The Left Behind Rapture theology, which portrays a future event where believers are suddenly taken to heaven before a 7-year period of tribulation on earth, has gained significant popularity in recent years. While it may seem harmless to some, this theology can have dangerous consequences for individuals and society.

Encourages Escapism and Neglect of Worldly Issues

The belief in a sudden rapture can lead to a neglect of important issues affecting society, such as poverty, injustice, reducing gun violence, and climate change. Believers may prioritize preparing for the rapture over addressing these pressing concerns, leading to a lack of engagement and action toward creating positive change.

Promotes Fear and Divisiveness

The fear of being “left behind” can create a sense of anxiety and divisiveness among believers and non-believers alike. It can also lead to a “us versus them” mentality, where those not part of the “saved” group are perceived as enemies or threats. This fear and divisiveness can have harmful social and political consequences.

Reinforces Harmful Gender Roles and Power Structures

The Left Behind narrative often portrays men as the leaders and decision-makers, while women are placed in supportive roles. This reinforces harmful gender roles and power structures that can be damaging to both men and women.

Has Significant Impact on Child Development, Psychologically and Neurologically

Rapture theology can have a significant impact on a child’s development, both psychologically and neurologically. It can cause fear and anxiety, attachment issues, changes in the brain, and can lead to Religious Trauma Syndrome. By understanding these effects, parents and caregivers can make informed decisions about the religious beliefs they pass on to their children.

The Long-Term Impacts of Rapture Indoctrination on Children

Fosters Complacency and Lack of Personal Responsibility

The belief that a sudden rapture will save believers from any tribulation on earth can lead to a sense of complacency and a lack of personal responsibility. Believers may feel that they do not need to take care of themselves or their communities, as they will be rescued by divine intervention. Why try to improve our world for the future if you believe it will end soon?

Discourages Critical Thinking and Questioning

The Left Behind narrative is based on a particular interpretation of biblical prophecy, which may not align with other interpretations or with empirical evidence. Believers are often discouraged from questioning or critically examining this interpretation, which can lead to a lack of intellectual curiosity and growth.

The Left Behind Rapture theology may seem like a harmless belief, but it can have dangerous consequences for individuals and society. It encourages escapism and neglect of worldly issues, promotes fear and divisiveness, reinforces harmful gender roles and power structures, fosters complacency and lack of personal responsibility, and discourages critical thinking and questioning. It is important to critically examine and challenge this theology to create a more just and compassionate society.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

Who benefits from humanity believing in the Rapture and/or Doomsday?

Who and What is being exploited by humanity believing in the Rapture and/or Doomsday?

What would change in your actions or deeds if you believed the world wasn’t going to end, rather, we could create a better, lasting future for all?

The Deception of the Left Behind Rapture: 5 Reasons to Break Free 

If you’d like to dig into this subject further, I highly recommend Bart Ehrman’s newly released book:

Armageddon: What the Bible Really Says about the End

New to Deconstruction? Start Here:

Awakening to a New System: Deconstruction and Collective Change

The author generated this text in part with GPT-3, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model. Upon generating draft language, the author reviewed, edited, and revised the language to their own liking and takes ultimate responsibility for the content of this publication.