View Full Version : The Left Behind series
There is a series of books out called Left Behind that apparently claim to be teaching from the Bible, namely from Revelation, but evidently are not. I have yet to read the books, but I agree with the author of the lessons on this link:
http://universitychurchofchrist.com/Study_materials.htm
The lessons are at the bottom. I'd like some feedback on this topic since evidently the others have gone dead.
Blackadder
04-10-2003, 01:17 AM
I couldn't even read those books--I hate it when author sacrifice plot and characterization for an agenda. I tried to read the first one, but I stopped part way through because I just couldn't bring myself to read more, it was that awful.
No, you're right about them not following Revelation. They take the Rapture Apocalyse and built the books around that. They're really fundamentalist in their ideas, I think.
I don't know where this idea about the Rapture came from--I think there is a line somewhere in the Bible about the righteous being taken up before the Apocalypse. And the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, I know, do refer to a time of tribulation.
I can't believe I just lost my reply! :( I hope I can write another one just as good.
Anyway thanks for responding! If you look at the lessons on that link, it explains when the events in Revelations 20 actually happen. One thing that I wasn't satisfied with though was the 1000 years. Patton describes it as a figurative number but I wanted to research it myself and this is what I found...
I went to the original Greek text and found that in Revelations 20 the term for 1000 is "chilioi" which in fact means 1000 but is also described as "a plural of uncertain affinity". That didn't satisfy me. So I look at other numbers in the Bible, such as when Jesus fed the 5000. That word is "pentakischilioi" and means five times 1000, nothing else. In fact the literal Greek term for 1000 is "chilias". As you can see 1000 years is in fact figurative and this eliminates any bearing on the premilenialist view.
I think that I'm going to try to read those books anyway, because sadly, many people have come to believe them as fact. So, I want to be ready to refute the views if I come across such a person.
imthefoolonthehill
04-11-2003, 01:13 AM
no people take those for fact... only sheeple... they are not meant to be taken as fact... the Left Behind books were written specifically for Christian readers interested in what two men (there are two authors) think the end times might be like... they take quite a bit from scripture, but they also make quite a bit up... the problem with figuring out Revelations is the fact that it is extremely symbolic and Figurative... those books are kind of based around the idea of... "what if it all isn't really all that figurative? What if God meant it literally?" So... one of my points is that the authors didn't sacrifice a plot or characters for an agenda; they started with an agenda and built the entire series around them... I personally find the books kind of boring... For an accurate depiction of what actually is prophesized, look at the end of Daniel and the entire book of Revelations. The word 'rapture' isn't ever said in the Bible; it is a term that theologians used to describe what is prophesized.... at any rate... I don't think it was God's intention for us to be woried about what is going to happen in the end times... Christians should be more focused on spreading the message of Christ.
Blackadder
04-11-2003, 01:30 AM
Sheeple. lol. :D
I think my problem with the books is that I just don't buy the theology or the agenda that they're coming across with. My own religion/philosophy prevents me from buying it, though I am willing to listen. But I think I'll give their website a miss.
Hill, you're right about the building the characters and the plot around the agenda--but they were more worried about their theology than in writing good books. I mean, they don't exactly encourage you to think about things, do they?
imthefoolonthehill
04-11-2003, 05:23 PM
whatever... they do too encourage you to think about things! Scripture is open to interppretation to a point... it cannot be interpretted to say anything you want it to... not even nearly so. But as for new ideas... they are not frowned upon, as long as they have sriptural backing. The media simply portrays Christians as old, frownin, serious, fun-hating, racist pigs who hate free speech and free-thinking individuals... this is obviously not true.
I don't think it was God's intention for us to be woried about what is going to happen in the end times... Christians should be more focused on spreading the message of Christ.
Amen! Too many people are too concerned with the "end times", when they don't even realize that they can be driving to work and be killed in a car crash, so what was the point of worrying about the end of the world? Not even Christ himself knows when he is coming back. And look what Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5,
Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
Oh! I almost forgot to mention! There's even a childrens version out on these books! :o Isn't that a little dangerous? Does anyone know anything about these?
imthefoolonthehill
04-13-2003, 09:45 PM
I have read thumbed through the children's books... I don't see how it can be dangerous... they are listed as fiction... They are probably as dangerous to a child's mind as the Hardy Boys
But should children really be thinking about the end times? I haven't read any of them, but from what I understand, a lot of people have been taking the series, and without researching it, as biblical fact of how the earth will end. If they take this seriously and then impress it on their children, might that not cause some damage? Children should be learning basic Bible stories, they don't need to be conserned with the end of the world, they haven't even lived their lives yet!
