Book Description
Tim LaHaye contends that his bestselling Left Behind series (with Jerry Jenkins) is "the first fictional portrayal of prophetic events that are true to the literal interpretation of Bible prophecy." Gary DeMar takes issue with this bold claim, contending that the theological premise the series is based upon is only one interpretation of the book of Revelation.
DeMar examines the series in four distinct sections: The Left Behind Sensation; Putting Tim LaHaye's Literalism to the Test; the Theology Behind Left Behind; and What Does it Mean and What Does it Matter? Readers will learn to develop a simple method of Bible interpretation and to assess the impact of Left Behind on the future of the church and our society.
Customer Reviews:
Hey folks. It's already happened...........2007-09-01
While _Left Behind_ and similar books have us Christians waiting for a "Rapture" to take us away before the Tribulation, Gary Demar's _End Times Fiction_ makes the point that the events referenced in Revelation, Daniel, etc. refer to the events in Jerusalem around 70 A.D.
Demar does use plenty of Bible references in his book to make his point, and it would be useful to have a Bible at hand to read along. (Having more or less grown up with the idea of either a pre- or post-trib Rapture, this particular viewpoint is a bit novel to me....)
Demar does leave the reader hanging somewhat, as to what will actually happen at the "end of the world" (pp. 213-214).
Essential End Times Reading.......2006-12-12
There are, and have been, a multitude of Christian interpretations of the "end times" propehcies found in Revelation, Daniel, Ezekiel, the gopsels, etc. Throughout church history, good Christians have disagreed over what the prophetic symbols and language in these books represent. The pre-millenial dispensationalism synthesized from other ideas by John Darby a couple of centuries ago has easily come to dominate popular end times thought among conservative North American Christians. Why has it proven so strong? I would venture to say that its main strength is that while nineteenth century liberal Protestantism was consciously and explicitly jury rigging an amillenial eschatology to fit the spirit of nineteenth century scientific progressivism, Darby and his disciples, like Scofield and Ryrie, were claiming to have produced an end times theology that was Biblically sound, because it was Biblically literal, through and through. In our own day, publishing giants Tim LaHaye and Hal Lindsey continue to claim that their "Late Great Planet Earth" and "Left Behind" eschatology is the intrepretation of prophecy that is true to literal scriptural intrepretation where possible, and true to common sense always.
Gary DeMar's thesis is straightforward: LaHaye, Lindsey, et al. derive their pre-millenial eschatology from scripture only by repeatedly violating their own standards of literal and common sense Biblical interptretation. DeMar drives this point home again and again as he targets pretty much all of the major points of the "Left Behind" eschatology: the rise of the "new Roman Empire" in the EU/UN, the rise of the antichrist, the rapture, the rebuilding of the temple, the "mark of the beast", the seven years tribulation, and more. DeMar's analysis of "Left Behind" eschatology is Biblically informed, intelligent, comprehensive, and, though he could be a bit nicer at times, ultimately fair.
I myself had come to see a few years back that the "Left Behind" eschatology was simply missing the Biblical literalism it preached. But DeMar still had some surprises for me. For instance, the book of Revelation never mentions a seven year time period. And if we interpret the letters to the seven churches as a script for the ensuing history of the church, we have to give up what LaHaye calls the "any moment theory" of the rapture: Any Christian who realized that these letters represented a history of the church would know that the rapture couldn't come until the history had completed itself!
In short, alot of good people out there believe that "Left Behind" eschatology is built on a literal or common sense interpretation of Biblical prophecy. Sadly, it just isn't. And if you haven't read this book, you probably don't understand "Left Behind."
