Misread Rapture? (Christian critics of 'Left Behind' series)

The Washington Times ^ | Jan. 24, 2001 | Robert Stacy McCain

[Marysecretary]

I love them and they don't seem poorly written to me. I'm intelligent and like a good story line. I read them quickly and find them to be quite exciting. Make them simple qnd fast to read, that's my theory. It's fiction and that's the way I read them. I believe in the end times, I believe they are already in process (since the Jews returned to Israel in 1948) and I'm just going about my daily business waiting for the signs. Life is to be lived, not feared. So just enjoy them for what they are.

[Ptaz]

40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

You should research the greek for the word taken. It all depends upon the original greek context. It presents some interesting possibilities for study.

[Marysecretary]

Walmart's has them for around $9.00 a book. That's no more than any others. It's easy to read.

[dubyagee]

Agreed...

[is_is]

you and i have no disagreement as to how we are to live....I believe exactly what you said so well in your reply. For me....there are things in the bible that are argueable....such as how God actually created the universe, earth, etc....i think he intended (i think...lol...everything he did/does is intentional)it that way....it all comes down to faith in him....he had the ability to have left irrefutable evidence (i know for those of us who believe he did) that even the most unrightous man could not refute....the prohphecies could have been written so that no man would question the sequence of events....but he wanted us to study and discuss in order to learn more about "HIM"...... but there is one point that he was/is absolutely clear on.....salvation....and how and only how to receive it.....

[asformeandformyhouse]

paralambano {par-al-am-ban'-o}
AV - take 30, receive 15, take unto 2, take up 2, take away 1; 50
1) to take to, to take with one's self, to join to one's self
1a) an associate, a companion
1b) to accept or acknowledge one to be such as he professes to be
1b1) not to reject, not to withhold obedience
2) to receive something transmitted
2a) an office to be discharged
2b) to receive with the mind
2b1) by oral transmission: of the authors from whom the tradition proceeds
2b2) by the narrating to others, by instruction of teachers (used of disciples)

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

I'm just sad that Left Behind is doing so well, because it's sending the message of "it doesn't have to be good so long as it's Christian."

I'm just not as "bothered" by this series as some. To me the success of the book is proof that people are searching. If one person finds Christ from this book and the movie.. so be it. It will have served a purpose.

I didn't find it all that well written. But "thought" is good. And I do believe that there will be people "left behind" come judgement day. Do you think every single person will go to heaven?

I know I'm a sinner..and I also know that the mili second I asked for "sincere" forgiveness,. I was forgiven. But being a Christian doesn't stop there. We have to be active in our faith. For instance,.. do you serve the poor? We are called upon to do Christian deeds. It isn't all just about reading the Bible.. but *what* we do in life. And those deeds do not "earn" us a pass to heaven either. They are just the right thing to do.

I think there is an inherent danger any time people "fear" learning about Christianity or the Trinity. (We are Monotheist).. and our faith is strong enough to read different views. I would even wager to say.. that a deeper understanding (not perfect by any means.. but we are "gaining" knowledge) is a good thing.

I fear more, people giving thought only to certain interpretations,..and not looking at and analyzing interpretations..(as long as they are Christian and follow the Bible).

BTW,.. did you know that the Presbyterian USA Church is this year, voting on allowing "Sexually Active Singles, and Homosexual, and sexually active Homosexual people to become Ministers?" (Apologies for the way I worded that.. It isn't easy but it is accurate in its principal)

I'm far more concerned with Religions who *change* like that, to be "Politically Correct" (PC). As quite a few have in the past couple years. Churches are being broken to pieces by this issue. We just left our Church because they won't tell us how they stand on this issue. They are building a new church..and I imagine taking a PC stand would cause people to leave, just when they needed money the most. (We found out they were getting ready to vote by accident. When we called the Church, we were told they are indeed getting ready to vote on it..and that even if we voiced our objection to it.. that the two people sent to vote, would be voting THEIR concious, not that of the church as a congregation!!!) That is way more dangerous, than any attempt to lead people to Christ...In MHO (Even if it is poorly written) :o)

[THEUPMAN]

That is why all cemetaries face east.. ;-)

do they really, or do I feel a tug on my leg?

[Physicist]

Actually, the Washington Times has written several positive articles about "Left Behind."

That won't stop me from making it the butt of jokes.

