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End Times Fiction: A Biblical Consideration Of The Left Behind Theology
Tim LaHaye contends that his bestselling Left Behind series (with Jerry Jenkins) is "the first fictional portrayal of prophetic events that are true to the literal interpretation of Bible prophecy." Gary DeMar takes issue with this bold claim, contending that the theological premise the series is based upon is only one interpretation of the book of Revelation. DeMar examines the series in four distinct The Left Behind Sensation; Putting Tim LaHaye's Literalism to the Test; the Theology Behind Left Behind; and What Does it Mean and What Does it Matter? Readers will learn to develop a simple method of Bible interpretation and to assess the impact of Left Behind on the future of the church and our society.
232 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2001
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173 people want to read
About the author
Gary DeMar
94 books77 followersGary is a graduate of Western Michigan University (1973) and earned his M.Div. at Reformed Theological Seminary in 1979. In 2007, he earned his Ph.D. in Christian Intellectual History from Whitefield Theological Seminary. Author of countless essays, news articles, and more than 27 book titles, he also hosts The Gary DeMar Show, and History Unwrapped—both broadcasted and podcasted. Gary has lived in the Atlanta area since 1979 with his wife, Carol. They have two married sons and are enjoying being grandparents to their grandson. Gary and Carol are members of Midway Presbyterian Church (PCA).
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 2, 2008
When you read the Left behind novels, is it purely for fun? If so, no need to continue reading . . .
Now, do you read it for all the good theology in it? If so, get this book.
Since I was harsh on DeMar's apologetic book Thinking Straight in a Crooked World, I will make amends with this review.
This book is specifically a critique of the fantasy peddled as fact in the Left Behind novels.
Now, DeMar is a preterist and a postmillennialist. Whether those views are correct is up for serious and honest debate. But, his critiques the errors found in Left Behind theology are right on target, regardless of his partial-preterism and his postmillennialism.
Do you have family members whose Left behind novels are more worn than their Bible(s)? Are they stock piling Bible's in the basement for those "left behind" after "the rapture?" Do they not have credit cards or email addresses in fear of taking "the number of the beast?" Are they constantly telling you they know who the "anti-Christ" is? When they read Revelation do they do it with a newspaper in hand? Then get them this book! Stat! Your friends and family need you. :-)
Now, do you read it for all the good theology in it? If so, get this book.
Since I was harsh on DeMar's apologetic book Thinking Straight in a Crooked World, I will make amends with this review.
This book is specifically a critique of the fantasy peddled as fact in the Left Behind novels.
Now, DeMar is a preterist and a postmillennialist. Whether those views are correct is up for serious and honest debate. But, his critiques the errors found in Left Behind theology are right on target, regardless of his partial-preterism and his postmillennialism.
Do you have family members whose Left behind novels are more worn than their Bible(s)? Are they stock piling Bible's in the basement for those "left behind" after "the rapture?" Do they not have credit cards or email addresses in fear of taking "the number of the beast?" Are they constantly telling you they know who the "anti-Christ" is? When they read Revelation do they do it with a newspaper in hand? Then get them this book! Stat! Your friends and family need you. :-)
April 6, 2023
Great book exposing the many errors of dispensational rapture theology.
September 8, 2024
DeMAR'S CRITIQUE OF THE EXEGESIS AND THEOLOGY OF THE "LEFT BEHIND" SERIES
Gary DeMar is the president of American Vision, and a popular writer on eschatology, Christian Reconstruction, and Americanism. He has written many other books, such as '10 Popular Prophecy Myths Exposed,' 'Last Days Madness: Obsession of the Modern Church,' 'The Debate over Christian Reconstruction,' 'Christian Reconstruction: What It Is, What It Isn't,' 'God and Government,' America's Christian History: The Untold Story,' 'The Reduction of Christianity: Dave Hunt's Theology of Cultural Surrender,' etc.