I can't give this book five stars because, first, most of the "Left Behind" believers and proponents are basically good people, trying to follow the Lord as bestt they can, bumps, bruises, and all, just like anyone esle who calls themselves Christian. They think they are being true to the Bible even if they aren't. And DeMar would have better served his readers by taking a more genial tone in some of his comments. DeMar's book falls short of five stars, secondly, because after trying to pull the Biblical rug out from under the feet of "Left Behind" he espouses a preterist (or, more precisely, partial preterist) view of Biblical prophecy that raises major problems itself. (Can we really believe Paul was just talking about the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in his letters to the Thessalonions?) In the eyes of some reviewers, this largely invalidates DeMar's contribution. But I disagree. We can all hope that he or someone will have a convincing eschatology to take the place of the "Left Behind" variety that he argues against. But the issue today is that too many Christians believe, and *believe that they have to believe*, the "Left Behind" eschatology. And if DeMar can free us from "Left Behind", we can explore other alternatives ourselves. So I think that what DeMar has accomplished here is contribution enough.
To sum up: DemMar's own preterist views need more defending than he himself has marshalled in this book, but he has done North American conservative Protestantism a great service in showing that "Left Behind" eschatology is not the product of literal or common sense Biblical interpetation, and that we are free to dispense with it and seek the Biblical truth elsewhere.
Don't be left behind.......2006-08-15
This book is a perfectly written explanation of why all the Christians that believe in the End Times theology of the rapture and AntiChrist etc. are simply wrong. There is no historical precedent in Christian history to believe the Left Behind Theology. It is just bad scholarship to cut and paste the books of Daniel, Isaiah, the Gospels, and Revelation into Tim Lahayes own personal eschatology. Please read this book with an open mind and spirit to understand the true context of of the writers of the bible.
Some facts of the matter is that Nero was the Antichrist his name in Greek equaled 666, the author of revelation was writing about current events.(In the Greek language there were no arabic numbers so letters equaled numbers).
The prophesies that are so often quoted as the AntiChrist was really the history of Antiochus IV when he ransacked the temple before the book of Daniel was written.
Buy the book for some much needed educated truth.
Note the folks that don't like this book.......2006-07-15
Is simply because they are rapture believers, and just can't stand that some biblical scholars have a different theology then they do, and can defend it. God is not an author of confusion, and the points made in this book are not hard to comprehend. When Jesus said "This generation will not pass.." He MEANT the people he was talking to, not people 2000 years (or more) in the future. In fact, it's the dispensationalist that must find a way to make it mean 2000 years ahead. Square peg..meet round hole. Nearly all the points are about that simple. Can't find a 7 year tribulation in the Bible? Good, because it's not there. To show his understanding, DeMar even tells you how LaHaye and others came up with this nonsense, and then slices it apart. As Demar notes in his forward, this book is not a personal attack on LaHaye, however, I feel most dipensationalist, due to their pride, and belief that know more about the Bible then everyone else will take it that way, the reviews they give to any book that disagress with them backs my point fully. I may even reccomend Left Behind enthusiast don't read this book, I don't think they can read it fairly, and won't be able to handle it. That's why I'm not giving it 5 stars, it isn't good for the people that really need to read it. Of course, that's really not DeMar's fault.
As biblical as DaVinci Code is historical..........2006-06-10
Just reading the assertions made in this book shows me that the author hasn't a grasp on what is means to interpret biblical prophecy. Rather than trying to refute the obvious failings of this book, I'd recomment that if the author wants to write fiction, perhaps he should take a lesson from Dan Brown and come up with some really strange ideas that no one in their right mind would believe if they were to actually do their own research.
Book Description
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. For centuries Christians have proclaimed these central truths. The gospel that began in space and time will ultimately be fulfilled at Christ's return. And as we wait for Christ, we find both encouragement from the gospel and a reason for hope. These studies in Paul's letters to the Thessalonians enlighten our minds, lift our hearts and cause us to worship the God of the gospel and of time.
Customer Reviews:
Does you church need more love and unity??.......2002-09-11
This bible study focuses on the church of Thessalonica and Paul's relationship with them as Apostle, Pastor, Parent... The church was being persecuted and struggling with false teachers therefore Paul lovingly rebukes (idlesness), teaches (apostolic authority in rebuking and teaching the truth, for instance in regard to the second coming of christ) and encourages them to stand firm and in unity, spread the gospel to all nations.
