[who knows what evil?]

The Rapture debate is one that has caused me a great deal of discomfort. So much emphasis has been placed on a "pre-trib" rapture that millions upon millions of Christians have been infected with what is affectionately referred to as "rapturitis"...this afflicition makes it very difficult to get many Christians involved with the earthly battle against the forces of darkness. Why? Christians afflicted with "rapturitis" feel that they will be "taken up" before things get too nasty, so why bother? Why get involved? "I'll be out of here pretty soon, so I'm not too concerned about what is going on in public schools, in our government, in our 'lukewarm' churches, and so forth."

My question is this: What makes American Christians think that are so privileged that they will never face the level of suffering that their brethren overseas face on a daily basis? Are they uninformed? Or are they just arrogant? Hundreds upon hundreds of Christians are being slaughtered in China, the Sudan, Indonesia, and so forth; and yet Christians in this country just go about their la-de-da daily lives, convinced that they will be "raptured outta here" before the heat gets turned up to high on them. Frankly, with what we allow to go on in THIS country (abortion, homosexual agenda in schools, etc.), I am surprised that American Christians weren't among the FIRST to be taken to the woodshed by our Father in Heaven. The again, maybe our overseas brethren are blessed among all by being martyred, and taken home FIRST. Maybe American Christians are being "left behind" until the last possible moment, and when our turn for persecution comes, it will be swift and terrible. I covet your thoughts and feedback on this premise on this Blessed Resurrection Day. (If you are NOT a Christian, and have nothing to add but a wise/rude comment; fight the urge, and keep it to yourself.)

[szweig]

If He has any sense at all he'll stay away until this thing blows over.

[DugwayDuke]

"So much emphasis has been placed on a "pre-trib" rapture that millions upon millions of Christians have been infected with what is affectionately referred to as "rapturitis"...this afflicition makes it very difficult to get many Christians involved with the earthly battle against the forces of darkness. Why?"

I think there is a more fundamental problem. There are a great many passages in the Bible that can be interpreted in a manner to discourage resistance. For example, those that say all things happen in God's will imply that there is no reason to resist or that such resistance is futile. I won't quote the scripture but remember what happened when the mob came for Jesus in the Garden? He told his disciple to sheath his sword. Or, those that glorify sacrifice and suffering. Then there are the writings of Paul where he encouraged submission to the government since all rulers were established by God and only ruled by his Grace. Still, I wonder about the passive responses we glorify. I can see a direct link between these teachings and the martyrs in the Roman Games who only knelt and prayed or the passive responses of those in the "Left Behind" series.

Oh, I suppose you're refering to more of a spiritual response. But, still I think there is a link.

[califordubya]

My question is this: What makes American Christians think that are so privileged that they will never face the level of suffering that their brethren overseas face on a daily basis?

What happens after the rapture is the pouring out of GOD'S WRATH God's word says we were not appointed to wrath (Christian's)

[Orion]

Are they uninformed? Or are they just arrogant?

Both. American Christians seem to believe that the USA is some blessed institution, and fail to see how it is a pagan nation, modeled after Isreal's greatest persecutor, and founded by Diests and Luciferians.

[monkeywrench]

"...What makes American Christians think that are so privileged that they will never face the level of suffering that their brethren overseas face on a daily basis? Are they uninformed? Or are they just arrogant? Hundreds upon hundreds of Christians are being slaughtered in China, the Sudan, Indonesia, and so forth; and yet Christians in this country just go about their la-de-da daily lives, convinced that they will be "raptured outta here..."

I can only imagine the type of people you call Christians. There are many loving, prayerful, dedicated Christians in the USA, that understand full well the slaughter of fellow believers elsewhere. Are you saying that unless someone is "slaughtered" or denied freedom to worship openly (as in many countries), that they are arrogant or uninformed?

[antidemocommie]

Nah, I disagree. When Sodom and Gomorah were destroyed, what did Lot ask God? America is full of Christians, and many are sitting on their butts doing nothing, and on that point, we agree. But its not because they are awaiting the rapture, its because they either don't know what to do to change things, or they figure the world is going down the tubes, and they are going to stand back and watch.

[timestax]

bump