Aimee Semple McPherson, a charismatic evangelist in the 1920s, led the first megachurch in America, Angelus Temple. She captivated large audiences with theatrical sermons that blended faith healing and dazzling stage presentations, drawing comparisons to P.T. Barnum. Critics branded her as a showman of Christianity due to her extravagant use of stage props and a supportive music ensemble. Author Claire Hoffman characterizes her as a comforting figure in Christianity, approachable as 'Everybody's Sister', while her critics viewed her theatricality as a departure from traditional religious preaching.
Aimee sold herself as 'the just right option' - more comfortable than the thumpers who yelled about sin and hell, but also someone who embraced the pure fundamentals of Christian faith.
McPherson's critics called her the P.T. Barnum of Christianity. She used live camels, tigers, lambs and stately palm trees - whatever it took to bring the ancient world alive on her stage.
#aimee-semple-mcpherson #evangelism #20th-century-religion #theatrical-preaching #american-megachurches
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