Differences

[DiscipleOfIAm]

I've asked this question over on the Catholic forum, but always get the same answer. So, I'll try here.

In the Left Behind books, the Catholics are left behind, except for the Pope because he does something or sees an error right before the Rapture and is able to go.

Why are the Catholics left behind? What is it that they believe or not believe, do or not do, that causes them to not be saved?

When I ask this over on their forum, they respond that it is because the authors are Catholic bashers or some just don't know at all. I'm the latter, I just don't know at all.

Anyone have a definitive answer with some Scripture that reinforces the reasons?

Thanks and God Bless!

[Frame1520]

I'll add in something here...Not sure how informative it will be though. I've not read any of the "Left Behind" books. I cannot think of a reason why they would have the pope be taken up in a "rapture" scenario. It does sound as if the authors are insinuating that catholics are not "holy enough" or that are not worthy of salvation though. Again, not reading the books, it's had to say if there was some sort of underlying bias. However, considering it is a work of fiction, anything could be written in the book simply for entertainment purposes. I do not agree with the theology that there is a rapture and I would say that simply, it is a work of fiction, and not meant to be taken literally. I think you understand that, some people probably do not though. The bible is pretty clear what in the steps of salvation. Hear the word, believe, confess, repent, and be baptized. That's about all I can say. I really do not have an answer, but judging without reading is very hard to do!

Good luck in finding some answers on things. I hope that this post helps some (although, I doubt it will since I gave no answer!)

God Bless.

[constance]

The rapture concept was only developed in the 19th century (I was taught it in Sunday School as Gospel, so learning the truth of the origin of the teaching has been brutal for me).

I'm speculating that the reason that Catholics were "left behind" in the book is because the books' authors don't believe Catholics are "saved" (I'm sure you know the reasons why) - it's an evangelation tool - "Son, you're going to HELL! Now, come to my church!"

Constance

[aggie03]

Tim LaHaye has very close associations (at least had, I'm not current on him) with Jerry Falwell. Together, in 1979, they formed The Moral Majority, Inc. From what I remember of their writing, both of these men believe that only those who are born again will be taken in the "rapture". The most basic reason of why Catholics are not taken is because they are not "born again" according to the definition that Falwell and LaHaye use.

[DiscipleOfIAm]

I wonder why they would think the Catholics were not saved. I'll have to read their definition of born again!

Thanks all for the reposnses!

[Frame1520]

I wonder why they would think the Catholics were not saved. I'll have to read their definition of born again!

Thanks all for the reposnses!

No problem! :wave:

[aggie03]

I wonder why they would think the Catholics were not saved. I'll have to read their definition of born again!

Thanks all for the reposnses!

From what I understand, they believe that Catholics are not born again because, according to their understanding, you do not need to have an emotional response to the gospel of Christ in order to become a Catholic. They do not believe in baptismal regeneration, and hence do not believe in the baptism of infants. They do not believe that somone who was a "cradle catholic", who is baptized as a baby and then goes through confirmation is born again. To be born again you must have an emotional response and then pray to Jesus asking him to come into your heart. If you haven't done those exact things (sometimes there is a specific prayer which must be said), then you are not born again, are not saved, and will not be taken in the rapture.

While I do not support or endorse either Jerry Falwell or Tim LaHaye, there are a few websites that you can read through to gain a better understanding of what they believe:

www.falwell.com (http://www.falwell.com)
www.timlahaye.com (http://www.timlahaye.com)