LaHayes Books

[joy4Him2day]

I hate to confess this, but I haven't read LaHayes Left Behind series.....I don't read novels very much, I mostly spend my time reading non-fiction and devotional.
Are they pretty acurate, and what part is speculation?
My daughter's girlfriend is enrapted with them and asking lots of questions.....
I never was that interested in prophecy (I know, it's ugly) before, because I figured I'd be gone anyway, so...spend my time studying other things.....(how can I continue in this pattern?It's impossible now).....anyway....
in a brief, (is it possible?) way, what part is speculation, that I could say to her, well, it;s pretty much how it's gonna be.....
know what I am asking?
I am attending a bible study on Daniel (you should be proud of me) just to catch up on my delinquency......
how can a rr poster not know prophecy.....heresy!!!!:twitch
(I know that's what your thinking....):D:

[Christ Rocks On]

Hello, Joy4Him2Day :):

I've reall all the Left Behind Books, I have most of them, and can tell you that they are not that accurate with the book of Revelation.

I'm nitpicky. If you're going to write a book based on the Bible, please be accuarate and do not take liberties with God's Word.

For example, the Antichrist has an affair with one of the main characters, who later becomes a tribulation saint. During the affair, she gets pregnant, but has a miscarriage. Daniel 12:37 says of the Antichrist:

"He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall manify himself above them all."

I could, of course be wrong on this.

Another example are in the vial judgments. Those who took the mark are afflicted with boils, but the leader of the "Remnant" (whom the authors characterizes as a modern day Moses) bargains with the Antichrist (and characterizing his a a modern day Pharoah in this sense) and the judgment of the boils are reversed. Same thing with the judgment of the second vial, where the seas become blood, more bargaining is done and the seas become water again.

Then there are the 144,000 witnesses. One of them becomes the leader of all the tribulation saints. He was married with two stepchildren, but they are subsequently killed when he delcares that Jesus is the jewish Messiah that was prophesized. Now, Revelation 14:4-5 says about the 144,000:

"These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile, for they are without fault before the throne of God."

Now how can one of the 144,000 be a virgin if he was married?

Just a few things that were in the books that bugged me. Other than that, they make for good reading, and I did learn a lot about end time prophesy from them.

[baptizedNchrist]

:tsk

I agree. I've only read a few of them. The only one I bought was "The Mark" and halfway through the book there's this idea of a Christian receiving the Mark of the Beast...while still being saved mind you. :eek

Many people are reading these books & with teaching like this..well, it's misleading to say the least.

In the Messiah's love, Shalom!
baptizedNchrist

[Elizabeth_S]

The way they depict events in the Trib are their interpretations, along with story telling.

It is not the bible, which csome forget.

And I don't really see a conflict with the timing in Revelation to the events they think will happen and order.

I like the series, and one of the biggest reasons I came to Jesus. It was the tool that God used to draw me.

The episode with the mark is very controversial.

But people like to argue these books as though they are God's word, they are just fiction.

[FollowerofJesus]

it does represent a false image which is disturbing.

[Medic911]

There are many, many ways to interpret most of these verses... (even assuming a literal interpretation). God wrote these prophecies in such a way that they will be easily recognizable as being fulfilled after the fact, yet in such a way that it won't be easy to predict exactly what will transpire in advance.... so an author like LaHaye must rely on a great deal of artistic license in trying to guess how things will be.

'Christ Rocks On' mentioned that the A.C. in the books had an affair with a woman, despite the Scriptures which say that he will have no regard for women... but this could easily be exlained: I know many men who have little or no regard for women, yet they use them as sexual objects. Look at Bill Clinton and his escapades with Lewinski, for example... I would hardly say that he had a high 'regard' for women.. yet he was a womanizer. So the Bible doesn't really clarify what sort of disregard he will have.
There is also another school-of-thought that this verse is referring to Jesus, since Jewish tradition apparently refers to the Messiah as the "desire of women". This expression is not meant in a sexual sense, but rather that all women desired that they would be the mother of the Messiah.

The point is, it's anyone's guess how most of these things will come about, and LaHaye takes a very, very literal view of the Bible. IMHO his guesses are as accurate as anyone's, and he works in plenty of messages for those seeking salvation and solid Scripture every chance he gets.

I personally love his books because they have done more to generate an interest in end-times and Scripture than anyone this century, except perhaps Hal Lindsey's "The Late Great Planet Earth". That's a good thing.

[antsinmypants]

Originally posted by Christ Rocks On
"These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile, for they are without fault before the throne of God."

Now how can one of the 144,000 be a virgin if he was married?


From what I've read and studied, this is speaking of the Spiritual sense, not literal physical. It means they have never took it upon themselves to go whoring after other gods as their forefathers, but have always served YHVH El-him, though maybe just now at this point, have some just accepted Messiah Y'shua as YHVH's Son.



