Johnny Hart

Johnny Hart, the creator of the popular Stone Age comic strip, B.C. (i.e. Before Christ), garnered readership exceeding 100 million at the height of its popularity.  In 1984, after a religious conversion, he began incorporating unapologetic Christian messages into his comics.  This was particularly poignant during Christmas and Easter, creating controversy with Jewish, Muslim and secular readers.  Mr. Hart is quoted as saying:  "God requires only that one believe in Jesus as the one sent from the Father in heaven as a sacrifice on your behalf."  He also commented:  "Earth is the closest that a non-Christian will ever get to heaven. Earth is the closest a believing Christian will ever get to hell."