Book Description
The End Of Suffering: A Guide to Fearless Living is an inspiring step-by-step guide to surrendering the story of who we think we are and experiencing the end of our suffering. The authors' goal is to provide direct experience of the fact that the peace, love, and spaciousness we are all looking for is already within us - it is who we are! This book is a collaboration between Russell Targ, a laser physicist, pioneering psychical researcher, and writer, and J. J. Hurtak, a social scientist and spiritual teacher in both Judeo-Christian and Buddhist traditions. This practical guide brings together the enduring teachings of the East on peacefulness and self-realization, and puts them into a modern framework emphasizing experience over belief.
The End of Suffering demonstrates that the dualistic logic of Aristotle is a significant source of suffering today. It is through his writings on non-contradiction that we are falsely taught that we and the Divine are separate - rather than one. Aristotelian logic leads people to say absurd dualistic things like, "Those who are not with us are with the terrorists."
Buddha taught us to live a helpful and compassionate life, and to surrender our ego to the peace of spaciousness. This Mahayana middle path was greatly expanded by the Second Century genius Nagarjuna. Whereas Aristotle taught that an idea is either true of false, Nagarjuna demonstrated that most things are neither true, nor not true. The so-called complementarity of waves and particles in modern physics support this view, along with the famous indeterminacy theorem of Kurt Gödel. The modern physics of nonlocality and our own laboratory experience with remote viewing (psychical) research all show our potential for experiencing expanded awareness.
This book is a uniquely understandable treatment of Nagarjuna's peerless teachings on logical thought and emptiness. The Dalai Lama described Nagarjuna as one of the truly enlightened people of all time. Targ and Hurtak describe a peaceful and joyful path based on these teachings.
Customer Reviews:
A scientific and logical approach to spirituality.......2007-08-09
Most of the new age books and spiritual related literature present to us a lot of information that most of the times seems too abstract or too "up in the sky" (by this I do not mean that all that information is not real or authentic).
I believe there needs to be a bridge between everyday reality and spirituality, or to put it in other words, we need to start bringing and applying spirituality to our every day life. This is a great book for adressing this sense of separation. In my opinion, it can help a logic mind to start awakening to a more intuitive way of thinking and a more holistic perception of reality.
The title may not sound like a very scientific book, but it is mainly about physics and phylosophy, written on a very simple way (I think understandable to anyone).
It also may be great to "ground" a lot of people on the spiritual path to a more concrete way of living without losing any "connection" to the spiritual realm.
Wether you enjoy this book or not, I think is a must. Besides the essence of the content itself (which obviously is the teachings that the authors are attemping to transmit), it is also an excellent reference about the development of science and spirituallity in our times.
On top of everything, it is not a long book, so that makes it even more readable.
This is a fine book, but..........2007-07-01
Dr. Richard Moss has a more lucid and well-defined program for putting the ego in its proper place. That program is in his 2007 book called The Mandala of Being.
I Neither Liked Nor Disliked This Book.......2007-06-11
Essentially, this book is a scattered assortment of topics from psi research, quantum theory and Buddhism which are supposed to culminate in the reader a sense of connectivity to the universe and in turn trivialize our earthy sufferings; sort of a new age version of the "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff." However, I really don't think that the authors have delivered on this premise. Although to some readers this book may serve as a semi-decent introduction to such topics as psychic phenomenon, quantum mechanics and Buddhism, overall, the explanations are superficial and don't come together in a coherent fashion to support what the book claims in its title. If you are looking for a more meaningful coverage of the relationship between quantum theory and psi, may I recommend "Entangled Minds: Extrasensory Experiences in a Quantum Reality" by Dean Radin.
Why such an angry response?.......2007-01-15
R. Parness "BULL's" angry review reminds me of the emotional reactions readers have when they don't take the time to (or learn the art of) careful reading. Aristotle is an important component of this innovative book's thesis about Buddhism: it is as connected to a different kind of logic as it is to the "truths" and "pathways" we so often associate Buddhism with. I'm finding the book extremely helpful in its claims that we in the West still hang on to our ancient Greek ways of dualistic thinking, and that these ways cause so much mental (and even physical)suffering. Aristotle's logic is carefully explained, is not mentioned more than necessary, and is not a reason for careful readers to tear up the book. On the contrary, I would hope if any reader finds the sections on logic puzzling, he or she might simply patiently retrace reading steps to find an enlightening stance on Buddhist awareness vs. Western habits of thinking.
