You are correct, it is fiction. It's an author's interpretation of what may happen.

The bible tells us that no one knows when the end of the world will come. But it also says it *is* coming and to prepare for it.

Carl Olsen has a book out debunking the "left behind" lie [which so many are starting to believe]: http://carl-olson.com/wcblb_home.html

Hope the linkage doesn't trigger your spam filter!

Tell us how you *really* feel sweetheart! Don't hold back!

I picked up the first "Left Behind" book by accident really, back in 2000 (I think). I read the teaser, which went something like this: Imagine...half of the world's population disappears in an instant. Your wife and son are gone, and so are most of the people on the plane you are piloting. Where did they all go?

Of course, I had to read it! Who could resist? Little did I know I would get drawn into a series about Armageddon! I realize that the books are fiction- based upon some facts found in the book of Revalations and the huge imaginations of the authors. But then again, isn't every book based upon some sort of truth? Otherwise, nothing we read would be believable enough to trigger realistic responses to fiction novels.

Isn't it possible that the return of Jesus would trigger a mass accension? Isn't it possible that Jews around the world will start believing that Jesus is, in fact, the son of God? (as many do already) Isn't it written in the Bible that a false prophet would arise and claim to be God, and make the world's population take his mark or else be persecuted or killed?

Now, it is also possible that a team of pilots, nurses, journalists and clergy would team together to save the world, but how they actually save the world- and who this elite team is- is pure fiction. It would be ridiculous to think otherwise.

Of course its fiction.

Who have we missed since the Trump and Shout came and went back in the Nineties after the Anti-Christ got elected President ;)

Sure they covered up Heinlein's disappearance by claiming that he died, but as far as I can see everyone else is still here.

Its going to be a pretty boring thousand years if this is the best we can do.

Eh. They're really not well written. I was going to check them out for curiosity's sake but couldn't get past the opening paragraphs. The authors have no sense of dialogue OR of irony. (Planes crashed on the tarmas, and the pilot who walks back to the terminal— IGNORING the people who need help— feels self-righteous because he didn't take the tram? Please.)

The kids read them as they do other cheap fiction. It's interesting they are based on an interpertation of Relevations from 19th century USA rather than a historical one. I figure no harm. Heck you should see the crap I read on planes.

They were really popular within my Church congregation when they first came out. I watched as they stumbled over one another to get their copies so that they could have something to discuss as the next social.

I don't know why, but for some reason I have a problem getting into religion as entertainment. Not that I feel that there's anything *wrong* with that...just me I guess.

And perhaps you. ; )

Amen, sister! I was brought up on a lot of that stuff and while I believe the world will end one day, I'm pretty sure God wants me to try and make the world I live in a better place, not live like it doesn't matter because the end is near. Not sure that makes much sense, but I'm tired :)

I'm not so sure that profiteering by fictionalizing Scripture is appropriate, especially when the ending represents a complete departure from that Scripture. Illustrating Armageddon is one thing; presenting the idea that it can be stopped is insidious.

If there is a way around Armageddon, then that suggests there is a way around the Cross, and a way around all of Scripture.