Book Review Left Behind: A Warning for Mankind
by Elliot Coatney

“Two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” –Matthew 24:40-42

The world had a lesson in believing the unbelievable on September 11, 2001, as televisions around the globe displayed time after time in eerily cinematic quality the two jetliners plowing one after another into the twin towers of the World Trade Center. Even the toughest and most jaded among us were shocked and horrified. A relatively safe and secure nation was at once introduced to widespread fear and confusion, bringing many to call out to God for answers, for peace, for solace, and in some cases, salvation.

Against this backdrop, many would likely find a heightened timeline and poignancy in Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins’s novel Left Behind, which tells the story of a world fully in the throes of the greatest and most terrible times the world could ever know— the apocalypse. Addressing the events of September 11, Tim LaHaye wrote, “Doubtless this will spark a renewed interest in the study of Bible prophecy to see how terrorism relates to the end times. And certainly it does.” For LaHaye and Jenkins, their aim is nothing short of helping to prepare as many as possible for “His coming at any moment.”

This aim, while noble, may sound more the domain of a sermon or a lecture series, but Left Behind is a fully entertaining and believable work of fiction that relies as much on the writers’ imaginations as it does on end times prophecy. This is undoubtedly a reflection of the authoring team of LaHaye and Jenkins—LaHaye the noted expert in Biblical prophecy and Jenkins a seasoned author of fiction. Together, the two have fashioned a book (and indeed an entire series) that has reached more people with an explicitly Christian message than perhaps any other modern fiction.

To carry its message, Left Behind relies on fast-paced action and choppy dialogue in which readers find an almost journalistic account of the rapture and its aftermath. The story unfolds in pieces, as it might across the crowded screens of today’s twenty-four hour news networks. This leaves the plot seemingly contrived in places and the characters a bit flat, but the overall effect is compelling. The third-person narrative covers a broad cast but jumps primarily between its two central figures: Rayford Steele, a middle-aged airline pilot who has resisted his devoted wife’s efforts to bring him to Christ, and Cameron Williams, a young worldwise news magazine reporter whose ambition has kept him from ever seriously considering faith in anything other than himself.

After millions of people across the globe vanish simultaneously, Rayford and Cameron—along with the rest of remaining humanity—are left to figure our how and why this happened as they navigate the instant chaos and confusion that grips the earth. Down separate but intertwining paths, Rayford and Cameron both find the answer to their questions, but instead of bringing resolution, the answer forces Rayford and Cameron each to decide the course he will choose in the face of the terrible truth. Though not overly graphic, Left Behind is intended for a mature audience. Scripture foretells a time of great terror and violence, and Left Behind does not sidestep this element.

While the meat of Left Behind is an action-oriented plot, its substance surely lies in the book’s sound presentation of its central theme: Christ is returning, be ready. Somehow, as the action throttles on, LaHaye and Jenkins manage to interject entire passages of scripture and full clips of gospel message. One character, after learning the truth of the vanishings and facing up to the reason why he was left behind prays: “Dear God, I admit that I’m a sinner. I am sorry for my sins. Please forgive me and save me. I ask this in the name of Jesus, who died for me. I trust in him right now. I believe that the sinless blood of Jesus is sufficient to pay the price for my salvation.” Together, the pieces of the gospel message scattered throughout the book could arguably guide a reader through a decision to accept Christ as Lord and Savior, and the harrowing account of a world facing God’s ultimate judgment might even hasten such a decision for any who are wavering.

 Some Biblical scholars disagree with the premise of a rapture of believers before the foretold period of tribulation, and some Christians fear that believing in it will leave many unprepared if they are to face the tribulation. Perhaps this is true, and perhaps it is not. One thing, however, is for certain: only the Bible can be relied upon entirely in all matters, including prophecy of the end times. It is almost certain that debate among Christians over interpretation of end times prophecy will not be resolved until the times are upon us. Nonetheless, the words of Jesus on the matter in Matthew 24 are unequivocal: “You also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” For this reason, each one of us should live blamelessly, in full faith and dedication to the gospel, so that none will be ashamed before Him at His Coming.

Criticism aside, Left Behind is a fine achievement, artfully and convincingly weaving together well-reasoned Biblical prophecy, a plausible story of the end times, a sound if scattered presentation of the gospel, and a genuinely enthralling story…wow. With the first installment published in 1995, the Left Behind series is about to add its tenth volume, and with 50 million sold in the series, three number one New York Times best sellers, one feature film with more on the way, an audio drama series, and a children’s series, Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins stay true to their mission, “that everyone who reads this will be prepared for His coming.”

To learn more about the Left Behind series and its authors, visit the official website of the series, www.leftbehind. com.

Elliot lives in Boone, NC and works at Southern Signature Foods. He is active in the youth ministry and Z-News and we welcome his contributions to The Intercessor.