It's fine for children to read a sensational story with guidance, I've even read the Harry Potter books and have enjoyed them. I believe that it helps develop creativity to imagine the scenes in books, but the end of the world is going a bit far...
imthefoolonthehill
04-18-2003, 11:43 PM
I suppose it could be dangerous in that form... but people can twist nearly any literature into something that it isn't... and then impress it on their children. I really only think they could be dangerous if the parents are Sheeple.
SirStefan32
04-21-2003, 12:49 AM
I don't think these books were written with any sort of bad intention. It's a fun reading.
However, my concern is that in a few years, people will start looking to these books for doctrine instead of looking to the Bible.
Stefan
The problem with the Left Behind series for children is that it does the same thing as it does to adults, but on more impressionable minds: it takes a very convincing medium uses it to push a particular point. The Left Behind series have become popular more for their sensationalized portrayal of the end times than for their theologically correct interpretations (or the quality of their writing :evil: ) I don't want to approach the topic of whether or not scaring people to God is the real way, but I do believe that the end times should NOT be the focus of believer's lives. I disagree with those who cloister themselves way and with those who prophecy that the end is coming! run for the hills! Believers should focus on fulfilling their purpose and glorifying God today. Eternity will come soon enough.
RoseBud
04-24-2003, 12:28 PM
There's one criticism offered here tht won't fly -- that looking into the Revelation is nothing but scaring people. Some people find it encouraging, because they understand what it means.
See Luke 21:28. "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. "
To put it into a common expression, it gets darker just before the dawn.
As for people who would turn to a fiction work to discern Biblical prophecy, they must be stupid. VERY stupid. End times prophecy may be difficult, but not so difficult that anyone ought to turn to fiction before they carefully consider the source materials which are plentiful and easily available.
Usually, all you have to do is ask. Where to ask? Call or drop by a church, look in the dreawers nest time you stay in a hotel or motel, call the Gideons, ask at a church or ecumenical homeless shelter or soup kitchen. If you are ashamed to beg, just go to a Bible bookstore, and say you want to see the economical Bibles. Or, you can find it online. I like Crosswalk.com, http://bible.crosswalk.com/, where I can do searches and so on.
BTW, when I participate in discussions of this type, I typically have at least one open Bible in front of me, at least one 'puter window open to Crosswalk's online Bible study tools, and a hard copy concordance near at hand. My family know that this means my attention is fully absorbed!
waxmephilosophical
04-24-2003, 02:47 PM
imthefoolonthehill, can you give me a definition of 'sheeple'? ;)
I agree that looking into Revelation is much more than scaring people! It is a promise of either hope or despair for eternity. What I'm critizing is that the common argument I hear in favor of the Left Behind series is that it "shocks" people into Jesus. I feel almost the same effect as Ripley's Believe it or Not or one of the Fox programs on "real encounters." I wouldn't agree that any of us understand Revelation; the most advanced Biblical scholars in the world can't even agree on the most basic points concerned in the book, but I would say that it is an opportunity for believers to be encouraged. I believe that, in general, far too much time is spent debating that single book and ignoring the life lessons throughout the Bible.
Chaos Tesseract
04-25-2003, 01:04 AM
First off, sheeple are just what they sound like. People that act like sheep. Don't get smart with me, in a bad way, not the biblical sheep and sheepherd sense.
Secondly, I believe that people spend too much time focusing on the end times. Note the refrences:
"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34
22 "And He said to His disciples, 'For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds!" Luke 12:22-40
Of course you know these are spoken by Jesus, and most assuredly mean that you shouldn't worry about what will happen in the future, or what you can do about it. God will provide for you.
Also, I believe that none of us can know exactly what the end times have in store for us. Most everthing in Revelation that is 'known' for 'truth' right now is just what theology majors have pondered over, and presented as a THEORY, nothing is certain about Revelation, except for the fact that John saw it, and what was prophicied will happen.
That's my beef with the Left Behind Series. The authors take scholar's theorys and present them in a fictional story that, to ignorant people (which sadly many people are) seems like exactly what will happem.
