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And wouldn’t you know it, one story became your own little shared universe! Lots of effort, I realize, but hey, the result is kind of cool. Sorry about that! I realize it can be kind of a hassle. That’d be a hell of a thing, though there is some precedent historically. Christian modernism (or liberal Christianity, whichever term you prefer) was the predominant form of the religion in the US up until the world wars happened. It’s debated exactly what the cause was (it may have been the world wars or even the Cold War; why change your traditions if the world is about to end in nuclear fire?), but post WWII saw the rise of evangelicalism, a term I’m using here in its political science definition (Christians who tend toward biblical literalism/fundamentalism and social conservatism), as the larger branch of Protestant Christianity in the country. I’m not sure what would cause a shift so drastic that the WBC would look normal, but it’s possible. I just really hope that doesn’t happen (fingers fucking crossed). Hey, we have something in common. We’ve obviously landed in rather different places, and talking with you more, I really do hope nothing I’ve said has brought up any bad memories. I wasn’t really aiming for a debate, but I am glad this is a positive experience for you!

I’ll shorten the above to keep the “replied” tag, but not swampthis reply. First, I appreciate the discussion … it’s great to have one! Second, this is the first work in the verse, despite it being listed where it is; it had started as a kludge, where I started to add in flashbacks, tales of some of the side-characters. Once I had realized that I was getting confused, I realized the readers had to be lost. Thus, I split it apart, spinning off the Alaska Trekkers and Dolbourne Chronicles as separate, and posted this afresh – though I see it’s been five years. Alaska Trekkers is quite solid at this point, finished, though I might visit it again with an editor if I decide to self-publish it. Anyways, trying to remember what I was thinking five years ago… I do plan to address the religious slide in Dolbourne Chronicles because Jaimie’s the history buff. I’m trying to avoid a deep dive in Jefferey so I can leave this to Jaimie. Suffice it to say, the world wars the US lost, pushed for some level of theological change, making Westboro seem closer to “normal”. Though, I do admit getting the denominations mixed up (I was raised Lutheran). But, you can assume an amendment or three were made, allowing for the government to stick its nose into everybody’s spiritual welfare – roll back on LGBT rights included. Politicians of this era will be clergy or theological (nothing illegal, yet, to being a used-car-salesman applying, but such a candidate wouldn’t get the votes). Had to reread for the baptism scene (and noticed I got the televangelist’s name wrong, it’ll be Aubley Wurtz when I revise to be in line with the other stories). The minister’s comment was more a reminder of the loss, which was more relevant when the stories were crammed together, it might get nixed on the revision. (Dolbourne Chronicles needs to be finished before I can really work on Fiends, it’s about the chronology.) But, yep, this story will be mainly from Jaimie’s POV. (Joe’s POV will likely be #2 here.) The POTUS is given a scene so the reader knows something is up, the government is interested in Jaimie’s affairs, even if Jaimie’s unaware of it – this goes to the plausibility of what gets offered to Jaimie. Sure, I’ll take credit for the St. James Bible … trying to find any notes on it anywhere else. Going with it because, as you said, I can massage the theology Janitorial actions are best kept… under wraps. As in, it’s hush-hush. This is what the Alaska Trekkers teenagers run into, the beauty of that operation is people simply “vanishing” without a trace. As to techniques – vanishing is great, an accident is fine, them being an idiot is okay, suicide is...borderline. Depending on the denomination, the person might have already been shunned & disfellowshipped, so family & friends might not really care, too. And they can justify this action in Matthew 5:29-30; Mark 9:43-47, where cutting off a part of a person to save the whole, applied to a whole society, ie, cutting out the rot. Anyways, thanks for the debate, always makes my day