10.27.2005

Stop Assuming. Start Digging.

I grew up in a medium-sized baptist church in the small town of Honea Path, SC. Every so often, we would watch an evangelistic play or film that portrayed the "secret rapture." (Yes, I am talking about the classic Dispensational--Thief in the Night--Left Behind--view of the rapture.) Anyway, for most of my life I assumed that this eschatological view was true. And why wouldn't I assume that this was true? This was what I was taught from the pulpit, the sunday school classroom, and of course, the films. Yet, over time I began to realize that I had made many assumptions in regard to my beliefs (such as the rapture). Instead of truly searching the Bible, I had assumed that everything that I had been taught was correct. Granted, most of the doctrine that I had been taught was true (I was very fortunate to learn from many great pastors/teachers). Yet, I soon discovered that some of my assumed beliefs did not line up with the God's Word. Discovery is difficult, but refreshing. My prayer is that I will always base my beliefs on God's Word instead of my assumptions. I am sure that some of you are wondering what I discovered about Christ's return and the "secret rapture." Of course, I still believe that Christ will return one day (and what a wonderful day it will be!); but, I can honestly say you won't find any of Tim Lahaye's "prophecy" books on my bookshelf. And in regard to the "Left Behind" movie that is currently sitting among my DVD collection...let's just say that if I ever move anywhere, this is one movie that will get left behind.

4 comments:

Eric M. Ashley said...

We really are like-minded brothers, and I am thankful for our friendship. Also, I'll let you cook me a meal when you return to the States!

Anonymous said...

I must confess the "Left Behind" movie among the DVD collection belongs to me. I'm not quite sure why we still have it and why it hasn't ended up in some yard sale stuff or a trash can. Growing up in a Southern Baptist church Dispensationalism is what was taught. I believed what I was taught and didn't really search the scriptures for myself. But after growing in the Lord and digging in the scriptures myself I found a much different ending. I encourage everyone to not just take what you are taught as truth but encourage you to look at scripture and delve into it.

Anonymous said...

Did I ever tell you about the "rapture drills" that Harry did for programming at Awanita last summer, where Harry would yell "rapture!" and everyone jumps up and screams like they're being raptured? We even showed part of the left behind movie, you know, when kirk's on the plane and everyone gets raptured...

Eric M. Ashley said...

No you didn't ever mention the "rapture drills." That is hilarious...and sad. Whether or not a person agrees or disagrees with this particular interpretation of the rapture, can't we agree that this type of activity seems to turn scripture into a joke? I think these types of activities are harmful because they do not help youth (or anyone else) grow into mature followers of Christ.