The Left Behind reboot with Nicolas Cage has Christians talking about all things rapture. Oh, joy.
I suspect that the continued cinematic production of such a ridiculous and counter-biblical narrative will only serve to wake folks up to the undeniable truth that rapture theology is nothing more than a baptized escapism–sort of a neo-Gnosticism. And it has only been around since the early 19th century.
Dr. Ben Witherington III, evangelical professor of NT for doctoral studies at Asbury and St. Andrews, has recently completed a video for Seedbed entitled “Where Did Rapture Theology Come From?” (10-8-14).
This brief history of rapture theology is worth watching.
For those interested, I’ve posted the following on rapture theology:
- Rapture Theology: History & Influence
- Then the End Will Come
- N.T. Wright on Heaven & Rapture Theology
- The Rapture Fallacy
- Rapture Palooza!
- Who Gets Left Behind?
You might also enjoy reading a few blog posts from my friends:
- Why the Rapture Isn’t Biblical… And Why It Matters by Kurt Willems
- Jesus Says Those Left Behind Are the Lucky Ones by Benjamin Corey
- Is the Rapture Biblical? by Frank Viola
- Why the Rapture is a Bad Idea (video) by Greg Boyd
D.D. Flowers, 2014.
The Centrality and Supremacy of Jesus Christ 
October 13th, 2014 at 11:58 am
David, I must add this recent interview of Dr. Michael Brown and Professor Craig Keener discussing the Left Behind movie as well as Pre-Trib rapture theory. Neither hold to it and they raise some excellent points in this radio interview. Definitely worth the listen.
http://www.lineoffireradio.com/2014/10/08/dr-brown-speaks-with-prof-craig-keener-about-the-left-behind-movie-and-the-pre-trib-rapture/
October 13th, 2014 at 11:59 am
Thanks, Seth!
October 13th, 2014 at 12:40 pm
David,
I never reply to things like this but I have to ask you: what about Matthew 24:39-41? To hear you refer to the rapture as “ridiculous and counter-biblical” leaves me shocked. But I’m guessing you expected this from some of your readers.
I’d welcome your response if you have time!
Anna
October 13th, 2014 at 1:19 pm
Hey Anna, I understand the “shock” of it. I still can remember the first time I heard it.
See what I’ve written in my posts Who Gets Left Behind? and Then the End Will Come. I address the Matt 24 passage there. Also, see Benjamin Corey’s post.
October 13th, 2014 at 8:11 pm
Good post buddy. I remember when I first started taking my faith seriously and decided I should the Bible….. When I read it through I thought, “But where is the rapture??”
Good stuff man, hope all is well with you and your family.
October 13th, 2014 at 9:54 pm
Hey Aaron,
Thanks for reading, bro! We’re doing well. There are things we miss about Houston, especially the people. Hope you and your wife are kickin’ it.