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A FAN SPEAKS UP
Subject: Left Behind comments
Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000
From: "John Weathers"

I'm not a fan of the Left Behind book series - the books are written at a 6th-grade reading level with a lack of research and understanding of science, technology, and politics. While the books do manage to remain faithful to scripture, their methods of fulfilling prophecy are often ridiculous (an example is their explanation for the Russian/Arab invasion of Israel). Another big complaint that I have with Left Behind and pretty much all of the other end times fiction and films is that they present the Antichrist in a completely wrong way. The Bible says that he will be so convincing that he would fool the very elect if it were possible. Nicolae Carpathia is a stereotypical villain bad guy and even has a silly name that makes one think of Dracula. He is obviously evil from the beginning and no thinking person would fall for his tactics. His assenscion to power and his mass appeal are forced plot devices rather than any outgrowth of a clever deceiver. An accurate portrayal of the Antichrist should be able to convince non-Christian readers that he is a great and good man and almost convince Christians (or make them doubt the beliefs of the author). Thus, when his true character is revealed the revelation would be all the more powerful and shocking (see below for a recommendation of a series that manages to do just this). Another big problem with the books is their unmistakable preachy tone that will turn off unbelievers rather than bring them to the gospel. Still, I found myself reading these books because of my interest in the events of Revelation. For a similar reason, I watched this film adaptation. I am sad to say that it is a rather mediocre film bordering on poor. The acting is actually rather decent for the most part with occasional bits of poor acting and over-acting. The script is rather bad, though it is hardly unexpected when starting with the novel as a basis. The characters are poorly drawn and underdeveloped. Events feel scattered and disconnected. The dialogue sometimes sounds rushed. At least the book managed to flesh out its hokey conspiracy theory. Here, the viewer is left with an incoherent mess that only makes much sense if one has read the book. The pacing of the film is also very poorly executed with the opening and conclusion seeming extremely rushed, and the middle dragging to an excruciatingly slow trudge that makes it feel padded. The music is schizophrenic. At times, it successfully underscores the mood and sounds fitting for a motion picture. At other moments, it reminds me of sitcom and mini-series music. And still other bits remind me of a poppy MTV soundtrack that just doesn't belong in a film. I can give the film points for the scene of panic on board the plane, but that's it. The other scenes involving the disasters after the Rapture are far from compelling. The film also suffers from the book's preachiness although its message isn't quite as in your face. In all, I found the movie just as disappointing as the series. This is not the film to rally Christians around. I hope that this film does NOT get any attention at the theaters next year. It would be more unnecessary bad publicity for Christianity. For an example of a compelling, intelligent, well-researched series based on Revelation that presents a realistic and Christian world view without offending the secular reader (who after all should be whom a Christian is trying to reach) read the Christ Clone trilogy by James BeauSeigneur. It's a great read and is a much better choice for unbelievers or believers who appreciate quality. Too bad it is virtually unknown and will probably never be made into a movie.
In Christ, John Weathers

WARNING ABOUT LEFT BEHIND
Subject: A WARNING TO THE BRIDE...
Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000
From: "Bruce Donaldson"

A WARNING TO THE BRIDE... Mr. Bruce, Below is an excerpt from an open letter to those who would "promote" Left Behind to unbelievers. I could not agree more with Mr. Holmberg and could not have phrased my concerns any better:

"I have no doubt that the producers and distributors of "Left Behind" (yourself included!) are sincere Christians who feel that both the movie and the theology it represents are faithful to the teachings of scripture. But allow me to point out that so did the sincere Roman Catholic leaders who stood their ground against the purifying blasts of the Reformation. Time -- or more specifically God -- will tell; but I want to warn you in the fear of God that I (and a growing segment of the Church) believe that this book/video will one day be seen to have been a stumbling block to the advancement of Christ's kingdom in a degree that will make the selling of indulgences pale in comparison. (I know that people are getting saved through the books but that, by itself, proves nothing. God can make even the wrath of man praise Him. He used the Roman Church in Luther's time, almost despite itself, to lead many to saving faith in Christ, as well.)

