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You wrote:

“I don’t believe that the Protestant argument for the rapture is any more of a stretch than the Catholic argument for “purgatory.””

It would have to be more of a stretch since the “Rapture” is really little more than a 19th century creation.

"...is any more of a stretch than the Catholic argument for “purgatory.”"

Au contraire, Gruntor.

"...for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that there is, namely, Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay or straw, the work of each one will come to light, for the Day will disclose it. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire [itself] will test the quality of each one's work. If the work stands that someone built upon the foundation, that person will receive a wage. But if someone's work is burned up, that one will suffer loss; the person will be saved, but only through fire." (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)

you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge will turn you over to the constable, and the constable throw you in into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny." (Luke 12:58-59)

"My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he likewise disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges." (Proverbs 3:11-12 and Hebrews 12:6-7).

"Everyone will be salted with fire." (Mark 9:49)

I don’t believe that the Protestant argument for the rapture is any more of a stretch than the Catholic argument for “purgatory.”

You mean a pre-trib rapture as opposed to what Jesus described as his angels gathering up the elect upon his return to Earth? If the former, then the doctrine of a pre-trib rapture is found among some Protestants but, since its advent was post 1800 or so, it is not found amongst folks like Luther, Calvin, and others known as Protestants, nor those incorrectly labeled as Protestant, such as Wesley. If the latter, then it is just one of those BCBs, basic Christian beliefs.