He wrote in the Introduction to this 2001 book, "As you read through 'End Time Fiction,' you will notice that I disagree with Tim LaHaye on a number of theological points... Some people might be critical of my attempts to scrutinize the theology of Left Behind with the rejoinder that Christians should not fight with one another. Let me say that Tim LaHaye understands the need and obligation to defend what he believes the Bible teaches [e.g., Rapture (Under Attack)]..." (Pg. xvi-xvii) He adds, "Keep in mind that 'End Times Fiction' covers only those topics discussed in the Left Behind series... In addition, I do not respond to every doctrinal issue raised in the series of every prophetic theme addressed by LaHaye." (Pg. xxiv)
He observes, "The battle in Ezekiel 38-39 is clearly an ancient one or at least one fought with ancient weapons. ALL the soldiers were riding horses (38:4,15; 39:20). The horse soldiers were 'wielding swords' (38:4), carrying 'bows and arrows, war clubs and spears' (39:3,9). The weapons were made of wood (39:10), and the abandoned weapons served as fuel for 'seven years' (39:9)." (Pg. 4) About the "Rosh = Russia" interpretation of Ez 38:2 and 39:1, he says, "Even scholars who would agree with LaHaye on many other prophetic points admit that the Hebrew word 'rosh' does not refer to Russia. For example, Charles Ryrie ... writes: 'the prince of Rosh' is better translated as 'the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal' (38:2)" (Pg. 6)
About the seven-year Tribulation, he states, "here is another key doctrine that has no verse supporting it in the most important prophetic book in the Bible [Revelation]. It's legitimate, therefore, to ask why Revelation does not mention seven years since the time is critical to LaHaye's Left Behind scenario. There are two forty-two month periods (11:2, 13:5), two 1,260-day periods (11:3, 12:6), and one 'a time and times and half a time' (12:14), each adding up to three and one-half years. If these are counted consecutively, then they add up to seventeen and on-half years. If the years run concurrently, then each of these time periods is describing the same three and one-half years. LaHaye does not explain how he gets seven years out of these five references." (Pg. 39)
He points out, "The sixth king of Revelation 17:10 was alive when Revelation was written. John wrote that the sixth king 'is.' Nero was the sixth king in the line of Caesars. Galba followed Nero, but he reigned only a short time, approximately seven months... If Revelation is describing a period of prophetic history that is still in our future, then Revelation 17:10 makes no sense; the sixth king had to be alive when the book was written, because we are told that he was reigning at the time John received the prophecy." (Pg. 167) He states, "Having made the claim that his method is based on literalism, LaHaye spends considerable time redefining what he means by literalism... Throughout LaHaye's books on prophecy... we continually read why one thing after another is not to be interpreted literally (e.g., Rev 12:1-2, 14:4). " (Pg. 188-189)
This book will be of interest to those studying biblical prophecy---whether or not one always agrees with DeMar's interpretations.
Gary DeMar is the president of American Vision, and a popular writer on eschatology, Christian Reconstruction, and Americanism. He has written many other books, such as '10 Popular Prophecy Myths Exposed,' 'Last Days Madness: Obsession of the Modern Church,' 'The Debate over Christian Reconstruction,' 'Christian Reconstruction: What It Is, What It Isn't,' 'God and Government,' America's Christian History: The Untold Story,' 'The Reduction of Christianity: Dave Hunt's Theology of Cultural Surrender,' etc.
He wrote in the Introduction to this 2001 book, "As you read through 'End Time Fiction,' you will notice that I disagree with Tim LaHaye on a number of theological points... Some people might be critical of my attempts to scrutinize the theology of Left Behind with the rejoinder that Christians should not fight with one another. Let me say that Tim LaHaye understands the need and obligation to defend what he believes the Bible teaches [e.g., Rapture (Under Attack)]..." (Pg. xvi-xvii) He adds, "Keep in mind that 'End Times Fiction' covers only those topics discussed in the Left Behind series... In addition, I do not respond to every doctrinal issue raised in the series of every prophetic theme addressed by LaHaye." (Pg. xxiv)
He observes, "The battle in Ezekiel 38-39 is clearly an ancient one or at least one fought with ancient weapons. ALL the soldiers were riding horses (38:4,15; 39:20). The horse soldiers were 'wielding swords' (38:4), carrying 'bows and arrows, war clubs and spears' (39:3,9). The weapons were made of wood (39:10), and the abandoned weapons served as fuel for 'seven years' (39:9)." (Pg. 4) About the "Rosh = Russia" interpretation of Ez 38:2 and 39:1, he says, "Even scholars who would agree with LaHaye on many other prophetic points admit that the Hebrew word 'rosh' does not refer to Russia. For example, Charles Ryrie ... writes: 'the prince of Rosh' is better translated as 'the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal' (38:2)" (Pg. 6)
About the seven-year Tribulation, he states, "here is another key doctrine that has no verse supporting it in the most important prophetic book in the Bible [Revelation]. It's legitimate, therefore, to ask why Revelation does not mention seven years since the time is critical to LaHaye's Left Behind scenario. There are two forty-two month periods (11:2, 13:5), two 1,260-day periods (11:3, 12:6), and one 'a time and times and half a time' (12:14), each adding up to three and one-half years. If these are counted consecutively, then they add up to seventeen and on-half years. If the years run concurrently, then each of these time periods is describing the same three and one-half years. LaHaye does not explain how he gets seven years out of these five references." (Pg. 39)
He points out, "The sixth king of Revelation 17:10 was alive when Revelation was written. John wrote that the sixth king 'is.' Nero was the sixth king in the line of Caesars. Galba followed Nero, but he reigned only a short time, approximately seven months... If Revelation is describing a period of prophetic history that is still in our future, then Revelation 17:10 makes no sense; the sixth king had to be alive when the book was written, because we are told that he was reigning at the time John received the prophecy." (Pg. 167) He states, "Having made the claim that his method is based on literalism, LaHaye spends considerable time redefining what he means by literalism... Throughout LaHaye's books on prophecy... we continually read why one thing after another is not to be interpreted literally (e.g., Rev 12:1-2, 14:4). " (Pg. 188-189)
This book will be of interest to those studying biblical prophecy---whether or not one always agrees with DeMar's interpretations.