"The problem with the "Left Behind" phenomenon? It posits a weak and ineffectual "Embassy of Christ" (the Church) and, much the worse, a powerful and conquering ambassador of satan. It has helped seduce millions of Christians to sit on their blessed assurance as the world dies for want of salt and light. (In that sense, it has become a classic case of a self-fulfilling prophecy.) It glories in a novel doctrine (150 years young) that would have been resisted by Church Fathers from Athanasius to Spurgeon with all the vigor they invested in protecting the apostolic faith. This will perhaps sound overly strong -- even heavy-handed -- but I genuinely believe the tare this doctrine represents (dispensational pre-millennialism) has matured to the point where it is no longer a "non-essential" doctrine toward which Augustine exhorted us to both tolerate and prayerfully consider. It has become a genuine denial of several core essentials of the Christian faith: that God is the same yesterday, today and forever; that Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords; that He utterly defeated and bound the strong man through the cross; that all power and authority has been granted through Christ to His Church; and that the gates of hell will not prevail against His bride. For this reason, the time has come for it to be openly repudiated by all who profess fidelity to the Lord and His covenant word.

"Please prayerfully consider this. Again, I'm sure you mean well and I actually love and respect the Lahayes a great deal on virtually every other front. But I can no longer sit idly by and watch people seduced into believing that Christ's Bride is doomed to defeat -- temporary though it may be -- at the hands of the harlot. And please do not write this off as the fumings of a theonomist/reconstructionist. I am neither (as the terms are commonly understood.) Just consider me a Christian who holds to nothing more radical than the Westminster Confession.

"Search the scriptures to see if these things be.
Thanks for your time.
Standfast, Eric Holmberg
- President, Reel 2 Real Ministries, Inc."

I hope you got through this and find it thought provoking. As much as I rejoice with the Christian community that feature length films are being produced by our brethren, I hesitate to rejoice in a defeatist mentality that urges Christ to leave His throne before His enemies are made a footstool for His feet. That's our job -- the Church. We're going nowhere until the gospel of the Kingdom has been preached to every nation. It seems a salvation gospel is everywhere, but just look to Rwanda to see that salvation just is not enough to transform the earth into the manifestation of the Kingdom Jesus is waiting for to return for a bride without spot or wrinkle. Movies like this scare people into salvation and give them no foundation to try to do the Kingdom work they need to do to transform Creation into the image and destiny God has for it. If things are to get worse and worse all we can do is preach salvation and get into our crash positions. Thanks for letting me vent. Sincerely in love with *all* our brethren... Bruce Donaldson El Segundo, CA

EXCITED TO BUY
Subject: Left Behind Movie
Date: Fri, 3 Nov 2000
From: Lisa

Dear Friends, I was so excited to buy and share my copy of the Left Behind Movie. My son and his cousins have been collecting and reading the books since they came out. I was so impressed with this movie I am going to start reading the books and sharing the excitement about the video. I am also going to use the extra money I make doing childcare to buy the books for my children to bring to school to share with their friends and keep sharing. I don't care if I get them back. I just want them read and for young people to get excited. My sixth grader Ginny keeps complaining about everyone reading and sharing Harry Potter books. Well I want to challenge parents with their children in the public schools to share their books, make the Potter books a thing of the past. Let's get our young people excited about these books and about their personal relationship with Jesus. Let's make the Bible real to them!!! And let's donate the Left Behind books to the School libraries. (If they dare...why not they have Harry Potter and books about gay parents and youth!!)
Thank you Lisa
Lafayette, IN

EXCITED TO BUY
Subject: Left Behind Movie
Date: Fri, 3 Nov 2000
From: Lisa

Dear Friends, I was so excited to buy and share my copy of the Left Behind Movie. My son and his cousins have been collecting and reading the books since they came out. I was so impressed with this movie I am going to start reading the books and sharing the excitement about the video. I am also going to use the extra money I make doing childcare to buy the books for my children to bring to school to share with their friends and keep sharing. I don't care if I get them back. I just want them read and for young people to get excited. My sixth grader Ginny keeps complaining about everyone reading and sharing Harry Potter books. Well I want to challenge parents with their children in the public schools to share their books, make the Potter books a thing of the past. Let's get our young people excited about these books and about their personal relationship with Jesus. Let's make the Bible real to them!!! And let's donate the Left Behind books to the School libraries. (If they dare...why not they have Harry Potter and books about gay parents and youth!!)
Thank you Lisa
Lafayette, IN

