Christian Entertainment: The Greatest Story Ever Sold

The result doesn't please everyone. Some Christians let LaHaye and Jenkins know they pray God will force them to stop, believing Left Behind isn't spreading the correct biblical message. But the sharpest complaints have come from the wider audience the books are now attracting. "They see it on the New York Times best-seller list, and they don't want to be left out, so they buy it," says Balow. "And they're completely broadsided by it."

The they in this case may be practicing Jews, who might not appreciate that most of the Jewish characters in Left Behind shed their belief system and convert to Christianity. "We believe Jesus Christ is the Messiah they've been looking for," says Jenkins. "No question that's going to offend some Jewish people." (That, and lines like "Mr. Shellenberger turned, his generous nose in profile.")

In addition, some women snipe that the ladies of Left Behind most often fight evil by supporting their guys. "Even my friends tell me I tend to be nice to women characters in a chauvinistic way, I have to watch that," Jenkins admits. "But usually the criticism is so vitriolic, it almost shows you could never make them happy unless the woman was the star." For his part, LaHaye believes the series celebrates women—as wives and mothers. "I feel sorry for the feminists that have this hostile, antagonistic spirit," he says. "They don't understand the good life that Christianity offers for womanhood."

Not to mention for LaHaye and Jenkins. The duo have other big things in the works, including a feature film and a Left Behind TV series that Chuck Norris' company may produce. And they are also debating whether to write Left Behind prequels. "We're passionate about stories. We care more about that than making big money," Jenkins says. "Although we wouldn't mind doing both." The expression in his voice is unmistakable: pure rapture.

NEXT WEEK In the conclusion of our special report, Christian moviemakers try to crack the Hollywood Code, while teens wage a holy war on their computers.