Rapture + Escapism = Bad Theology
Greg Boyd points out a few of the problems with the escapist mentality that goes hand in hand with certain views of the rapture. (more…)
Jesus Taught Renewal, Not Removal
The Bible teaches that when Christ comes back, it will be Good News! “‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away’” (Revelation 21.4). Surely we cannot erase judgment from the picture, but the hope is that those in Christ will be raised to eternal life and everything that is wrong with this world will be made right.
This world renewed is going to be our home for eternity, and we have the opportunity to reflect that future in our present. Rapture invites us to escape this world: the last thing that Jesus would have ever taught! “On earth as in heaven” is what he said, not “in heaven away from the earth!” Our world’s future is hopeful. Let’s tell that story and not the escapist narratives that many of us grew up with.
Where Rapture Theology Goes Wrong
Many Christians, especially those who live in America, are obsessed with the second coming of Christ. Various interpretations surrounding the when, where, and how of this incredible event have spawned endless divisions among Jesus’ followers.
God’s intention from the beginning was to bring heaven and earth together. God’s purpose is to bring “eternity” to “here.” It was to expand the garden of Eden to the rest of the world. Consequently, God’s intention is centered upon earth. God loves the earth and regards it highly. Contrary to what many believe, Scripture teaches that the earth will exist forever.
3 Reasons Why ‘Left Behind’ Should Be Taken Away
“Left Behind” comes out this week, an apocalyptic thriller starring Nicolas Cage. Based on the best-selling book series, the movie revolves around “the rapture”: a belief that one day all Christians will suddenly vanish, disappearing from the earth to go be with God, while the world they “left behind” plunges into apocalyptic destruction.
Americans may find “Left Behind” to be best-selling entertainment, but is it biblical? I say no. In fact, as a follower of Jesus I find the rapture to be not just a little bit off, but actually upside-down and backwards.
When Jesus comes, here are a few reasons why I want to be left behind.