Yesterday, I briefly discussed the hermeneutical issues found in the popular Left Behind novels. Today, I’d like to bring up another set of issues Gorman addresses in his book, Reading Revelation Responsibly.
Gorman finds some important theological issues with the series. In the books, LaHaye and Jenkins distort the gospel and make it all about being saved, so you aren’t left behind when Jesus comes again. It’s salvation based primarily on fear, and it falls short.
It also leaves out any ethic of how to live between the first and second comings of Jesus. There is no reason to love one’s neighbor or any of the other teachings of Jesus on how to live now; rather an imbalanced focus on living only in waiting for the second coming.
For more on interpreting the book of Revelation, also check out N.T. Wright’s book Revelation for Everyone and our companion blogging project at revelation.westwinds.org.