Tim Lahaye

The Revelation of St. John is one of the most studied documents that have ever been written and it belongs to the body of literature known as Oriental apocalyptic literature; and in order to have a good understanding of The Revelation of St. John it is necessary to have an in depth knowledge of this body of literature, especially the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament, that one may have an understanding of the vocabulary and symbolism used by the authors of these works.

After many years of study, R. H. Charles wrote his very large, highly-academic 1,555 page work, The Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament published by Oxford University in 1913. This very extensive work was followed by his very detailed and highly-academic 872 page commentary on the Greek text of Revelation published in 1920 by T. & T. Clark. These works were followed by his Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Daniel in 1929.

Obviously these works are very dated because of the huge amount of research that has been devoted to this body of literature since then, but they form a good starting place for those who want to get their feet wet in the study of the end times. Tim LaHaye did not bother to study any of this research and wrote basically from profound ignorance.

 

To those who enjoy reading fiction interwoven with Biblical reality...that is fine. I guess it would be kind of hypocritical for those of us who spend so much time on internet boards to be critical of how anyone choses to ENTERTAIN themselves since internet usage is every bit about the use of precious time and is mostly based upon the skill of reading.God knows we certainly see enough junk that is far worse than "fiction" on here!As to LaHayes works,I haven't read any of them for two primary reasons...(1)I have read THE Book...and I already know how IT ends(Praise God!)..and (2)In an effort to "redeem" my own time I simply don't have time for much fiction reading any longer.
As to the idea that his books may not be scholarly because they ignore the "scholarship" of those who lean towards post-mill,a-mill,or the ridiculous preterist views of eschatology...I'd only say that LaHaye(and I have heard him speak on TV news talkshows)writes from the viewpoint of someone that is a convinced Pre-Mill,Pre-trib(Biblically correct)New Testament Christian.We KNOW that in the last days many who would be "professing themselves to be wise,they became fools,"(Romans 1:22)so just because he ignores or disagrees with the "scholars" means nothing.He may be WISE to do so!The popularity of the Left Behind series simply attests to the truth that in the last days mens hearts would be failing them for fear of what may be coming and the uncertainty of the endtimes.From what I'm told,the GOSPEL is clearly presented throughout these books as the ONLY way to escape the coming darkness.Just because the books are a commercial sucess doesn't mean they are bad.LaHaye is no different than the rest of us..we'll all be judged at the Bema on what kind of STEWARDS we were with our time,talents,and riches which we attained after we were saved.Hummmmm...reward...or no reward....THAT is the question!God Bless AllaYa'll!

Greg Sr.

 

as i read all the responses about Tim Lahaye i am amazed. the thought process the tearing down of his work is at best odd.do i hand my hat on his teachings or do i bill him as a prophet a loud NO will sound.should we be careful of his writings a loud YES is heard.but no more than any other writing, and those of you so critical i bet if i were to look at your library i would find many authors who are way out there.tims left behinds have found a large niche amound many who steer clear of Gods word i personally have been able to open dialogue with many who scare from religious talk.God can use anything Christian or wordly to further his Kingdom.but the series are pretty on and understood to be fictional with the story line.they by no means replace THE POWER OF GODS WORD nor claim to,and by now means are they evil by writing or intention. GOD WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS, ways we do not understand.be critical always but condeming only when its deserved.

 

I think you would do better if you simply read the Bible...but that is only my opinion.

Joseph Botwinick

 

I haven't read any of his end times books.

I don't have a problem with dispensationalists teaching or preaching their doctrine. I do have a problem when ONLY their perspective is allowed and when others are excluded because they don't accept dispensationalism. Sadly this is the case in fundamental Baptist circles.

Frogman, why do you disagree with LaHaye, since you are pre-trib?

 

Tim LaHaye's purpose to selling his books. To make money. That's sad.

Same with Hal Lindsey. He wrote many books, and selling them. Actually, he steal from other authors' comment or words by put their comments in his books. He is a thief, and make lot of money. That's sad.

We all know that, many Christians LOVE to read, listening, about the end times, want to be curious know what's will be happened at the end time.

Grasshopper,

Let you know, Gary DeMar is not full preterist, he is partial preterist. He believes future literal physical coming of Christ.

In CHrist
Rev. 22:20 -Amen!

 

The best book by Tim LaHaye is:

HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE FOR YOURSELF,
Revised and Expanded Edition (Harvest House
Publishers, 1998, ISBN 1-56507-631-1)

 

Don't throw false accusations around about a man and his motives unless you can back them up. Because you do not have the same view of Bible prophesy, does not mean you can rip his motives and character by calling him a thief. You lost a lot of my respect.

 

The best book by Tim LaHaye:

The Act of Marriage ... every man has to love it.

 

You can do it, I know you can!

 

yes, I am well aware of that. His book "End Times Fiction" is a direct response to Lahaye's "Left Behind" series.