Zionism was a large political movement. Many Jews and Christians believed in Zionism. Indeed, atheist secular Jews believed in it. I expect some variant of
Zionism existed since the destruction of Jerusalem cira 70s C.E. The exile and return from Babylon/Egypt is mentionly frequently in the Bible. I believe many fundamentalist Christians want Israel to prosper b/c it is well known fact that Jesus needs a landing strip at the Temple site to take over.
It appears Russell was a man of his time. Well, I know Beatles and Dylan lyrics. In fact, I recall the Paul is Dead controversy. Give that fun/annoyance a slight turn and the assasination of John Lennon becomes prophecy. I was present at many antiwar rallies. Woodstock, Fillmore East. I am not a prophet but a rock fan with certain political views. Today it never ceases to amaze me how at some important legal or policy meeting, an analyis of Beatles lyrics starts.
There is something interesting about prophets. My problem was that I was told about charlatans galore. Every time a pyschic or weird appeared on local NY tv, which happened often, my parents told me to beware such wackos. Yet the Society's failures were never discussed as a family. My father was present at Bethel and knew some doozies that never made it to KH. An exception was carved out. Knowing they were false but pretending that I was a good Witness was such a strain. Thank YHWH for websites.
