Free Republic

It's often said that some people will believe nearly anything or anyone. Go ahead and toss the "nearly" part. ABC News has the bizarre story of a 60-year-old Puerto Rican named Jose de Jesus, or "Jose of Jesus," who claims that he is, in his own words, "Jesus Christ, man, the second manifestation, the Second Coming of Christ." Nothing new there. But that's just the start: His followers get tattoos of the number "666" on their bodies and call him "Antichrist," as a sign of respect. "Jose of Jesus" claims he was contacted directly by angels and Jesus nearly 35...

Last Sunday, the growing in Grace church met a Holiday Inn in Grovetown. Sermons are broadcast on the internet. The church is humble. The blinds are closed and the lights are off. A digital projector casts a square of light on the wall. In this dim and blurry image, North Augusta’s faithful few glimpse their salvation. From the speakers in the corner, they hear of heresies that have gripped the world outside. The tiny conference room in a cheap hotel off I-20 ($89.99 a day, plus tax) contains more chairs than people. But what the congregation lacks in numbers...