*Rosebud thanks for the Crosswalk.com site, it's quite useful*
I want to thank everyone for their very insightful comments. :D I've never read the series myself, and I've only known about the people that were talked about that took in fictional information as reference to fact. I'm very happy to know that there are not many "sheeple" out there!
Arteum
04-29-2003, 02:52 AM
Shea, I'm the staunchest atheist you'll ever find so I can't give you the sort of answer that you want ... Sorry :-?
Chardata
04-29-2003, 03:28 AM
i think "sheeple" is a combo of sheep and people. wink Anyway, why don't you go read the books then see what your views are. I read the children's series. It doesn't scare me nor my little brother. I know Siniors in HS who read the children's series. The LB books takes the book of Rev. to a different level. It is LaHay's and Jenkin's POV and inturpritation of Rev. No one can be for certian what is going to happen but by putting out these books the authors have reached millions of people's lives who normally wouldn't have heard the GOSPEL. In the children's books the characters preach the GOSPEL to non believers. What would happen if a nonChritian child read that. It would probally plant a seed of faith in that child.
You may not agree with what i say but, my suggestion again is read the books then look at things in perspective. Don't let protagonistic POVs cloud your vision...remember what Jesus said, (errrr something to this effect) Why do you criticize your neighbor for having a twig in his eye for you cannot see the log in your own eye. (yeah i know it was wrong but i hope i got my point across lol )
imthefoolonthehill
04-29-2003, 08:27 PM
I want to thank everyone for their very insightful comments. :D I've never read the series myself, and I've only known about the people that were talked about that took in fictional information as reference to fact. I'm very happy to know that there are not many "sheeple" out there!
Sorry Shea... but the are many sheeple out there. Sadly, I would estimate that at LEAST 30% of humans are sheeple. These are people who have very little capacity for reasoning or logic. These are people who never form their own opinions. They either believe whatever is told to them, or have wishy-washy or non-existant opinions. THese people are either naturally shy, or very easily offended. Sheeple make major decisions (buying a car, moving etc... not talking about things like getting married etc.)based off emotions rather than logic.
Sorry Shea... but the are many sheeple out there. Sadly, I would estimate that at LEAST 30% of humans are sheeple. These are people who have very little capacity for reasoning or logic. These are people who never form their own opinions. They either believe whatever is told to them, or have wishy-washy or non-existant opinions. THese people are either naturally shy, or very easily offended. Sheeple make major decisions (buying a car, moving etc... not talking about things like getting married etc.)based off emotions rather than logic.
Yeah, I know, how sad for them! But I was indirectly reffering to most of the responders to my topic.
Chardata, I believe the verse your looking for is in Matthew chapter 7, about judging.
Matthew 7:3-5
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
I fully intend to read the books as soon as I have the chance, but from what I've learned so far, they are not scripturally accurate, and only cause a lot of confusion.
imthefoolonthehill
04-30-2003, 02:09 AM
theoretically, he could be right about most of the things in the book. I sincerely doubt the author is. Almost all of his subject matter is open to interpretation. No one will know what is accurate until it happens. And then -> :o
Hmmm..., let me get beck to you on that, I'm still studying Revelation. ;)
Chardata
05-04-2003, 08:44 PM
like i said...it is just a form of inturpritation. I personally don't think we have the right to be saying whether they LaHay and Jenkins were right in their POV. Personally, i probally don't think i could have done any better! I'm still in HS so...i still have alot of growing (spiritually) left to do... ^-^ But my take on it is...that it is LaHay and Jenkins' POV and if we don't like it then don't read the next book! :D
Do they have a disclaimer in thier books? Otherwise it's not a POV, it's a misleading doctrine.
Do you remember when one of those television networks aired a made for TV movie called "The Flood"? They aired the first part 'as is' and were so biblically off, that it was as if the writers were told to just try and recall what they had learned in Bible school as kids about Noah and throw the story together. Evidently, they recieved thousands of complaints because they felt the need to air a disclaimer before they aired the second part. They butchered up the flood story so bad that I never finished watching it.