MOVIE TRUE TO BOOK. GREAT!
Date: Wed, 1 Nov 2000
From: Laura

Hello! This is in response to Dox Gal's concern about releasing the movie on video first. I have just watched the DVD last night! Let me assure you~it's wonderful! It's very true to the book. The beginning was a little slow but once the plane scene came on and the Rapture happened, the movie just took off!! On the DVD, Kirk Cameron talks about the movie and why it is released on video first. I too was upset and thought that it wasn't too smart of an idea for this movie. But Kirk said that they wanted to make sure everyone had access to this movie. If they released it in theatres, hardly anyone would be able to see it b/c it's such a risky film. But releasing it on video makes it available for everyone!! Then they've asked our support by spreading the word about this wonderful movie. Their goal is to have a movie playing in theatres in every city! I totally understood why they were doing it after I saw that. Take Mercy Streets for example. I have been getting tons of emails from the Mercy Streets egroup saying what a great movie this is....etc.....but I have not seen one trailer for it and it's not playing in any theatre around me. They want to make it so that this is not the case with the Left Behind movie. Hope this helps you to understand Cloud Ten's vision. God Bless! Thanks David! You can post my email address. Love, Laura

I GOT MY FRIENDS TO READ THE BOOKS
Subject: will not be left behind
Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2000
From: randy

i have read all of them and waiting for the mark.i got all my friends to read them and we had so much to talk about.time is close and i pray that many will be ready.we need more books and movies about our lord and the end of time,and more pastors need to preach on the end of times to get more people saved and ready.
thanks, keep up Gods work.
randy

WHY THE VIDEO FIRST?
Subject: Left Behind - the movie
Date: Wed, 18 Oct 2000
From: DOX GAL

WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY????? Why on earth have the producers decided to release a VIDEO version of the Left Behind movie BEFORE it's released in movie theaters??? Who would possibly want to pay $8 a person to see a movie they have already bought for $27???? This makes no sense to me. I think it will seriously undermine the whole idea of a Premier Extravaganza that the Christian world is hoping to expose non-believers to. What a waste.

WINNING THE RIGHT WAY
Subject: Hollywood... Winning with Jesus is the right way.
Date: Wed, 18 Oct 2000
From: "Ray Sheard"

Thank God !! Finally. Hollywood is catching on. I truly believe that whenever something is about Christ, even the likes of a high quality movie made in Hollywood, that God will put a powerful Anointing on it, that will cause more lost & wondering souls to come into His Kingdom, before it's too late. I'm a Minister & like movies, & have always looked at movies from a point of view, based on the Word of God. When one come to know Christ-God & learn how to see the way He sees, one will begin to enjoy movies even more, because it's very fulfilling to see life base on God's definition of what reality & life really is. It's such a joy & peace to see beneath the surface of things which reveal why things happen the way they do, based on God's view. It's simple, He created life, so why waste time trying to see life from an inferior view, man trying to understand life without the one who created life - JESUS CHRIST-GOD. God has a way of getting His point across, even with imperfect things, such man & even movies. There is nothing wrong with being contemporary, just don't follow the adversary. FOLLOW CHRIST. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK (HOLLYWOOD JESUS). MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU & YOUR FAMILY.