September 11, 2023
Do you believe people will be left behind? To clarify, do you believe in the rapture? If you do believe this, do you believe the Bible teaches your position? Gary DeMar does a fantastic job of explaining why the Left Behind version of Dispensationalism isn’t taught in the Bible. I highly recommend this book as an introduction book to end-time studies.
November 18, 2007
This is a great book which dispels much of the fiction that surrounds eschatological teachings.
January 26, 2019
Biblical Revelation fascinates people. The vivid scenes prophets see can almost be seen by us. No wonder new commentaries appear so frequently. Some commentators build far-fetched predictions based on Revelation. Gary DeMar labels this as "End Times Fiction." He believes the future rapture, tribulation, and thousand year kingdom popularized by Hal Lindsey and Tim LaHaye is more fiction than fact. Conceding that biblical fiction is effective in capturing attention, DeMar argues that what is not factual is counter-productive. It encourages people to expect what they will later realize did not happen. Fiction should be portrayed as fiction, fact as fact.
Hal Lindsey, for example, wrote that Revelation predicts the Soviet Union, led by Russia, attacking Israel to inaugurate the War of Armageddon. The Soviet Union has fallen apart. I have read authors who, writing before World War II, predicted that Mussolini revived the Roman Empire as predicted in Revelation. The Allies defeated Mussolini. Later, it was the European Economic Union when it had ten members. It now has more than ten. Today, as DeMar points out, Tim LaHaye's popular "Left Behind" series predicts, once again, Russia, but this time the Muslim southern republics united with Middle East Muslims attacking Israel. How disillusioned people will be if this prediction fails also. So many failed predictions might cause people not to believe anything in Scripture.
This is DeMar's concern. He explains that many visions apply more directly to first century events than to events twenty centuries later. He outlines how the "fiction" develops as overzealous authors add predictions that are not supported by a careful reading of Scripture. Gary DeMar's "End Times Fiction" is well written and interesting. It is an antidote for us worried about our friends and relatives who might be "left behind."
Hal Lindsey, for example, wrote that Revelation predicts the Soviet Union, led by Russia, attacking Israel to inaugurate the War of Armageddon. The Soviet Union has fallen apart. I have read authors who, writing before World War II, predicted that Mussolini revived the Roman Empire as predicted in Revelation. The Allies defeated Mussolini. Later, it was the European Economic Union when it had ten members. It now has more than ten. Today, as DeMar points out, Tim LaHaye's popular "Left Behind" series predicts, once again, Russia, but this time the Muslim southern republics united with Middle East Muslims attacking Israel. How disillusioned people will be if this prediction fails also. So many failed predictions might cause people not to believe anything in Scripture.
This is DeMar's concern. He explains that many visions apply more directly to first century events than to events twenty centuries later. He outlines how the "fiction" develops as overzealous authors add predictions that are not supported by a careful reading of Scripture. Gary DeMar's "End Times Fiction" is well written and interesting. It is an antidote for us worried about our friends and relatives who might be "left behind."
November 11, 2016
Though I ambivalently planned on it eventually, I never actually read any of the Left Behind books or saw the movies. As a Christian, I always felt like I should, but subconsciously something about it seemed off to me. It may simply have been, for me, that many of my peers were enthralled with the series. I have always had an instinct against sticking with the herd, and routinely go the opposite direction. Despite this, I have long believed in an end-times rapture, as that is what I was taught from various sources; but never did I seek to discover the truth for myself, until the last few years.
