s Disciples”
This is a work of fiction, but like all good fiction; it has its roots in the author’s personal experiences.
In 1973, the year I graduated from Washington State University, I joined a religion. This particular group prides itself on its independence from traditional beliefs, and diligent study of the Bible. Its doctrine centers on apocalyptic predictions of a coming war between God and Satan, and an urgent need to fulfill Jesus’ commission to reach the unsaved.
Fifteen years later, following a year of investigation and soul searching, my wife and I concluded that we were members of a cult. Actually, sociologists now prefer the term “high control group” as it describes what they do, as opposed to what they believe. This has the advantage of focusing on practices, not theological arguments. We broke free of the religion, but not without personal cost. Some family members (those in the religion) and all of our friends stopped speaking to us.
We have spoken, from time to time, about our experience. While we can talk about differences in doctrine, or offer up accounts of a busy schedule, I frequently feel as if I am trying to explain the inexplicable. How do otherwise educated and intelligent people (at least that is how we like to think of ourselves) fall for such a religion and then have to struggle to leave it?
How do seeming nutcases talk people into drinking poisoned Kool-aid, flying airplanes into buildings or selling their daughters into sexual slavery?
“Armageddon’s Disciples” is an effort to bridge the chasm between normal people and religious fanatics. The milieu of the devout religionist is a sharply different world from the one most people know. To the best of my knowledge, there is no such organization as The Word of God Foundation. However, the language, customs, traditions, doctrines, practices and church discipline of my fictitious religion are reality based.
Some believers could be your neighbors.