I suppose this would be a good time to mentioned that my nick is not meant to be of the religious type...

Anyway, this type of belief system appears to have been very common throughout the history of America. Many sects and cults thrived in the west else they would have been either extinguished or their movement hampered back in the Old World. Ever hear of the 7th Day Adventists?

To be fair, I met a person who I believe was an Adventist. He was very nice, and did not personally seem to be hoping for the world to burst into flames while he was whisked away. He did refer to me as "The Devil" once...