A Clueless scientist tries Buddhism.......2007-01-07
Very few books have I ever torn up and tossed and this is one. 'Repititous drivel' comes to mind. Mr Targ you may not use the words 'Aristotalian logic' in each and every paragraph without insulting and ultimately losing your audience. Do we really need a bland repititious scientist to tell us what Buddhism is about? Sir, only empty headed boring scientists like yourself ever subscribed to aristotalian logic (whatever that is)to begin with.
Average customer rating:
- Pre-trib propaganda
- Ok, but get it at a library... 3 out of 5
- Precious Insight
- Why continue to be deceived...
- EXCELLENT End Time Truth
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Are We Living in the End Times?
Tim F. LaHaye , and
Jerry B. Jenkins
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
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Binding: Paperback
 Prophecies
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Revelation Unveiled
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Understanding Bible Prophecy for Yourself (Tim LaHaye Prophecy Library)
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Charting the End Times: A Visual Guide to Understanding Bible Prophecy (Tim LaHaye Prophecy Library)
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The Rapture: Who Will Face the Tribulation? (Tim LaHaye Prophecy Library)
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Bible Prophecy: What You Need to Know (Quick Reference Guides)
ASIN: 0842336443 |
Book Description
It's a fact: 27 percent of the Bible is devoted to prophecy. But most of us don't focus 27 percent of our personal Bible study on prophecy. Why? We're confused. Or intimidated. Or both. This book takes away a lot of the mystery--and all of the intimidation. From the creators of the Left Behind series--Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins--comes a truly astonishing book. User-friendly for the layperson. Remarkably complete for the scholar.
Customer Reviews:
Pre-trib propaganda.......2007-04-09
Just more pre-trib propaganda. There is not a single verse in the Bible that says the Rapture will be after the Tribulation. In fact Jesus told us the very opposite (read Matthew 24:29-31 very carefully). Revelation 20:4,5 tells us that the saints martyred in the Tribulation will be in the First Resurrection. The First Resurrection is the RAPTURE! The Rapture is obviously after the Tribulation! It's time to wake up and accept the truth. Place your trust in Jesus Christ not in fictional escapism.
Ok, but get it at a library... 3 out of 5.......2007-03-18
It's been awhile since reading this book, but after refreshing the book I have decided that LaHaye and Jenkins have produced a so-so book. The book is interesting and points out evidence that leads readers to think that the end times are extremely close, which I won't argue, we could be closer to the end, but people have thought they were living in the end times for hundreds of years. This book is heavily centered on pre-tribulation ideas, which I don't see a need to focus on since there is no strong biblical evidence to pin point this idea and there is really no need to even know since we have no control over the matter.
Part of the reason I gave this book such a low rating is that I find some of the scripture references that Lahaye uses to discuss puzzling. For example, Page 57 talks about two sets of "These Things" in Matthew 24:33-34. How does the same verse have two different meanings?
The book does a good job discussing the "birth pains" of the end times. Just because we see one or two events that are prophecy doesn't mean the world is coming to an end just yet, it means we are close but just like a woman in labor, the "pains" will be more dramatic and closer together when the end is getting extremely close.
-Christian Fobian, Author of Why Christ?
Precious Insight.......2007-01-10
This book is a helpful tool in understanding biblical history in relation to the future of mankind. Very helpful.