This book is a compelling read. It offers overwhelming Biblical evidence to counter the prevalent, or at least wide-spread belief by many Christians in a pre-tribulation rapture, or any rapture. More importantly, it calls us all to read the Bible ourselves as God would have us do, rather than only relying on others' interpretations. Despite the inarguable evidence supplied in the book, there were a few arguments that were overly simplistic and seemingly a bit contrived, but which were not necessary to prove the main premise anyway. The other proofs are seemingly so devastating to the idea of an end-times rapture, that the book could have proved its point with only one or two chapters. This is not the first author I've read that held this position, but he's the first one that is truly taking me off of the fence on the issue. I will definitely be reading the New Testament with a more open mind, or more of a blank slate.
This book is a compelling read. It offers overwhelming Biblical evidence to counter the prevalent, or at least wide-spread belief by many Christians in a pre-tribulation rapture, or any rapture. More importantly, it calls us all to read the Bible ourselves as God would have us do, rather than only relying on others' interpretations. Despite the inarguable evidence supplied in the book, there were a few arguments that were overly simplistic and seemingly a bit contrived, but which were not necessary to prove the main premise anyway. The other proofs are seemingly so devastating to the idea of an end-times rapture, that the book could have proved its point with only one or two chapters. This is not the first author I've read that held this position, but he's the first one that is truly taking me off of the fence on the issue. I will definitely be reading the New Testament with a more open mind, or more of a blank slate.
April 30, 2018
Excellent resources! For anyone who has spent time studying eschatology and refuting Hal Lindsey or Tim LaHaye Dispensational mumbo-jumbo, this is a great book. DeMar takes a biblical look at the theology and the exegesis behind the biblical texts that LaHaye interprets so poorly. I highly recommend adding this book to your library on eschatology. If you are teaching through Revelation it would be a very helpful resource to combat the bad teaching that has plagued Christianity for the past several decades concerning prophecy and end times.
Read it, write in it, and use it!
Read it, write in it, and use it!
January 22, 2019
Excellent exposition as to the fallacious arguments the Left Behind series tries to sneak in as valid biblical presuppositions. Gary Demar outlines point by point how the various end times points are not some future science fiction type environment, but more plausibly 1st century fulfillment's.
He does an excellent job of outlining clear contradictions from the Left Behind authors.
He does an excellent job of outlining clear contradictions from the Left Behind authors.
June 13, 2025
I thought this would be a deep dive into the rapture/no rapture debate, but it turned out to be primarily a rebuttal of the Left Behind series, which is okay, but not what I was looking for. I know... the subtitle should have been a clue, LOL.
There was some really good information here, but my target reading was only about a tenth of the book.
There was some really good information here, but my target reading was only about a tenth of the book.
May 8, 2020
This was an excellent book for those who are seeking to understand the issues with dispensational premillennialism of the Left Behind variety. It also gives an introductory look into Postmillenial Eschatology.
February 7, 2025
Gary Demar has given us a sound and formidable critic of dispensational theology. This is one of the best books on the subject that I have come across. I highly recommend it, and would encourage anyone who is still struggle with eschatology to check it out.
May 31, 2025
The only reason I don’t give this five stars is because I’m not sure people care about the Left Behind series anymore.
April 3, 2016
I have a couple of friends who recommended I read the left behind series. Before tackling that series, I wanted to read a book that would try to refute some of the ideas that the series would have. This author has some extremely compelling points to make.
He doesn't argue that the rapture won't happen, but he does argue that there is no time given for that event within biblical text. As a result, the premise that the rapture will happen before the tribulation is baseless. He argues that the number 666 can be attributed to one of the Caesars.
He shows that a chunk of the book of Revelation could theoretically referred to the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in the year 70 A.D.
Where he lost me was the point at which he argues that versus regarding problems buying and selling actually have to do with the inability for certain people to pray in the temple. He leaves out the verses in which an angel actually quotes the prices of individual products. To me, those versus (which I am too lazy to look up,) actually speak of some sort of worldwide depression I think that a lot of what the author has to say could very well be correct, but for me, his refutation of some of the parts of the book of Revelation doesn't mean that there are other portions which are still to come to pass.
He also completely avoids the issue of how he perceives the end times to be. In other words, if he firmly believe that a goodly chunk of the book of Revelation has already happened, what does he believe will happen in the future?
What I got out of this book is that the left behind series is an interesting piece of fiction, and perhaps portions of that book might show up as reality someday, but you can't take the series as a whole as any sort of predictor as to what might really happen in the future. He has an interesting chapter about why a war with Russia, A recurring theme with and times fiction writers, may never happen, and it makes a certain amount of sense to me. This is definitely a book worth reading.
Of course, if you are a Christian who believes that all you need to do to get into heaven is to except Jesus as your Savior, and confess it to others, then the entire issue of when the end comes becomes a new relevancy, because you are all ready to go. My guess is that you would find this book a dry academic discourse, and would be better served reading something else.
