In my continuing study of the  rapture, end times, and related matters, I have finished reading the book, “The Raptrue Follies” by Scott Garber. I would include a picture of the cover but the book has been passed on to a friend to read before I thought to record the image. I have many more books waiting to be read on the subject and so without further comment I will publish my review of this book.

The Rapture Follies, an amusing critique of a segment of modern Christianity.

The Rapture Follies

Review by Mel Smith

The ‘Rapture Follies’ by Scott Garber, is a comical tale about the author of a make-believe book series regarding the rapture (… like the ‘Left Behind’ series?) and a small group of contest ‘winners?’ Peter, the author, leads the group on a mission trip to Romania where both the missionaries and the towns-people think that the others have been raptured. Some suspect the Mayor is the anti-Christ while others form a ‘tribulation force’, led by the mayor, to combat the anti-Christ’s take-over of the world… if the rapture has indeed taken place!

Through the comic tale, Garber offers an insightful critique of the way many contemporary Christians think, act, and believe. Peter makes a great comment with an escapism-mindset when in the midst of ‘tribulation’… of his own making, he dreams of “the ultimate escape, the rapture of the church.” (Garber 98) Later, as the little mission team faces an uncertain future with no likely means of escape, one member, Jim, offers comfort with this thought, “Praise God we’re in a different dispensation than the martyrs.” (Garber 120)

The Rapture Follies is a refreshingly lighthearted look at an aspect of contemporary Christianity that takes itself way too seriously. Prophecy ‘experts’ and hawkers of “religious” fairy tales… as well as seriously deluded disciples of dispensational theology may not appreciate the humor of ‘The Rapture Follies’ but I found it refreshing, and I want more. Who cannot smile at the discovery of the ‘mark of the beast’?

I recommend “The Rapture Follies“. This funny, insightful, penetrating critique of contemporary evangelicalism is a timely and sorely needed peek in the mirror for a look at us. Our Father has exposed false teaching, hypocrisy, cynicism, and other faults in other generations, and I believe he is doing the same in ours. Read “The Rapture Follies” with an open heart and mind, and see if you do not end up laughing at some of the silliness seen in your own reflection. ‘The Rapture Follies’ could be especially useful for anyone reading or discussing the “Left Behind” series.

Book

Garber, Scott. The Rapture Follies. Phoenix: ACW Press, 2003. ISBN: 1892525909 List Price $12.99