First, there was Left Behind. Then there was Tribulation Force. On October 21, 2005 the third episode, Left Behind: World at War, will open on at least as many screens as the biggest Hollywood films. The only difference: it will open in churches not theaters. According to the full-page ad in Christianity Today, it's "the next chapter in the greatest Christian film series ever!" (That makes me wonder. Exactly how many Christian film series have there been?)
If you can't find a church cinema in your neck of the woods, don't worry. The DVD will be released on October 25. For the rest of you, be sure to get to the chapel on time. Who knows? There may be previews (Return of the Gospel Blimp, maybe?). And remember, as a courtesy to other moviegoers, please silence your cell phones.
4 comments:
Wanted to say hello...I'm a regular reader of your blog. I'm a new blogger, and just wanted to let you know you're on my blogroll. Blessings!
Keith,
I know that end times theology is a valid "in-house" debate among Christians, but I'd love to know if you agree/disagree with this comment:
Dispensational Pre-Millenialism (as depicted in the movie series you reference here) tends to draw our focus away from Christ and his work on the Cross, and toward avoiding the tribulation and the actions of "the" antichrist.
This is my opinion based upon my own studies, but I would really like to know yours.
(*NOTE: no debate will ensue from me regardless of your answer, this is not a "loaded" question. I'm merely interested in your thoughts as a student would be a teacher.)
Thanks!
Mark
Hi, Mark.
I've noted the tendency you refer to but I don't think that it is a necessary consequence of that eschatology (see, for example, the work being done by so-called progressive dispensationalists).
A related concern that I have is that classical dispensationalism has done damage to the unity of Scripture with the result that the rapture, in some circles, is presented as the consummation of our redemption as opposed to the glorification of our bodies and the renewal of creation. This has worked against the construction of a coherent biblical worldview and the ability to relate the faith to all dimensions of human life.
I'm still in the midst of working this out for myself but I hope that answers your question to some degree.
Thanks for reading and contributing.
Hi, Jan. Thanks so much for saying "hi" and letting me know that you're a regular visitor. I'm honored to be on your roll. You've done a fine job with your blog thus far. I subscribed to it via Bloglines. Keep up the good work!
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