He doesn't argue that the rapture won't happen, but he does argue that there is no time given for that event within biblical text. As a result, the premise that the rapture will happen before the tribulation is baseless. He argues that the number 666 can be attributed to one of the Caesars.
He shows that a chunk of the book of Revelation could theoretically referred to the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in the year 70 A.D.
Where he lost me was the point at which he argues that versus regarding problems buying and selling actually have to do with the inability for certain people to pray in the temple. He leaves out the verses in which an angel actually quotes the prices of individual products. To me, those versus (which I am too lazy to look up,) actually speak of some sort of worldwide depression I think that a lot of what the author has to say could very well be correct, but for me, his refutation of some of the parts of the book of Revelation doesn't mean that there are other portions which are still to come to pass.
He also completely avoids the issue of how he perceives the end times to be. In other words, if he firmly believe that a goodly chunk of the book of Revelation has already happened, what does he believe will happen in the future?
What I got out of this book is that the left behind series is an interesting piece of fiction, and perhaps portions of that book might show up as reality someday, but you can't take the series as a whole as any sort of predictor as to what might really happen in the future. He has an interesting chapter about why a war with Russia, A recurring theme with and times fiction writers, may never happen, and it makes a certain amount of sense to me. This is definitely a book worth reading.
Of course, if you are a Christian who believes that all you need to do to get into heaven is to except Jesus as your Savior, and confess it to others, then the entire issue of when the end comes becomes a new relevancy, because you are all ready to go. My guess is that you would find this book a dry academic discourse, and would be better served reading something else.
April 25, 2013
Before this book I knew very little of preterism. It has opened my eyes to a different approach to various scriptures that in many ways makes more sense that the futurist views I had before.
The timing of the events in Daniel 9 are particularly intriguing. The case Mr. DeMar lays out for the 490 years of Daniel's seventy heptads seems more logical that other explanations I have heard.
While I am not yet fully convinced that all the passages Mr. DeMar discusses have already been fulfilled I will continue study in this area.
My least favorite part of the book was the beginning where the constant attacks on LaHaye and the Left Behind series became wearisome. It is understandable though considering the time the book came out and the intense interest in Left Behind then. Ideally he would spend less time telling me LaHaye is wrong and more time telling me what he believes the correct understanding is. If a friend hadn't loaned me the book to read it is likely that the book's opposition to the theology of Left Behind would have peaked my interest enough to read it though so I can't be too critical in this complaint.
The timing of the events in Daniel 9 are particularly intriguing. The case Mr. DeMar lays out for the 490 years of Daniel's seventy heptads seems more logical that other explanations I have heard.
While I am not yet fully convinced that all the passages Mr. DeMar discusses have already been fulfilled I will continue study in this area.
My least favorite part of the book was the beginning where the constant attacks on LaHaye and the Left Behind series became wearisome. It is understandable though considering the time the book came out and the intense interest in Left Behind then. Ideally he would spend less time telling me LaHaye is wrong and more time telling me what he believes the correct understanding is. If a friend hadn't loaned me the book to read it is likely that the book's opposition to the theology of Left Behind would have peaked my interest enough to read it though so I can't be too critical in this complaint.
June 1, 2016
This is a great book. I think this should be on your reading list if you are a follower of Jesus. It does make a difference to know the truth about the end times, maybe not in Eternity, but how we think and live now. Life is hard and I must admit that Before reading this book I've just lived in denial and figured my Lord was coming soon anyways. That can make an ineffectual Christian and cause one to only rely on God for His second coming and not much else. We are also called to check everything we hear people tell us with the Word of God and see if their claims are true. This book does just that. I highly recommend this non-fiction book!
May 5, 2015
It's a very helpful correction to the "Left Behind" view of eschatology, although I don't agree with all of Demar's conclusions either. Also, because it is a focused critique of Left Behind, there are several thorny issues that Demar avoids. It's a good place to start if you find any of the ideas expressed in Left Behind convincing and biblical, but additional study is needed to understand a fully biblical eschatology.
October 31, 2014
A very well written and well thought out book. DeMar deals with the "rapture" of the Church and points out the biblical and logical errors of the teaching. This book was wonderful at working verse by verse through Matthew 24.
August 18, 2009
Finally, a well thought out approach to the book of Revelation and end-times prophecy
January 12, 2011
Excellent and clearly put forth.
October 10, 2012
A useful theological critique of end-times fiction such as the Left Behind series, and the fiction of most end-times teaching.
February 23, 2015
This book sort of rocked my world turning everything I've ever been taught about the book of Revelation on its head. I want to do more research. Highly recommended.
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