[ag2000jon]

Because it hasn't happened when it is predicted, over and over and over and over again, means that each time it has been intimated, it was a lie, used to sell books, raise money, or build a following.

I have read all the books in the series and not once do they claim to know WHEN it will all happen. They don't give dates so you can't say that they are predicting any sort of day it will happen...

[JenB]

That's true, I guess... your point about the PCUSA is well taken and the reason I'm PCA!

If it brings people to Christianity, well and good, but that still doesn't make it either good literature or good theology.

[Citizen of the Savage Nation]

An excellent synopsis. The 'rapture' teaching originated from Margaret MacDonald in Scotland, in the year 1830 (see The Incredible Coverup by Dave MacPherson) and the author hit a key point in that Scofield was instrumental in pushing this doctrine in America in the late 19th century.

I would add to some of the commentary of the article, those looking for a rapture are more likely to succumb to the first Jesus that appears on the scene...which, the bible clearly states is the false one. In any event, why would anyone wish to take the easy way out when God asks us to be watchmen in these final days? Seems ridiculous.

[general_re]

That won't stop me from making it the butt of jokes.

What makes you think they won't just turn the other cheek?

[Fletcher J]

My mother has often told me that the Bible instructs us as Christians to watch more often than it does to pray. One of these days I need to do a word count to see if she's right... :)

Personally, I guess I'm like the revival preacher who has preached at our church many times. He says that he's a "Pan-Millenial" - he's sure that everything will "pan out" in the end...

[Jefferson Adams]

I personally believe in the "PreWrath" view of the Rapture. It will take place in the Sixth Seal about two-thirds into Daniel's 70th week (Trib period).

Same here :)

[Physicist]

They know that won't stop me from making another crack.

[general_re]

Well, you are a cheeky fellow. Be careful you don't make an ass of yourself.

[eccl1212]

you missed the point. READ the rapture threads here on FreeRepublic for the last four years, some folks believe these are "likely scenarios". And the folks who sell the tickets to the movies they made or hawk the books they wrote on Chrstian TV stations of note, act as if their take is virtually "a done deal" with God.

Numerous ones of note have predicted "likely dates" or "certainly not to exceed dates" which have been modified at will for the following year's "fund raising letter."

It's a fact, I know. I received their letters, hawking the likely scenarios and dates over the years. It is a proven fund raising device EVERYTIME there is a worldwide tragedy or event.

Stick around a while and you will find out there are abundant numbers of freepers who have handled these folks editing, writing, accounting, fundraising, marital counseling and had to clean up after them for the good of the church in general.

These folks are often a greedy, selfish and morally "untidy" lot. Only the naive believe otherwise. I keep my faith in Christ, not the clowns who claim they represent him as they are passing me the plate or asking for "financial help or we are going off the air."

If God guides HE provides, not the blue haired ladies who give up a month's medication to "win just one more soul for Jesus." All the while Pastor Televangel, pays off another woman to go have his illegitimate baby in South China.

Follow the money. Or listen to those who have if you cannot gain access. If you have a ministry harping on a "glory haller" subject, but who wont give you complete access to their ACTURAL disbursements, and the ministry leader's holdings, or quote you his honorarium contributions, GET YOUR MONEY out of his "operation."

Now you can believe what you want to dear heart. But if I could make as much money prophesying when Jesus is NOT going to come like these guys do by "theorizing" about when he will, I would be wealthier than most small nations. He is NOT coming today, or tomorrow, and I am pretty sure not this week or this year. So keep those cards and letters flowing to,. you get my drift.

don't let them play you for a christian idiot. find a good place where they are unpretentious and small, givem your support, and prayers, and WATCH what they do, with YOUR dollars. We gave millions last year to the Red Cross, for NYC, and they have pretty much told us they are NOW going to do with our designated dollars for NYC, whatever the hell they please. Big is not better.

What I find truly amazing is that after ALL the revelations about corrupt ministries that is readily available, the Jim Bakers of the ministry world STILL find folks who will send them their heart medication money. AMAZING. PT Barnum was right: there is a sucker born every minute. What a waste of resources.

[SerpentDove]

>>The Left Behind series is a major rip-off - the books are way over-priced and poorly written.<<

I haven't read the books, but I saw the movie and was kinda embarrassed that, after all the hoopla, it was so poorly and cheaply done.

On THIS of all subjects!

[g'nad]

ping fmfu