Monday, March 05, 2007

Thy Kingdom Come

Will Catholics Be Left Behind?
A Critique of the Rapture and Today's Prophecy Preachers

by Carl E. Olson

In a recent Bible study, I realized I didn't really know what the Catholic faith teaches about the end times, other than that Jesus will come again in glory (as we recite every week). I wanted to learn more so I could understand how my study-mates' vision of the Rapture fit with Catholic teaching.

Reading this book gave me exactly what I needed to understand my faith's vision. I wish it hadn't taken me so long to read, in very small chunks, because I feel like my understanding is a little disjointed, but that's the fault of my current reading time, not the book itself. The author, Mr. Olson, is a convert to Catholicism who once believed in the Rapture, so he has great insight into exactly what others believe. I do think it was a little harsh on the fundamentalists, not because I think they're right, but because I'd like to recommend this book to friends who don't understand the Catholic view but would be afraid they'd find it abrasive. (Though a lot of his comments are actually amusing.)

If you're Catholic, I highly recommend this book so you can feel confident in the beliefs of your faith and your ability to talk with someone who does believe in the Rapture without being overwhelmed. If you're not Catholic but have a heart to understand the Catholic faith, give it a try. You might be surprised at what you find.