READ AND STUDY YOUR BIBLE
Subject: Left Behind
Date: Wed, 18 Oct 2000
From: "Sarina Croft"

hi, I loved the book and am about to start Indwellings. But first and formost...read and study your bibles. That is what is most important. Sure LB is great reading and biblical reasonable accurate, but its a story, after all. Prophecy is just not taught or studied enough. And in these days more than ever it needs to be. God says what he means and means what he says...read it the way it was meant to be read. Literally...God does not need our interpretation. Everything he alread knew from the begining of time: and he has made it known to us too...if only we would take his word for it.
Sarina Croft

HAS BOOKS
Subject: Left Behind
Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2000
From: Ashley

Hi, my name is Ashley. I have got the collection of your books.I have read 1-4 and i love them. I am only fourteen and i live for jesus. My friends think i am crazy but i told them to read the Bible.Jesus is so wonderful. I get judged alot but i believe he is with me and will protect me. I don't know how to spell. Sorry so short but please wright back i would like to know more about your web sight.

THE MESSAGE IS HOW TO ESCAPE HELL, NOT THE TRIBULATION!
Subject: rapture
Date: Tue, 10 Oct 2000
From: LD

The message of the Bible and the historic Christian proclamation have both been that a person must be forgiven through faith in Jesus Christ in order to escape eternal punishment in hell. Neither the Bible or the church's historic understanding of the Bible's message has been that unbelievers need to be reconciled to God so that they can escape (the great) tribulation.

Rather, the Bible encourages believers to live for Christ even during tribulation (1 Thess 3:2-3). Persecution of believers is a sign of being chosen by God (2 Thess 1:4-5). The purpose of 1 Thess 4:13-18 is to comfort those who have loved ones who have already died; it does not say the living will be spared affliction: Don't grieve over the dead (v 13); they will come with Jesus (v 14); when Jesus comes their bodies will be resurrected before the living (v 15-17); be comforted that the dead will also be resurrected (v 18). A belief that has risen only in the last 170 years (even though it is currently quite popular in Christendom) cannot be equated with historic Christian belief. (Especially a belief that originated, developed, and is fundamental as part of the heretical doctrine of two ways to salvation (works and faith), two different gospels, two different commissions, two different destinations, and two different kingdoms.)

Focusing on the proclamation that an unbeliever needs to be saved from tribulation blurs the Biblical message that one needs to be saved from hell. It also tells the unbeliever he can wait until the rapture to seek salvation. But then it will be too late. ("For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus." 2 Thess 1: 6-8)

Notice, that the relief for Christians arrives when Jesus Christ comes (is revealed) and applies His wrath to unbelievers - rapture, revealing, and vengeance at the same event. (Is a rapture before Christ's coming in judgment a part of the deluding influence that prevents some from believing the truth (2 Thess 2:11-12)? I wouldn't want that on my record.} Jesus will not be revealed (or come) until the apostasy happens and the man of lawlessness is revealed (2 Thess 1:7; 2:3). At this coming, the lawless one will be destroyed (2 Thess 2:8) - rapture, coming (revealing), and vengeance at the same event.
Jesus is Lord, LD

WATCH
Subject: Does any critic study the Bible at all?......
Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2000
From: brit and jasmina

There are a few comments that the rapture "theory" or "fiction" is "loosly based on questionable verses in the bible". First off, the Bible is God's word exactly as He has said them. There are no mistakes, writer interpretations or thoughts misrepresenting God's own thoughts. If that were so Jesus would not of quoted scripture through his ministry and used it against the devil, because it wouldn't have any truth or power, it would simply be 'man's written word'. Jesus very clearly said that we will be "caught up in the air" to meet him and two people will be working, one will be taken and the other left, two will be sleeping, one will be taken and the other left. There are so many verses of scripture that clearly outline the rapture event that you would have to be blinded by church doctrine and to proud to admit your church doctrine is not biblicly accurate, or you just don't STUDY the Bible. Don't let your church tell you what the Bible sais. Read it for yourself and be ready, the time is near, He is at the door, and what he sais to us He sais to all, WATCH!!!

IT IS LONG OVERDUE
Subject: Left_Behind
Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2000
From: Patti Holt

I am so excited about the Left Behind books, video, and now a full length motion picture. I have read The Indwelling waiting for the next one. I love the way the authors stay biblically accurate throughout the entire story and how they use Tsion to reveal the deity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I think now is the time for Christians to take over the motion picture industry satan has had it too long ! May God's Favor rest upon you.
Patti Holt

IT'S FICTION
Subject: "Left Behind" comment:
Date: Fri, 4 Aug 2000
From: "N.M.B. & J.L.T."

