About the Author

Charles B. Strozier, a practicing psychoanalyst, is a professor of history at John Jay College of the City University of New York.

Reviews

""This beautifully written book illuminates a profoundly important strand of American religious culture that has been too long ignored. A substantial achievement." - Paul Boyer, author of When Time Shall Be No More: Prophecy Belief In Modern American Culture ""Strozier brings down to earth and to our time believers who say they cannot wait for an end to earth and the beginning of God's new time. They may carry the kind of 'Repent!' sign one associates with prophets in cartoons. Mr. Strozier figuratively carries one that says 'Understand!' - Martin E. Marty, New York Times Book Review ""Filled with insightful vignettes" - Library Journal

Strozier (history, CUNY) uses psychohistory to examine the apocalyptic outlook of fundamentalists in New York City. He admits to possible bias as a lapsed nominal Christian and to studying a narrow geographical milieu. He spent several years becoming close to and interviewing a widely varied mix of individuals, from a former prostitute to a preacher. He avoids condescension but remains unable to accept his subjects' beliefs. The common theme of the ``broken thread,'' in which the evil past is rejected in favor of a God-transformed future, permeates these beliefs, as do biblical literalism and a fascination with endless violence, with the agency of violence shifted to God. Filled with insightful vignettes, this would be appropriate for public libraries.-- Richard S. Watts, San Bernardino Cty. Lib., Cal.

""This beautifully written book illuminates a profoundly important strand of American religious culture that has been too long ignored. A substantial achievement." - Paul Boyer, author of When Time Shall Be No More: Prophecy Belief In Modern American Culture ""Strozier brings down to earth and to our time believers who say they cannot wait for an end to earth and the beginning of God's new time. They may carry the kind of 'Repent!' sign one associates with prophets in cartoons. Mr. Strozier figuratively carries one that says 'Understand!' - Martin E. Marty, New York Times Book Review ""Filled with insightful vignettes" - Library Journal