Evangelical Christians have a long and storied past within the history of the United States. Many historians are incredibly familiar with their philosophy and some of the key figures in their activism, as ties to industry made them a particularly powerful political force in the Gilded Age through the Great Depression. While they often stand outside the spotlight today, the hand of fundamentalist Evangelicals hand can still be felt in the policy of the United States Federal Government.
Literal interpretation of the Bible (alongside some conveniently forgotten verses) causes many fundamentalists to enter into politics and the military in order to ensure a cataclysm promised in the book of Revelations: The Rapture. These zealots wear many costumes. Some conceive themselves as “knights for The Lord”, while others don suits and ties to give their movement a facade of legitimacy, spread their gospel, or enact their self-centered beliefs in the halls of government.
Praying for Armageddon is a deep and honest dive into the many winding webs woven by the Evangelical fundamentialist movement in the US. Their belief that should they live to see the rapture they will never experience death has moved into extreme and shadowy politics that assures never ending conflict and suffering in the Middle East. They do this because they believed it will create a final conflict between Muslims and Jews who will perish in a great war that will begin the End Times.
If you’re horrified, you should be: There are people who believe this who petition for arms shipments and expand the military budget specifically in the hope that they can kill enough people to get to Heaven without dying. Hearing the words from the horse’s mouth makes the threat all the more pressing. Library patrons or professors interested in the history and politics of the Middle East, Christian sects, or US politics will be most interested in seeing Praying for Armageddon. Highly Recommended.
How can Praying for Armageddon be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
Praying for Armageddon should be included in public libraries as a resource for patrons interested in the intersections of religion, politics, and U.S. foreign policy. Its in-depth analysis of Evangelical influence on domestic and international policies makes it a valuable tool for fostering critical conversations about religious extremism and its societal impacts. The film would complement collections focused on political science, history, and cultural studies.
What college courses and majors could benefit from using Praying for Armageddon?
This documentary would be highly useful for courses in Political Science, Religious Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, American History, Sociology, and International Relations. Students in these fields can gain insights into how religious ideologies shape geopolitical strategies and policy decisions.
How could Praying for Armageddon enhance special events on college campuses?
The film could serve as a centerpiece for panel discussions, debates, or speaker events focusing on the role of religion in politics. It would be particularly engaging for events related to international conflict, human rights, or the influence of Evangelical Christianity in shaping U.S. foreign policy.
Why is Praying for Armageddon a strong candidate for movie licensing?
Praying for Armageddon offers a timely and critical exploration of contemporary issues, making it an attractive option for licensing by educational institutions, civic organizations, and cultural centers. Its relevance to political discourse and religious studies ensures a wide audience appeal, making it a compelling addition to educational film collections. Public Performance Rights start at $225 per year from Film Platform.