Smith, Smith, Smithereens
The 19th-century Restorationist movement, driven by eschatological beliefs, influenced many to seek doctrinal reform for Christ's return, a view still held today.
Originally Posted at Sunstone
The powerful Restorationist movement of the 19th century, couched in a fervent eschatological view of an eminent Second Coming of Christ, helped establish the notion in thousands of earnest hearts and minds that doctrinal and practical reform was needed as a means to help usher in Jesus’ return. Most churches focused on any level of restoration readily accepted the standard Catholic/Protestant view of end times without much resistance or alternative view. After nearly 2000 years American Evangelicalism (along with Roman Catholicism, Orthodoxy and Mormonism) continues to perpetuate the idea that Jesus’ return is eminent despite a preponderance of evidence to the contrary.