Book Review: Left Behind. The first book of the series.
Book Review: Left Behind. The first book of the series.
I found the books approached the subject of what the world would be like after the rapture happened in a straightforward manner. The books let you know what they were going to say, said it, showed it, and then presented it in several different ways. The first book touched on what the world would be like for those of us left behind. It examined the shock, surprise and grief we would most likely experience. It lightly showed some problems we could expect, such as roads blocked due to abandoned cars and the accidents that would result in a moving car suddenly losing it’s driver. The same with airplanes and other such modes of transportation. Additionally, such things as a rise in crime, telephone systems jammed up, and problems along this line are made apparent, but not really emphasized. It also clearly showed the struggles we would face, and gave a plausible account of the Anti Christ rise to power.
The book did an exhalant job of showing that those left behind are not the dregs of humanity. I expected the typical pagan bashing, but instead the book showed that those left behind were not “bad” people. Just people whom for a number of reasons, just never came to believe and give themselves to Christ. People left behind included a “visiting pastor” who knew Christ, but never really believed with his hart. Others were often to “intellectual” to get with the program. Again not bad people, and in many case people who attended church fairly regularly but never really came to accept Jesus. Finally, the book let us know that even after the rapture it was not too late for those left behind. However, it clearly showed that it would be better to be right with Jesus before it happens rather than waiting until after.
The only problem I had with the book, especially coming from a former Christian turned pagan prospective, was that everyone that was left behind seems to be boneheads. The main characters attended church (one was a pastor) they have read the bible before, and yet they are presented as if they never so much as glanced at the pages. The whole world, except for a few “fanatics” seems to think the rapture was caused by space ships or a natural phenomenon. It is not until the main people watch videotape made by a mister that they finally open their bibles and read for the first time what it says. This makes it seem as if the bible is a big secret book no one ever read. Many people have read the bible, even heathens. The rapture occurring as it did in this book, would not be a big mystery that no one left ever heard of. They may have to go hummm were did I see that and go re-read the bible but I just don’t think people would not remember seeing it, at least once. Finally, the book talked about only two religions, never mentioning Hindus or Muslims.
Over all this is an exhalant book. It allows both Christians and non-Christians to learn and understand, from a biblical prospective, what is predicted to happen. The book does so without pointing fingers or belaboring the point.
You do not have the full picture from just the first book. It has a lot to do with introductions from which more fully developed characters emerge as the series moves along.
You will find they are not boneheads. They are a group of people for whom their present way of life suddenly ends. They must begin to make their way in a world for which they have no preparation and past experiences provide no guidance. In that way it is rather like Alvin Tofflar's famous book Future Shock (which has nothing to do with religion).
You and I have taken a different path. You have abandoned and retreated while I have grown spiritually. Please reconsider your position. I can assure you, although I know you have no reason to believe me, moving past a point of frustration to greater spiritual growth is a truly wonderful experience.
Staying where you are now is a matter of getting a harder edge and becoming cynical about most human endeavors.
I will pray for you and I also wish you good shooting and good hunting.
You might want to read John's version too.
For those that don't know it is God's desire that you go to Heaven. If you don't want to go it's your choice.
Book Review: Left Behind. The first book of the series. 
All that goverment $$ spend on my education was not completly wasted 
