With the phenomenal success of the Left Behind apocalyptic fiction series, it's inevitable that critiques will follow. DeMar, the author of 16 books, including two on biblical prophecy, challenges the theological premise that underlies the popular novels about end times and the return of Christ. While admitting that Left Behind
coauthor Tim LaHaye's sincerity about the evangelistic impact of the novels is unquestionable, DeMar asserts that not only is Left Behind
a work of fiction, but the "theological premise upon which it is based is also a work of fiction." As he constructs his case, DeMar strives to make the information accessible to a lay audience by incorporating scenes from the Left Behind series, snippets from popular movies such as You've Got Mail
and dialogue lifted from his own radio show scripts. Unfortunately, a thick jungle of prophetic references and Scripture notations soon tangles the average reader into knots. The last section, entitled "What difference does it make?," finds DeMar unconvincing. Readers interested in biblical prophecy might be absorbed by DeMar's case against LaHaye's theology, and critics of the popular series may appreciate DeMar for offering a different perspective on the New Testament book of Revelation. However, fans of the Left Behind series who have wondered about the novels' theology and are looking for a clear, persuasive read will likely put this down after the first few pages. (Oct.)
Forecast:
Desecration, the ninth novel in the Left Behind series, has a pub date of October 30; this critique is shrewdly timed to release on the very same day. Expect the renewed hype for the Left Behind series to help spur sales of this rather lackluster rebuttal.