Why continue to be deceived..........2006-06-26
Tim LaHaye, Jerry Jenkins, and others in the Pre-Trib circle, such as Ed Hindson, Tommy Ice, Chuck Missler, etc., continue to put forth the same deceptions that Hal Lindsey popularized decades ago. The notion of a pre-tribulation rapture is foreign to scripture, it is foreign to the teachings of the early Church, and it is grooming the Church for destruction through ignorance and lack of preparation for what is really coming. These men are novices and not prophecy "experts" or "scholars" by any stretch of the imagination; they are those who tickle the ears of gullible Christians. Why continue to be deceived? Tim Cohen, in his excellent book, "The AntiChrist and a Cup of Tea," provides biblically sound and testable evidence to show that the coming AntiChrist is known NOW. Not only that, the same author (Tim Cohen) has now put out the strongest presentation on the whole issue of the rapture EVER offered to the saints of God in Christ: "The REAL Rapture". If you really want to know the truth about the timing of the coming rapture, then you need to hear Tim Cohen's "The REAL Rapture" (based on a volume in his forthcoming "Messiah, History, and the Tribulation Period" series (see Prophecy House's web site, prophecyhouse dot com, for details on these items).
EXCELLENT End Time Truth.......2006-06-02
This is a superb book. It is full of information for anyone who wants to start to look into prophecy and it is also great for those who are already into prophecy study. This is one book to have in your library as NOW is the time to LOOK UP to Jesus' soon return. Hope anyone remotely interested will purchase this great book.. get out your Bibles as this book continously refers to God's word! GREAT!!!
Book Description
A classic Bible prophecy book that looks at end times subjects, but this one is a positive, hopeful book that urges Christians to both stay strong during persecution, and look anxiously forward to eternity. This book looks at apostasy in the Church, Middle East storm clouds, the importance of vitality of prayer, and practical ways to stand for the faith.
Customer Reviews:
Simple Truth on How to Live according to the scripture........2004-05-21
I have read most of Dr. Reagan's books. He truly is a man of God; the ministry he runs is totally devoted to teaching the truth about the bible and the end times. I highly suggest this book If you want to learn about the end times and how Christians are supposed to live. Its an uplifting book to those to seek to do Gods will. Its also an eye-opener to those caught up in the Apostasy of the Christian Churches and the downfall of American Society. This is a must read if you are seeking the truth.
Living for Christ in the End Times.......2001-08-27
Tremendous! A book for ALL Christian and non-Christian men. Read this one and pass it around. Dr. Reagan comes right to the point on all of our short-comings. Very uplifting.
Living for Christ.......2001-07-11
Dr. Reagan is an incredibly gifted man of God whose insight into prophecy is right on the mark! The most comprehensive book on how we are to live apart from the ungodliness of the world and focus on the Kingdom of God.
Jesus and the X-Files.......2001-03-08
If you want to read a book which captures the paranoia of the Christian fundamentalist movement, this is the book for you.
A REAL EYE OPENER!!!.......2001-02-20
I have always had a passion for the truth and this book has it! It will give you great insight on what has been going on in our government and society. It will also challenge you to take a good look at your own self and where you stand. This book is very poignant and puts the truth out there as it is. Has great documentation. And despite the sharpness of the book, Dr. Reagan remains humble. I feel all Christians who care about their walk with God should read this and I also think this book is beneficial to anyone who wants to know what is "really going on" and what you can do to remain above board. You won't regret reading this one unless you'd rather have been the horse with the blinders on. There is good information in this book for EVERYONE.
Book Description
This study of 1 and 2 Peter and Jude helps believers deepen their faith and guard against false teachings. Peter and Jude exhort us to live courageously for Christ in a world that seeks to destroy the gospel’s truth.
Average customer rating:
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Living at the End of Time
Kenneth Copeland
Manufacturer: Kenneth Copeland Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Prophecies
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| Christianity
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Eschatology
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ASIN: 1575622459 |
Average customer rating:
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Are We Living in the End Times?
Tim F. LaHaye; Jerry B. Jenkins
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Jenkins, Jerry
| ( J )
| Authors, A-Z
| Religion & Spirituality
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Paperback
| Jenkins, Jerry
| ( J )
| Authors, A-Z
| Religion & Spirituality
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ASIN: B000O9OGCA |
Average customer rating:
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Are We Living in the End Time?: Prophetic Events Destined to Impact Your World
Rod Hall
Manufacturer: Prescott Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Prophecies
| Reference
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
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Eschatology
| Theology
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Prophecy
| Theology
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Religion & Spirituality
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ASIN: 0933451482 |
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