I have read modern thrillers, classic and contemporary sci-fi, and survival sagas, and the Left Behind series runs head to head with the best of them as a page turner. It is well written fiction, with the emphasis on FICTION. Unfortunately, many evangelical readers seem to have missed that point. Since it jives with one of the more popular exegetical interpretations, tens of thousands of Christians are accepting it as the God-given gospel of the end times. Their conclusion, and the prophetic value they are placing on this work, is simply not warranted. That fact, I am positive, would be confirmed by the authors. My warning to the church of today is; don't accept anything but God's holy word to be inspired by him, even such well researched fiction as the Left Behind series. As a ministry tool that presents the gospel of Jesus in God's words, it is unsurpassed in its appeal. I pray that the church will see it is that and exploit it to the max, then get ready to meet the Lord in the air!

ASTONISHED BY POPULARITY
Subject: Marketing at its best
Date: Thu, 03 Aug 2000
From: The Butson Family

I've read every one of the LB series except The Indwelling (I'm waiting for it to be available at our local library) and am pretty astounded at how popular this series is. Frankly, I don't get it. I like to read a lot, and not just Christian books. But I'm frustrated by the choppy narrative and the "pulp fiction" feel of the series. ("Attention span of a gnat" is the phrase that comes to mind despite the talents and integrity of both authors, who I respect greatly.)

With the popularity of this series, almost all of the believers I know who have read the books, and sing its praises, forget that there's a whole lot of solid believers who believe in a literal interpretation of Revelation (and Daniel) who don't follow the LB plan. Many believers are developing their theology on FICTION, many without serious study of the Word itself. This happened with Frank Peretti's books as well in regards to spiritual warfare. (Believers got into seeing demons everywhere after This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness)

Now it's THE current "in" thing to get everything related to LB and if you don't agree with this interpretation of the future, well, just how sincere are you? Sorry, that's what I've run into. There's nothing wrong with writing or reading this stuff. It's just that with all the marketing that's gone on (get your CD's and Bibles of the same theme, folks) it's incomprehensible that these books are taken SO seriously as good fiction, much less Christian fiction. At the start, I thought these would make some good movies, and maybe that will be more enjoyable. But if this series is the best we can do in terms of quality literature, I don't think that's good news. The saving grace is if there are those who DO take Jesus' claims seriously and come to faith as a result, then I'm glad. But that's about all I can put into the Left Behind series. (Yes, I'm a Christian and take the Bible literally. . .: ))

EXEGETICALLY WEAK
Date: Sat, 8 Jul 2000
From: Rock'n Rev

"Never before has a book touched so many peoples lives." This quote, from your own review of the anticipated movie release, is a part of my problem with this series of books. It is difficult for me to understand how/why people of faith could raise any book above THE BOOK. I think that the left behind series are interesting fiction, nothing more.

From an exegetical point of view they are biblically very week. The rapture is not even a developed doctrine in respected Christian Scholarship. It is a theme loosly based on a questionable verse in the Gospel of Mark that is then interspersed with the allegorical writing in the Revelation of John (written maybe 50 years later to a different group of people).

The books are making the authors a whole lot of money and are capitalizing upon the culture of fear which you so accuratly outlined in your review of the recently released "Scary Movie" Shalom, Rock'n Rev

GREAT BOOKS
Subject: left behind series
Date: Wed, 28 Jun 2000
From: Pierce

These books are great. They will hopefully get people to stop and think and to get into the Bible for a deeper insight into the prophesy. God Bless.