As for whether the books are accurate.. No.
And I'm not Pre Trib either, so I have a few is issues with the books besides that. It's fiction, and I find far too many people elevating those books to the level of Scripture and Truth.. which is very disturbing to my eyes and ears to see and hear.

[Christ Rocks On]

'Christ Rocks On' mentioned that the A.C. in the books had an affair with a woman, despite the Scriptures which say that he will have no regard for women... but this could easily be exlained: I know many men who have little or no regard for women, yet they use them as sexual objects. Look at Bill Clinton and his escapades with Lewinski, for example... I would hardly say that he had a high 'regard' for women.. yet he was a womanizer. So the Bible doesn't really clarify what sort of disregard he will have.
There is also another school-of-thought that this verse is referring to Jesus, since Jewish tradition apparently refers to the Messiah as the "desire of women". This expression is not meant in a sexual sense, but rather that all women desired that they would be the mother of the Messiah.

Thanks for the clarification, Medic911. See, I said I could've been wrong on my interpretation. :):


From what I've read and studied, this is speaking of the Spiritual sense, not literal physical. It means they have never took it upon themselves to go whoring after other gods as their forefathers, but have always served YHVH El-him, though maybe just now at this point, have some just accepted Messiah Y'shua as YHVH's Son

Ditto, ants, though I have to point out in the LB book that another of the 144,000 witness was not even a believer in God, period, before coming to Christ.

baptizedNChrist, I forgot about the mark. One of the believers, who already has the mark of God on his forehead, also gets the mark of the beast against his will (he gets drugged.) :tsk

I am aware that this is fiction, but if you're going to base it off of a REAL book, then be accurate, especially since it's God's Word. :wave

[Crescendo]

Originally posted by baptizedNchrist
[Band halfway through the book there's this idea of a Christian receiving the Mark of the Beast...while still being saved mind you.[/B]
The discussion around this scene is typically by those who have heard about but not read the book. The character in question does not take the mark voluntarily. His parents are really into the world leader and want their son to be also. The parents end up drugging the young man and having the mark applied while he is unconscience. He did not choose the mark - he was already a Christian and was ready to bolt from their home when all this took place.

[Patty T]

I have read them all, and am looking forward to the next and last one, Glorious Appearing.

I enjoy them the way they are written - in FICTION form. Never even considered picking them apart.

[Joyfull]

Originally posted by joy4Him2day
I hate to confess this, but I haven't read LaHayes Left Behind series.....I don't read novels very much, I mostly spend my time reading non-fiction and devotional.
Are they pretty acurate, and what part is speculation?
My daughter's girlfriend is enrapted with them and asking lots of questions.....
I never was that interested in prophecy (I know, it's ugly) before, because I figured I'd be gone anyway, so...spend my time studying other things.....(how can I continue in this pattern?It's impossible now).....anyway....
in a brief, (is it possible?) way, what part is speculation, that I could say to her, well, it;s pretty much how it's gonna be.....
know what I am asking?
I am attending a bible study on Daniel (you should be proud of me) just to catch up on my delinquency......
how can a rr poster not know prophecy.....heresy!!!!:twitch
(I know that's what your thinking....):D:



I have read all the books and LOVED them. I am aware of all the controversies and criticisms. However, the authors really have a gift for describing in every day language how it MIGHT look, feel, etc. when the prophecies really happen. Also the Gospel, God's love and mercy, and exactly how one does get saved are beautifully depicted. In fact, I understand many, many people have come to faith in Jesus after reading the books. My advice would be to make myself aware of all the descrepancies, which you are doing now, buy the books, and enjoy!

[baptizedNchrist]

:confused

Ok. Let me see if I get this.

Just because these books are fiction & can be interpreted in different ways, it's OK for LaHaye & Jenkins to spread that which is in conflict with the Word of God?

On another note, Christian's are not the only people reading these books. Unsaved people who are ignorant of the Bible may be led astray. Let's think about them sometimes, okay? :nod

It just disturbs me when people see error in other beliefs they jump right on it, however when there is error in their arena...there are excuses for it.

Let's get biblical, fiction or not.

In the Messiah's love, Shalom!
baptizedNchrist :wave

[Patty T]

I don't think the books were written with the premise of leading anyone astray - Because there were written as fiction, they let the readers know right up front, that this is the way they are to be taken - as Christian fiction, not literal. I never got any indication that the authors were trying to pass this series off as anything other than what it is - reading for those who enjoy these kinds of novels.

There are other Christian fiction novels, "The Warning", "Private Justice" and "This Present Darkness" which fall into the same category. They are not to be taken as literal, just as the "Left Behind" series should not be.