Revelations is a difficult book to study, especially if you're still learning. That's why I'm just starting to delve into it. But note this passage:
1 Peter 1:20
knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,
No one can just skim Revelations and just expect to understand it. As I'm studying it, I have a Greek version handy so that I don't misunderstand any passages. You must understand that Revelations was written in apocalyptic style. Much like Nebuchadnezzar's dreams in the Book of Daniel. (read the second chapter.)
imthefoolonthehill
05-05-2003, 12:16 AM
No, Shea... that is stupid... Just because something doesn't have a disclaimer does not mean that it is trying to mislead you. THat is completely absurd. Does Shakespeare's Tempest have a disclaimer? Is it trying to tell you that fairies exist? Does Paradise lost have a disclaimer? Seriously... think!
Ok, so maybe your right about the disclaimer, it was the wrong idea. But my goodness, you don't have to beat me up about it! :-? My point is that the Bible is not a matter of a point of view or an interpretation, it is what it is, and so many people want to change it.
Chardata
05-05-2003, 06:47 PM
I agree...the Bible is what it is but we don't understand everything! Revelation is for the future...and we don't understand the future. If you could tell someone who lived in the middle ages about cars and microwaves...how would you describe it in terms that they would understand?! Or how would you understand the technology for the year 3000? How would you describe that stuff? The Bible is what it is but sometimes we don't know what 'is' actually is.
Not necessarily, but like I said before I'm still studying, so I'll get back to when I can post a well-informed reply! ;) For now check out the studies at the link that I posted when I started this topic.
imthefoolonthehill
05-05-2003, 08:49 PM
Ok, so maybe your right about the disclaimer, it was the wrong idea. But my goodness, you don't have to beat me up about it! :-? My point is that the Bible is not a matter of a point of view or an interpretation, it is what it is, and so many people want to change it.
Sorry for "beating you up" I am mean in nature.
I agree with your new point... but that is not what at all what you were getting at in that statement (not the one above... the one I replied , beating her up).
Chardata
05-15-2003, 10:57 PM
Inturpriation is necessary for anything read. When you read Great Expectations by Dickens...you have to interpretate what Pip is thinking. When reading the Bible...it's the same way. We weren't there so we can't say for sure what happened...we just have what the Bible sais and even then there has been interpretation from the Greek & Roman texts to the Engish. POV has to play a big role too. Take for example. You wrote a line that said..."the red dragon glissened in the golden sunlight." There are several ways a person can take that sentence. A person can take the color of the dragon as deep red, bright red, golden red, musky red, blood red...any type of red. The statement of glissened can be interpreted as sparkly, mitalic, glass-like, crystal-like...etc. The sunlight can effect the color of the dragon or just the scenery. Also...the dragon can have the reflection of the grass or ocean on his belly. The dragon could be sitting, or flying or even walking. There are several ways you can take that statement. Reading the Bible is the same way. That is why we study it, buy study guides and we go to siminars.
Hope this helps! 8)
Hmm, well, when the Bible is silent about something, no matter what are point of view on that something may be, then it simply wasn't neccessary for our salvation. Because some things can be confusing due to the english translation, it is very helpful to also have a greek guide. For example, take this passage;
Matthew 16:15-18
"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
The catholic teachers have interpreted this passage to justify Peter as being thier first pope (he was married by the way). It may look like that to some because of our English translation. But in Greek, Peter is petros, which means a pebble, one that you can pick up and throw. Rock is petra, which means foundation something that you would build on. Jesus is making a sort of play on words because of Peter's name. The chuch is built on what Peter said not on Peter himself. And there are numerous other scriptures to back up the fact that Christ is the head of the church, not Peter, who's only role was as one of the other apostles in spreading the gospel. And personally I feel more secure with unchanging Christ as the head of the chuch than a man who may change his mind at any whim (which pretty much describes the catholic church).
The Bible really is straight forward; black and white. Though it does require a little extra effort on our part to make sure we understand it completely. Compare translations, compare books, chapters, and verses. Don't just let somebody do it for you and then take it at face value, test the person that's teaching, ask questions, make sure their correct. My salvation is important enough to me to keep doing these things! ;)
Chardata
05-21-2003, 10:38 AM
i don't think you understood what i was saying. But i do agree with you...on the scripture...
