Susan, thank you. I'm interested in hearing more of your views. I echo Greg F's question: In your experience, what is the 'regular' church saying about this? More important, what are they doing? There must be some out there who are educating their 'flock', warning them against unspiritual, manipulative fear mongering.

As to the 'end times' mentality, I remember when one of my brothers got married back in the 50s he said he doesn't want any children, that it's not fair to children to be brought into this world's end times. His children are now 43 and 37.

If there is a God over all, I don't suppose it is possible for such a being to feel human emotions- but if it is, bemusement, at the least, would be appropriate.