The author of this article certainly doesn’t have a clue concerning Protestant beliefs. He would do well to research the accusations he levels. The idea of a ‘rapture’, be it ‘pre-trib’, ‘mid-trib’ or ‘post-trib’, is an idea that arose less than two hundred years ago, from the interpretation of Scripture by one John Nelson Darby. This interpretation seems most popular in the land of Hollywood and other English speaking countries and most certainly does NOT represent the belief of ALL Protestants.
Painting with such a broad brush stroke, would be akin my stating that, ‘All Roman Catholics worship Mary.’ THAT false statement would raise the ire of many Roman Catholics on this board, yet I have several Roman Catholics who claim that their faith requires the worship of Mary.
Mr. Martingnoni would do well to research his claims before stating them. The old sage advice that, ‘It is better to be thought an idiot, than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.’ most certainly applies in this instance.
“The author of this article certainly doesn’t have a clue...”
I think Mr. Martingnoni is spot on with his article. I grew up under the teachings of a Pre-Trib Rapture, as John Nelson Darby and his followers among the ‘Plymouth Brethren’ taught it. I have pondered the question, studied and researched what the Bible says, and today if I were to write an article on this it would likely read like what Mr. Martingnoni wrote in his article.
Pre-Trib Rapture fits well with Darby’s dispensationalism. Scofield was studied Darby’s writings and much of Darby’s teachings influenced Scofield’s Reference Notes. And it spread among may fundamental Christian congregations.
There is another ‘stumbling block’ that is somewhat related. It has to do with Daniel’s ‘70 weeks of years’ and the ‘gap theory’ relating to these years. The 69th week ended when Jesus was baptized by John. The 70th week begins at that moment. It was the ‘week’ of Jesus earthly ministry, cut short at three and a half years by His crucifixion.