 |
||||||||
 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
'Left Behind': enrapturing or not?
By JEAN JOHNSON Left Behind, a series of novels about the aftermath of the rise to power of an Antichrist who rules the earth, has some fans in the Hernando County religious community. But while some consider it entertaining and faithful to Scripture, few seem to think it should be treated as gospel. The Rev. Damont Drake, pastor of Eden Baptist Church in Brooksville, calls the books by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins "very interesting fiction. They are based on Scripture, and I think as far as Scripture is concerned, they are very accurate in portraying what could happen at that time." Primarily, Drake was impressed with how the authors took events portrayed in the Bible's Book of Revelation and translated them into modern-day situations. Don't go hunting for theology in the books, though, cautions Dr. David McGrew, a longtime member of Christian Church in the Wildwood. "I don't think it's what the Bible says is going to happen," McGrew said. "They're using a lot of latitude and free license in their writing. . . . But my kids have read (the books) and I've read them, and as long as you don't take it too seriously from a spiritual perspective, it's good stuff." The books have spawned two movies, with a TV series on the way next year. They've drawn millions of readers and topped bestseller lists. They've been translated to German, French, Portuguese and Spanish. The underlying question the books pose to readers: If I died now, would I go to heaven or be left behind? "Some people can't get enough of it, and some find it lukewarm," said the Rev. Greg Champagne, pastor of First Baptist Church of Brooksville. "Like most literature, it's not for everybody." It's not for Champagne, for example. He hasn't read them and has no desire to read the books, but he wouldn't stop anyone else from reading them. He keeps a copy of Left Behind in the church library. Although the video and DVD for the second movie debuted on Oct. 29, the big screen debut will not take place until New Year's Eve in theaters and churches. Following the example of the first movie, churches can either show the movie on projection screens or sponsor a screen in a local theater. Charlotte Dolloff has read 10 of the 11 books in the series. "They have provided enjoyable reading, and you don't want to put them down once you get into them and can't wait for the next one to find out what's happening," she said. Dolloff said the books provide food for thought about certain possibilities, but the reader must keep in mind that it is fiction. "I think they have some value because they do provide some moments of contemplation. . . . It would also let you look at a sense of values and priorities. What would come first in your life and what is most important? I think any book that gets you to thinking, no matter what the subject, is worth reading."
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
|
|