All this, of course, is my opinion.:thumb

Patty
:):

[JesusTheWay]

Originally posted by baptizedNchrist
:confused

Ok. Let me see if I get this.

Just because these books are fiction & can be interpreted in different ways, it's OK for LaHaye & Jenkins to spread that which is in conflict with the Word of God?

On another note, Christian's are not the only people reading these books. Unsaved people who are ignorant of the Bible may be led astray. Let's think about them sometimes, okay? :nod

It just disturbs me when people see error in other beliefs they jump right on it, however when there is error in their arena...there are excuses for it.

Let's get biblical, fiction or not.

In the Messiah's love, Shalom!
baptizedNchrist :wave

I'm just going to chime in here with a personal note. I was unsaved before reading the Left Behind books. I started reading them just after they first came out, and it got me very interested in finding out more. In the years since I have been saved (Glory be to God :clap ), I have since read and studied the Bible and have found many areas which I disagree with the theology in the Left Behind Series. BUT, the main thing this series of books pointed out to me was that you have to decide who's side your on. For lack of a better way to say it, you have to "take one mark or the other", because not chosing Jesus is a sure fire way to hell. These books promted me to get serious about looking into the word of God, and when I did that, THE WORD lead me to salvation. Again, LaHaye's books pointed me to the Bible which lead me to the Truth about Jesus, just like we are supposed to share the Gospel with the unsaved to lead them to the Jesus, who Himself saves their souls. So, just like we are imperfect Christians leading others to Jesus, so it is with these imperfect books. That's why they are in the Fiction section and the Bible is not :B:

[joyfulnoise]

I have read each book and enjoyed them very much. They are works of fiction based upon Mr. Laye's interpretation of scripture. And there is nothing wrong with that. Having read other authors' interpretations and dramatizations of biblical characters/events, I find nothing wrong with enjoying a good read.

Regardless of one's belief on end time events, these books have been used to draw many to Christ. If a work of fiction gets people to start thinking about their eternal salvation, then it's ok with me.

[baptizedNchrist]

I'm just going to chime in here with a personal note. I was unsaved before reading the Left Behind books. I started reading them just after they first came out, and it got me very interested in finding out more. In the years since I have been saved (Glory be to God :clap ), I have since read and studied the Bible and have found many areas which I disagree with the theology in the Left Behind Series. BUT, the main thing this series of books pointed out to me was that you have to decide who's side your on. For lack of a better way to say it, you have to "take one mark or the other", because not chosing Jesus is a sure fire way to hell. These books promted me to get serious about looking into the word of God, and when I did that, THE WORD lead me to salvation. Again, LaHaye's books pointed me to the Bible which lead me to the Truth about Jesus, just like we are supposed to share the Gospel with the unsaved to lead them to the Jesus, who Himself saves their souls. So, just like we are imperfect Christians leading others to Jesus, so it is with these imperfect books. That's why they are in the Fiction section and the Bible is not :B:

As for the evangelistic or apologetic impact of the 'Left Behind' series, while God may use any earthen vessel, it remains to be asked: Does such a fictionalized treatment make Christianity more or less believable? Is the Bible turned into nothing more than science fiction or horror fantasy? Christian readers and writers should be mindful of the danger of fictionalizing the faith, downplaying what is central in favor of mere exercises of the human imagination.

In the Messiah's love, Shalom!
baptizedNchrist

[bopeep1909]

I am waiting for March 30th when the last book comes out. It will be a good one:thumb

[Christ Rocks On]

If you're going to use God's Word to base your books on, then get it right. I have a big problem with the authors writing that God reversed the judgments of the seas turning into blood and the boils on all who took the mark of the beast. There is nothing in Scripture that supports that, and His Word should not be messed around like that. :wave

[2bossy]

The Bible never said that these judgements would last until the end of the tribulation. If you compare Revelations to when God was sending plagues to Egypt, he turned the water to blood, and after a time they turned back to water. Then he sent the next plague which were the frogs.

I thought the books were very biblically accurate. There are a few places where I may have interpreted it a little differently, but NO two people interprete Revelation exactly the same. I thought I knew a lot about the rapture and tribulation until I read these books. But when I started reading them, it really lead me to study on my own. A lot of stuff that never made sense before started to become clearer.

I also liked Babylon Rising, but I haven't read Soon yet.

[Medic911]

Thanks for the clarification, Medic911. See, I said I could've been wrong on my interpretation.
...and you could just as easily be right, too. I by no means meant to imply that I was necessarily right in my own interpretation... just that there are varying viewpoints. Many people do take that verse to mean that he will be homosexual, or at least disinterested in women.

Who knows?
:):

[bopeep1909]

But when I started reading them, it really lead me to study on my own

That is the purpose of these books. If you like the books enough to get into the word and study it for yourself.....BINGO That is were the believer starts.:D: <><