WEST CHESTER, PA – Responding to the confusion many Catholics have regarding Christian teaching about the “end times,” especially in light of the recent publishing phenomenon of the Left Behind series of books, Ascension Press announces the release of The Rapture Trap to help Catholics understand the theological dangers of the “rapture” theory and the anti-Catholic undertones of the Left Behind series.
The provocative “end times” industry– most recently personified in the Left Behind series – puts forth ideas about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ that are contrary to the historic Christian tradition. These teachings are explained and charitably debunked in this new book by Paul Thigpen. The Rapture Trap is now being released to Catholic bookstores and educators around the country.
Thigpen lays out in clear, simple terms the biblical foundations of Catholic teaching on the “close of the age.” As well, he draws upon Catholic Tradition, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Church history and contemporary experience to reveal the shortcomings of the rapture doctrine. He shows where the rapture idea comes from – and the large body of unfounded beliefs to which it’s tied.
A renowned author of 25 Catholic and Christian books, and more than 500 published articles, Thigpen holds a Ph.D. in historical theology from Emory University and currently serves as a senior editor for Servant Publications and associate editor of Envoy Magazine. A Catholic convert, he is also a former Protestant pastor and college professor who writes and speaks on contemporary apocalyptic movements, among many other topics. His work has been translated into half a dozen languages and appears in academic and popular publications around the world.
Why a book on the rapture for Catholics?
“I had a number of reasons,” says Thigpen. “Many Catholics have been ensnared by the rapture deception, and for those who aren’t as familiar with Catholic teaching, it has led them to misread Scripture, has undermined their Catholic faith, and ultimately, has often seduced them to leave the Catholic Church.” A number of “due dates” for Christ’s return – all put forth by end-times enthusiasts — have come and gone over the years, “and I know all too well about Our Lord’s attitude toward command performances,” says Thigpen. “He doesn’t show.”
How well Catholics prepare for the sobering occasion of the Second Coming depends on their knowledge of Church teaching about eschatology, the study of the “end times.”
As well, Catholic teaching says that rather than hoping to be snatched up early to escape whatever trials and tribulations await the Church, the Church can look to “enter the glory of the kingdom only through this final Passover, when she will follow her Lord in His death and resurrection” (CCC, 677). Contrary to the secret rapture doctrine, Christians will not be spared the great tribulation foretold for the end of the age, but must be prepared and strengthened to endure it.
“As Catholics, we’re taught that the value of suffering is indeed great,” says Thigpen, “but many non-Catholics believe several fallacies about suffering – first, that it can’t be redemptive; second, that Christians have no share in the sins that merit divine chastisement; and third, that the innocent do not suffer for the sake of the guilty. All these notions are mistaken,” says Thigpen.
“We think this is a topic of critical importance to Catholics today because so many people are being taken in by this spiritual propaganda, which often masquerades as entertainment,” says Matthew Pinto, president of Ascension Press. “We hope that this much-needed Catholic response will help to expose this provocative but flawed theory and point Catholics back to the Church’s timeless teachings about the end times.”
Ascension Press, founded in 1998 and based in West Chester, PA, is a Catholic publisher focused on contemporary religious issues, with a special emphasis on youth and young adults. Its first title, Did Adam & Eve Have Belly Buttons?, became a Catholic best-seller. Its recent release, the Friendly Defenders Catholic Flash Cards (August 2001), is already registering record sales. For ordering information, please call 800-376-0520.
