Hidden Knowledge Sparks Cultural Obsessions

The 1970s experienced a cultural fascination with hidden knowledge, illustrated by the popularity of books discussing topics like Atlantis, UFOs, and ancient aliens. This surge was fueled by public distrust stemming from events like Watergate and the Vietnam War, leading to a thirst for unveiling secrets. How Lindsay's bestseller, which philosophically examined dire prophecies through the lens of revelations, epitomizes this phenomenon, selling 28 million copies by 1990 and inspiring a documentary narrated by Orson Welles. Furthermore, Lindsay's influence extended to figures like Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, who created the Left Behind series, indicating a lasting impact on popular culture and theology.