Matthew 16:15-18
"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
The catholic teachers have interpreted this passage to justify Peter as being thier first pope (he was married by the way). It may look like that to some because of our English translation. But in Greek, Peter is petros, which means a pebble, one that you can pick up and throw. Rock is petra, which means foundation something that you would build on. Jesus is making a sort of play on words because of Peter's name. The chuch is built on what Peter said not on Peter himself. And there are numerous other scriptures to back up the fact that Christ is the head of the church, not Peter, who's only role was as one of the other apostles in spreading the gospel. And personally I feel more secure with unchanging Christ as the head of the chuch than a man who may change his mind at any whim (which pretty much describes the catholic church).
you are right but i don't think you noticed but you did some interpritation youself. Yes, you did bring up scripture and other verses to back yourself up but you still derived a conclution from the verse. You came up with an idea from this verse then told me about it. No one can understand anything without creating som sort or interpritation from a statement. That is just how the human mind works. You can also take it as you were explaining the verse...but maybe it takes both inorder to understand the scripture. Remember we are both learning, but this is what i believe and no one can say otherwise. i'll talk to you later about it...i'm at school right now...TTYL! 8)
DumbLikeAPoet
06-02-2003, 12:11 PM
Here is a page with a good deal of articles about the rapture if you want to study some peoples view of it. http://raptureready.com/
JonUs
Chardata
06-05-2003, 02:44 PM
also check out the Focus on the Family web site. They will probally have a writeup about LB! www.focusonthefamily.org
Phoenix_Tears
06-21-2003, 02:30 PM
i have read ALL of the children's books. and guess what? i agree almost completely with foot-hill. They DO encourage you to think more. i was not into going to church all the time(mayb one time every 2 months) and i just was not very christian i believed in god but i was just barely there. my bible was collecting dust dude. well my cousin started reading them and liked them. so my nana got me 1-4. it was then i turned around. now i am at her church all the time with her. i am in her cell, and have come to know god and to get others to know god . I have been blessed in ways i have never thought possible. sometimes i get swept off my knees by the neeed to pray and just to take five minutes to talk to the lord, my father. i don't have a father physically. one that is with me. so god became him.
The books are just stories of what the authours think may happen. They are good books. and i thank the authours. i had no clue about any of what was in revelations and i learned alot. i do not want me or my loved ones here for that so i became a better christian and grew into god.
Here is a page with a good deal of articles about the rapture if you want to study some peoples view of it. http://raptureready.com/
JonUs
Can someone please tell me where "rapture" is mentioned in the Bible? I have never run across it.
DumbLikeAPoet
06-23-2003, 12:06 PM
no where. the bible does say
1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
This is essentially what the word rapture is refering to.
Jonus
McDLT
04-01-2005, 12:45 PM
I just want to emphasis that these books are FICTION. This thread sounds very much like some I've read on other forums regarding Harry Potter. Some believe reading HP will influence in a negative way, just like some here think that reading LB will do the same. Of course it will influence both negatively and positively.
Here's my opinion on the issue. I thought the books were not too bad. They made me think about spiritual issues (but not rack-my-brain kind of thinking), which is one thing I like about the book series. They are very quick and easy read, which is a bonus for people with little time.
My best recommendation would be read and find out for yourself.
Just my thoughts.
geneyoonit
07-19-2005, 07:36 PM
i believe too many people in this thread view this book very negatively. It is merely a fiction book based on scriptural findings in the book of Revelations. I personally grew up in a church enviroment, yet find myself 'unsaved'. This book definately spikes interests in the christian point of view and taking this book as "dangerous" has most likely a biased point of view. Just like many other fiction books that involve morally and spiritually different opinions, this book merely offers an interpretation and fiction quality to what can happen, not will. I personally thought this book was well written, probably because I have been exposed to the scripture, and understand that this book is only trying to understand what can happen if such a rapture exists.
The word "rapture" is never refered, throughout the bible. It is only a term used by theoliogans and bible scholars who interpreted many of the New Testament scriptures. The word "tribulation" or "great tribulation" DOES exist in the bible.
Bottom line - dont interpret this book literally. It is merely a fiction book.
Sirius_Kai
07-22-2005, 12:24 AM
I agree with what many have said here. I can't remember who in this forum said this (and I don't feel like clicking back to find out), but any time you read something you must interpret what you read (Unless you're reading Moby Dick because everything is desribed in absurd detail...LOL). These Left Behind books are "fiction based on fact." Or, in truth, they are fiction based on interpretation of the Bible. These two men took the book of Revalations, and decided what they believed it told them. They then created a fictional story describing what might happen in the situation the decided would occur. If you agree with them, great. If not, fine. But, honestly, agenda is also prevalent in many works of literature. Now, I personally like the books. They aren't great by any means. But they are entertaining. They catch your interest and move the story along quite well. Now I'm going to stop typing before I've written a novel myself.
