The virus of conspiratorial thinking fits Mormonism perfectly

[huckelberry]

Hi drumdude, I was actually thinking of Maga as a religion now but i understand your question about future development. The story of investors touches a number of relevant points. There is sunk cost fallacy, participation in an exciting adventure, being in the know of a secret that your special group shares as well as just being in a special group. This points out the rather dismal observation that if Trump's promises do not work out so well his followers will not change their commitment.

Then there is the group cohesion and commitment enhanced by outside criticism.

The basic beginning, being on the inside participating in a special and exciting story, would be there for new religious movements. Even with sunk costs many movements fade away as the story and participants fade away. Disappointment may start a terminal decline or occasion a new development. Miller disappointment in no 1844 return of Jesus became Seventh Day Adventists, that group outgrowing Mormons.

I mentioned Josiah reform not because it clarifies the situation type but for Bible understanding it presents a question about what role sunk costs figure in the reaction to his big investment and failures.I think current Christian nationalists are thinking along the lines of the failed portions of Josiah's program.

I’ll have to read more about the Josiah reforms, your post was my introduction to something new I had never heard of.

Drumdude, Josiah reform could touch upon a number of complicated historical questions about the development of the Bible and Judaic understanding. I was thinking of the simple version of seeing Josiah at a time of threat from outside forces deciding to enforce greater religious unity with violent repression followed by big shows of piety.National strength , government strength and help from God are hoped for of course. The authors of Kings or Chronicles want to see this as a big positive achievement. Jeremiah has reservation but however it is judged Josiah goes out to confront a passing Egytian army and is defeated and killed. Judah rapidly slides into total defeat and captivity.

Perhaps something was missing in Josiah's plan.