Commentary In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Marian Keech, a Midwestern housewife, prepared for the end of the world. For some time Marian had been dabbling in the practice of automatic writing, communicating with otherworldly beings. They told her of life on other planets. They warned her of coming times of battle, plague, and devastation. They promised enlightenment and happiness. All Marian needed to do was believe. Although family members were less convinced of Marian’s prophecies from beyond, over the summer, Marian had some success attracting more open-minded individuals to her cause, as well as the occasional curiosity seeker. Among these individuals, was the physician, Dr. Thomas Armstrong, who worked at a local college and ran a small group of “Seekers.” By November, Marian Keech had amassed a modest following of apostles for her movement, several of which risked their educations, careers, and reputations while preparing for the great …