Review of the Left Behind Books

[bobfrgsn]

I have never read a single one of the books. I have read Late Great Planet Earth and excerpts from some of the LB books. Read about this book that reviews the LB series:

http://www.whtt.org/articles/gwlb.htm

Timely reading for every Bible believer.

 

[Caretaker]

GOD’S WRATH ON LEFT BEHIND,
Exposing the Antichrist Agenda of the Left Behind Series,
By Lisa Ruby, 215page paperback, $15.00.

“God’s Wrath” is a review of the mega-selling 10 book pulp fiction series, which masquerades as theology in make believe land. The writer has laboriously reviewed the entire series and explained the moral misdirection she found throughout. Much more, the book is a distillation of faulty theology. It provides a tidy layman’s explanation of what fundamental Christianity is.


God’s Wrath” discusses the controversial subject of biblical prophecy from the authors “post-tribulation ” point of view, which may cause small confusion for some readers who may have a different eschatological (Bible prophesy) point of view. However, this does not detract from Lisa Ruby’s perceptive scholarship as to why the Left Behind books are damaging to Christian’s mental health and will someday make a fine bonfire. We recommend it for anyone of any religion or faith who wonders about the significance of the Left Behind craze.

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Post-trib of course would consider Left-Behind anathema.


A servant of Christ,
Drew

 

[Artimaeus]

I am two chapters into the 9th book of the series. I have enjoyed them very much. I don't get my theology from them (why would I?). I don't get my theology from the Reader's Digest either, but I sometimes read it. Would I make changes in the books if I were the editor, of course. I would no doubt make it worse but I like to think I would improve it. Compared to good solid Sunday School lessos the books leave a lot to be desired but compared to the trash coming out of Hollywood and the best seller lists, it is terrific. The website seemed to be an advertisement using sensationalism to sell a book which will no doubt have very limited appeal. As theology the series fails, but as good, clean, entertainment of the sanctified imagination it goes down pretty smooth.

 

[Daniel David]

IMHBAO, Tim LaHaye is a pathetic representation of pretribulational theology. He ignores key points in favor of his sloppy sentamentalism. He lacks the vision and integrity to turn Revelation into a decent novel. I am truly embarrassed by him.

Jerry Jenkins has zero theological knowledge. His part is mainly to introduce stupid characters who die in the next book. Can anyone here believe those romance themes he tries to plug in?

This stuff is bad comedy, pathetic love stories, snot-nosed teens, psychobabble-driven adults, and utterly hilarious if it wasn't so tragic.

Overall, I rate it just above a Jack Hyles and/or Rick Warren book. I guess they could be used if you run out of toilet paper.

 

[Pete Richert]

Wow Preach, what did Tim and Jerry do, run over your dog!

Just joking.

 

[Joseph_Botwinick]

If Tim and Jerry didn't really take this stuff seriously, it would make great Sci-Fi.

Joseph Botwinick

 

[Matt Black]

Isn't LaHaye part of the Word of Faith Movement? I think we should be told....

Yours in Christ

Matt

 

[Karen]

I have read the first 10. Looking forward to number 11. I never have understood the strong anger many feel towards these books. They are just books. Tim Lahaye never forced anyone to buy a single one. I bought each one willingly.
I think that some of the anger is probably dismay that a view of prophecy you don't hold is held by many.

Karen

 

[All about Grace]

Fiction should not be read as theology. If one reads the LB series as theology, they are making a mistake. The same mistake can be made by those who critique the book as theology.

If one reads them as fiction and entertainment, have fun. But you might want to check out some better fiction writers (start with John Grisham).

Like them or not, one thing is certain: multitudes of people are reading the LB series, so a leader would be wise to be informed and conversant with what the people are reading.

Furthermore God can even use methods such as the LB to communicate gospel truth. I baptized recently an adult lady who read LB and became a Christian. What an awesome God we serve!

BTW Preach can you direct us to some of the books you have written that rise above the TP level? Since you are so quick to attack and cast judgment on others surely you have some quality work out there that we can review. Or is your writing confined to the garbage you spout on the BB?

 

[Daniel Dunivan]

Truly Fiction (not neccessarily good) in every sense of the word.

Grace and Peace, Danny

 

[Baptist Believer]

Not good fiction.
Not good theology.
Not worth any more of my time.

I read the first one but couldn't stomach any more. (I only finished the first one just so I could say that I've actually read it cover to cover.)

 

[donnA]

No matter what your end time view is theres a book out there about it, and most probably a fiction book about someoens opinion on your view. Left Behid just happens to be the very saemthing, only fro some reason has grown more popular. So I wonder, if there were a book of fiction on what they author thinks will happen in teh end time that supports your end time view (pre, mid post, whatever you are), would you complain as much? Is it only becasue their view is different from yours.
Plenty of people write christian books you don't agree with, many by popular autors that most everyone has heard their name. I almost never see topics putting them down.

 

[LadyEagle]

Hard to believe pre-tribbers existed long before Tim LaHaye wrote his series of novels. Which is what they are and were intended to be. Novels.

Seriously doubt that Tim LaHaye cares what anybody on here thinks. The royalties are keeping the lights on.

One could always, rather than stooping to being "pea-green with envy" (as Scarlet O'Hara would say), write their own series entitled "Not Left Behind" and wait for the royalty checks to roll in. That isn't an original idea, either.

 

[Caretaker]

I have enjoyed reading the Left Behind series. My son just picked up "Armageddon", yesterday, and I read it last night. For me it has been fun to see Biblical prophecy played-out in this fictionalized account. It does cause one to draw closer to Christ, and to give far more consideration to the Christian imperatives, as well as to seek a greater understanding of end-time events.

Have people decided to seek Christ after reading Left Behind? Yes they have

I like them, and will purchase the next one to come out, for I am very curious as to how they will portray the coming of Christ, the defeat of the anti-christ, and the establisment of the Millenial Reign.

They are fiction, but are as entertaining as many of Frank Paretti's books. Those that are not pre-tribbers will probably be repulsed by them, and should not buy them. For myself I enjoy the light reading, and will finish the series, if my Lord tarries.

God bless.

A servant of Christ,
Drew

 

[Terry_Herrington]

I have enjoyed the series except for waiting months for the next book to arrive. Over all I think it is good FICTI0N, something others here have a difficult concept understanding.

 

[Artimaeus]

One of the things I found fascinating about the books was how they portrayed a "possibility". they were not saying this IS the way it WILL happen, only that here (in each instance) is a possible way for a particular prophecy to be fullfilled.