Thursday, December 12, 2013

Thoughts About the "Left Behind" Book Series

Dear Readers,

I just finished the entire “Left Behind” book series. Some might argue that the series acts to confuse people, and that there is too much about Revelation and the Old Testament prophecy scriptures that we don’t even come close to understanding.

Without trying to debate the merits or demerits of the series, what I want to do is to tell the story of how I “felt” about the series before, and after.

Before…

  • I have always been drawn to dramatized stories, whether they are true or fiction. This includes stories about prophecy, both in books, or in movies. I always think there is something to be gained from imagining what might have occurred in the past, or what might occur in the future.
  • I don’t think that fictionalized, or even biographical sketches, can fully portray a story. They only give glimpses of what might have happened in the past, or what might happen in the future. I think using one’s imagination is almost always a good thing, and would be supported by Jesus’ using stories with word pictures to get points across to his listeners.
After…
  • I think I’m more aware of the spiritual, supernatural side of life. Jesus often talked about the spiritual part of living, He said in Mark 13:26-27, "At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.” A person in his finite thinking can hardly imagine such an occurrence.
  • I have a greater sense of urgency to reach others with the great news of Jesus Christ, before it's too late!

I think the authors of the Left Behind series took creative license to say how things might occur. Things like bombs passing through airplanes without hurting the “remnant”…or men, women, and children running over seventy miles per hour to reach Jesus in Jerusalem might...or might not, be a little farfetched. But it’s fun to think about.

See you next time,
 

Arlen

3 comments:

Henry said...

I can identify with your feelings on this. I have not read all of the books, so don't know all the details.
There are many who believe the thought of a pre-trib rapture is an "escape theory" and gives people less incentive to be ready for the appearing of Jesus. I think the opposite is true, we know it might happen at any moment, without warning. This causes us to live accordingly and also makes us want to tell others about it.

Unknown said...

I liked the books, mostly, and the movies that followed. It does give greater meaning to Matthew 24:44: " Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."

Soulwinnersr.us said...

Thanks so much for your comments Henry and Lynn. I admit that I listened to the books on CD instead of reading the printed versions. It was great. I took advice from sister Marlene who listens to books on CD as she drives. I also believe in the pre-tribulation view, although I have some close friends who differ on that. Henry, I don't think it at all decreases a person's incentive to reach out to others. Lynn, I wish they would make movies of all 13 books.