CAN HARDLY WAIT
Subject: The movie
Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2000
From: Houpt

Wow!! I am so excited, can hardly wait to see the "Left Behind" movie. Haven't read Indwelling yet, but will any day now. All of those books are fantastic. Praise the Lord for them!! Will there be sequels to the "Left Behind" movie? Thank you for this web site! M.D. Houpt

MANY QUESTIONS
Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2000
From: Jason Odermatt

I would love to here of how the Camern's became Christians. Also I would like to see cast pictures, (I would too) as well as here how the distribution is going to come about. Will the film be in movie houses all around the country like say a star wars film. (Yes, this is the plan) or will it be in only the ones that will take a Christian film. Also what of the other books are their movie plans for the rest of them?(Just talk right now) As far as the film is I just hope that they take their time on making it we need hollywood quality films for Christians. (This is being done)
Jason Odermatt

WILL BE GREATEST MOVIE EVER
Subject: Left Behind and remaining in series
Date: Mon, 5 Jun 2000
From: annette

Hi This is the most awesome series I have ever read!! I LOVE this and all of the following books in the Left Behind series! They are so well written that One can get the sense that they are actually there in every scene! I knew this would me a movie and think this will be the greatest movie ever! I can't wait to see the movie and read the rest of the books yet to be published. Thank you for having the God-inspired desire and drive to make this movie. I have only read what you wrote and checked out the web site and feel this is going to be AWESOME!
Annette

LITERALLY LEFT BEHIND
Subject: No Subject
Date: Fri, 5 May 2000
From: JT

I auditioned for Rayford in left behind film-by tape via namesake to Toronto!!!! oh well maybe next time!!!
http://www.interactdesigns.com/JohnTobin/index.html

CAST CHANGES
Subject: Cast list of LB
Date: Fri, 05 May 2000
From: Aaron Pauley

Hi, I'd just like to let you know that Lacey Chabert is not going to be Chloe for the movie it is going to be an unknown actress named Janaya Stevens and Peter LaLonde has said they're undecided on who is playing Nicolae. If you want to keep up with the latest correct info on the Left Behind movie then please read the messages that Peter LaLonde posts to keep us avid fans up to date on who's who in the movie. Thank you and God Bless, Aaron Pauley

NEWS RELEASE
May 29, 2000. -With "Left Behind-the movie under way, Pete Lalonde and staff are feverishly working on getting the movie finished and in the movie theatres for a early 2001 release.

Cloud Ten Pictures have said that they are hoping for a blow out box office weekend. The goal is to break the record for opening day sales. With "The Indwelling" (Book 7 of the LB Series) is selling so well, (ranked in the top ten sellers at Amazon even before it was in released) it is proof positive that people from all over the globe are interested in the Trib Force.

Many lefthind fans made the pilgramage to be extras in the movie. Never before has a book touched so many peoples lives. We will stay at the edge of our seat in anticapation. Look for books 9 and 10 of the teen Left Behind series on shelves in the next couple of months. And book 8 "The Mark" in the series (there will be 12 books in all) is scheduled for a street date of Nov 14th

NEWS RELEASE
March 1999 -It's the best selling Christian novel of all time and it's about to become a major motion picture! In a landmark $17.4 million deal Cloud Ten Pictures and Namesake Entertainment have begun to move forward on the long-awaited film. The book, by authors Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, has hit the New York Times best-seller list as have several of its sequels. And, all six titles in the book series sit one on top of the other at the top of the Christian best-seller lists.

The production on the film is off to a great start with the addition of Hollywood veteran Ralph Winter to the team. Winter has produced such blockbuster films as Mighty Joe Young, Inspector Gadget, and Star Trek. He is currently at work on the X-Men.

In announcing the production, Cloud Ten President Peter Lalonde notes that the team has "enormous respect for what Tim and Jerry and the leadership at Tyndale House Publishers have done with this book and the entire series of books. We want to bring the tradition of excellence they have begun to the big screen. We look forward to working closely with them all to maintain the integrity and story of the book."

Joe Goodman of Namesake Entertainment is equally enthusiastic. "This is not going to be a small production. We have seen what Cloud Ten has done with Apocalypse and Revelation. Their current production, Tribulation, starring Gary Busey, Howie Mandel and Margot Kidder is going to be the best yet. Left Behind is a very logical step in the building of their Christian film studio."

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