At some point, Amazon did a "Millenium Poll," in which they asked users to choose their favorite book of the last 1,000 years. Wouldn't you know it, right up there at number 19, between "War and Peace" and "Catch 22," was your favorite and mine—"Left Behind."
Can I just say that I think that's sad?
Wow. Frightening.
Posted by: will | January 16, 2005 at 10:16 PM
Maybe we can get the Bush administration to start a "No book left behind" program.
Or better yet, a "No left behind books" program.
Posted by: dave paisley | January 17, 2005 at 01:24 AM
I think I'm going to be sick.
Posted by: Aaron O. | January 17, 2005 at 08:58 AM
Why do people love those books so much? I venture the guess that they're so exciting because they are relevant to people. The New Testament is all about stuff in the past. While it's important to know about that historical stuff, people want to hear about what's going to happen next.
I say some of that facetiously to make a point. The New Testament is about the dawning of a new age that we are a vital part of—the kingdom of God has been established here on earth and we are coworkers, building it up, living toward that day when God will finally consummate his kingdom.
That's much different picture than the Left Behind scenario. In that scenario we don't have to do anything. If we just hang out long enough, Jesus will come and whisk us away. Meanwhile, we can fantasize about what will happen to those who get left behind.
I'm not saying these people wish these things on others. These books probably spur some on to "witness" to others so they won't get left behind. But maybe it says something about their view of the relevance of the New Testament.
Posted by: Bill | January 17, 2005 at 12:08 PM
Or maybe people just enjoy the excitement of the books? Personally, I have not read them, but I know a number of people who have and love them - most of these people also love science fiction - so maybe it's the escape aspect. Think you're "reading" WAY too much into this. "Catch 22" was a great book, too, when I was seventeen, but I tried reading it again and YUCK! And who, exactly, (besides me) has read "War and Peace?"
Posted by: Just Me | January 17, 2005 at 04:20 PM
Thanks for the heads up on the list, by the way. Just went and looked at it and there are much scarier/sadder books on there than the Left Behind series
Posted by: Just Me - Again | January 17, 2005 at 04:22 PM
That's probably true, but it doesn't change the fact that a fairly junky book (literature-wise) is ranked up there with "classics." I wouldn't agree with Harry Potter as a top book of the millenium either, but I bet you if you compared the WRITING of the two you would come out in favor of J.K. Rowling.
Posted by: Bill | January 17, 2005 at 05:21 PM
Blech.
Posted by: timsamoff | January 18, 2005 at 03:00 PM
My Inaugural Address at the Great White Throne Judgment of the Dead, after I have raptured out billions!
At: http://www.angelfire.com/crazy/spaceman
Your jaw will drop!
Posted by: Secret Rapture | February 17, 2006 at 01:15 PM
re: secret rapture.
I did read it, and am forced to say WTF?!?!
Posted by: Tom | February 17, 2006 at 07:46 PM
I think that may be the response he's looking for!
Posted by: Bill | February 17, 2006 at 08:57 PM
Thanks to all for the complements. Your response is not that unusual. Thank you for leaving my link up. The Secret Rapture soon! Within months, if not years, by my hand, we will be in the post apocalyptic world of 'Jericho' on TV! Stay tuned!
Posted by: Secret Rapture | February 07, 2007 at 09:33 AM