Charlotte residents received a nearly 400-page book in the mail this week.
The book is titled “The Great Controversy,” subtitle: “How will it end?” On the cover, chess pieces stand on the earth, which is being overwhelmed by a burst of light.
“This book, the Great Controversy, tells the past, the present, and the future,” says David Hall, CEO of Remnant Publications, an independent publisher, which sent out the books.
The book itself was written in the late 19th century by E. G. White, a founder of the Seventh Day Adventist denomination of Christianity. White is an Adventist prophet, and the book explains the denomination’s interpretation of Christianity. Like many Christians, they hold the world will end and only believers will ascend to heaven. A note from the publisher indicates a belief that the end is coming soon, and implies some urgency for people to convert.
“With our world in disarray, with so little time left, we don’t have time to bash religions or people or ideas—we only have time to discover the truth before it’s too late,” the note says.
Donors from across the U.S. contribute for Remnant to mass mail copies of the book to cities. Hall says the goal is not to be pushy.
“All it is, is people care. They want to get it out,” says Hall. “If people are interested in reading it, check it out with their bible. If not, it’s no big deal; throw it away or give it to a friend.”
Remnant sent out more than 350,000 copies of this book to Charlotte—more than one per household. Hall says by mass producing and mass mailing, his organization can spend as little as $0.99 per book. Last year, Remnant sent a million copies to Manhattan, and more than 300,000 to Washington, D.C. Hall says it plans to target San Francisco next.