The Rapture Trap

by Brandon Jubar

Everywhere you go these days, there is a book display for the Left Behind series. It seems that the fundamentalist Christian theology of end-times prophecy has taken pop culture by storm. With so many conflicting theories floating around, what's a person to do?

Recently, I had a faithful reader pose a few questions regarding the Left Behind series, which she was reading. Though the major theme of her questions focused on "who" would be raptured, I found it interesting that she did not actually question the theology presented in the books.

There is nothing wrong with exploring the topics of salvation and redemption, but I will not attempt to do that here. Instead, I want to have us all take a step back. Try to remember that everything we read is not fact, and pop theology is not necessarily built on a solid foundation. Don't worry... we won't delve into theology here, but a tiny history listen may be in order.

The Origins of the Rapture

It is widely believed that fundamentalist Christian denominations only believe that which can be read verbatim from the Bible. Not surprisingly, this is not necessarily the case. The end times theology dealing with the Rapture, Tribulation, and the other specifics around which the Left Behind series revolves is relatively new on the scene. In fact, the term "rapture" was not used until the mid-1800s.

Before that time, all Christians -- Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant -- believed that the event known today as the "rapture" would take place right before the Second Coming. It was believed that this event would actually end a long period of persecution.

Interestingly enough, it was a member of a sect known as the Irvingites, who, in 1830, claimed that the rapture would occur before the period of persecution. What is even more interesting is that this claim was made while the man was in a trance.

Eventually, this view was adopted by John Nelson Darby, an early leader of a Fundamentalist movement, and his view of the rapture was then picked up by another gentleman, who taught the view in the footnotes of his Reference Bible. The Scofield Reference Bible was widely used in England and America, and many Protestants simply accepted what its footnotes said. Thus it was that the pre-tribulational view of the rapture -- the belief that the rapture will occur before the tribulation -- became very popular very quickly... even though no one had heard of it during the previous 1800 years.

The Book Says It's Crystal Clear

Believe it or not, I am reading the Left Behind series. As of this writing I am on book four, "Soul Harvest". I decided to read these books for three reasons: (1) they are incredibly popular, so there must be at least a bit of entertainment value; (2) it seemed like a good way to explore this popular fundamentalist theology; and (3) I prefer to judge things for myself.

My evaluation thus far? Well, first of all, the books are fairly entertaining. They're not the best-written fiction around, but after more than a thousand pages, I feel like I know the characters just a little bit.

As for the theology lesson? I suggest you look elsewhere. There are many times when characters read the Bible and say, "It makes such perfect sense! Why didn't someone show me this before?" The authors, however, neglect to tell you what it is the character has just read. And frankly, I challenge you to find anything in the book of Revelations that is crystal clear. Or even remotely clear, for that matter!

What Does the Church Have to Say?

The subjects of end-times prophecy, salvation, and redemption are important topics. They have been, and will continue to be, debated fervently, especially by Protestant denominations. However, the Catholic Church has yet to define the dogma around this issue.

Does that mean the Church does not have an opinion?
Hardly. The Church's official stance is that premillennialism -- the belief that the "rapture" will occur prior to the thousand year reign of Christ -- "cannot safely be taught".

And for the "rapture"? Well, Catholics certainly agree that Christ will come again and gather his people to him. But we do not usually use the term "rapture" when referring to this event. The Catholic Catechism does, however, say that "before Christ's second coming the Church must pass through a final trial that will shake the faith of many believers." (CCC 675)

So what is the verdict on the Left Behind series? Well, let me suggest that you read the books with the knowledge that their underlying theology just doesn't quite make the grade. That way, you won't fall victim to the rapture trap!

Life Applications:

What do you think of the Left Behind series (regardless of whether or not you've read them)?
Why do you think theology of such dubious origins caught on so quickly?
What do you think about the concept of a Judgment Day? Are you ready?

Copyright 2002 by Brandon Jubar
All rights reserved.