Adelheid
08-03-2005, 09:02 AM
There are many interpretations as to the last Book of the Bible. Different authors and theologians have varying opinions. One MUST study the original source of the story and make up one's own decision.
PistisSophia
09-25-2005, 09:58 PM
Personally, I think this type of stuff is a crock....and that's all I am gonna say.
Satine
09-26-2005, 08:12 AM
I think ANY book published dealing with this kind of subject matter is out there SO that people can discuss and debate. As they say in Hollywood, "All publicity is good pubicity..." Anything that gets the name out there and people talking, well...that's what the author's are going for. I think these books are obviously fiction, though I read them at a time when I really NEEDED to read them and got a lot out of them. They made me think. So, whether or not they hold any water realistically isn't really the point, at least not for me. They only hold as much power as you give them.
notleftbehind.7
05-20-2008, 06:27 PM
i believe too many people in this thread view this book very negatively. It is merely a fiction book based on scriptural findings in the book of Revelations. I personally grew up in a church enviroment, yet find myself 'unsaved'. This book definately spikes interests in the christian point of view and taking this book as "dangerous" has most likely a biased point of view. Just like many other fiction books that involve morally and spiritually different opinions, this book merely offers an interpretation and fiction quality to what can happen, not will. I personally thought this book was well written, probably because I have been exposed to the scripture, and understand that this book is only trying to understand what can happen if such a rapture exists.
The word "rapture" is never refered, throughout the bible. It is only a term used by theoliogans and bible scholars who interpreted many of the New Testament scriptures. The word "tribulation" or "great tribulation" DOES exist in the bible.
Bottom line - dont interpret this book literally. It is merely a fiction book.
I however do not agree with you. I have been growing up in a christian church environment and, say what you will I don't care this stuff WILL happen. You may think I'm a loony or a nut but you look it up. It will. Yeah it's scary and freaky, but only if your on the wrong side. Read the books.
Drkshadow03
05-20-2008, 08:28 PM
The Left Behind Books scared the snot out of me when I was a kid/teenager. Good propaganda books. It sent me into a "Jew for Jesus" phase. I outgrew it, and in many ways it brought me back to my real religion (Judaism).
AdoreroDio
05-21-2008, 07:18 PM
I did not find the books scary but informing. I read the sections of the Bible as it corresponded with each book. Most of the things are true. The rapture is not mentioned by word in the Bible but it is mentioned (read 2 Thessalonian) though it does not say if it will happen before or after the Tribulation- for the purpose of the story The Left Behind authors made it before, though that may not necessarily be true. Revalations and other Bible books that explain the end days are a very difficult read, and even more difficult to understand but the Left Behind Series really puts it into perspective and gives a good interpretation. I didn't like the kids or teen versions very much, I hated the movies that were made (I mean, the clothes being folded, whatever!) but over all I really enjoyed the Adult series. The last book I really didn't like very much, for one it didn't follow the Bible very closely and two it didn't express the joy well enough that would have come with Heaven being established on earth. I do recommend the series to anyone who wants to know more about the end times, but don't recommend the prologue and other books that were written after the series (the ones that only Jenkins wrote)
Trystan
05-22-2008, 10:19 AM
I however do not agree with you. I have been growing up in a christian church environment and, say what you will I don't care this stuff WILL happen. You may think I'm a loony or a nut but you look it up. It will. Yeah it's scary and freaky, but only if your on the wrong side. Read the books.
But isn't there actual proof that the rapture, was, in fact, made up? Is it even in the Bible? I know that the Eastern Orthodox churches and the Catholic Church don't accept it.
teleios
05-26-2008, 01:07 PM
But isn't there actual proof that the rapture, was, in fact, made up? Is it even in the Bible? I know that the Eastern Orthodox churches and the Catholic Church don't accept it.
The word "rapture" does not occur in the Bible. The concept of the Rapture, though, is clearly taught in Scripture. The Rapture of the church is the event in which God removes all believers from the earth in order to make way for His righteous judgment to be poured out on the earth during the Tribulation period. The Rapture is described primarily in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-54. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 describes the Rapture as God resurrecting all believers who have died, giving them glorified bodies, and then departing the earth with those believers who were still alive, who have also been given glorified bodies
Taken from http://www.gotquestions.org/rapture.html
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