John's Story: The Last Disciple

The time is coming, or it might already be here, when no one will be able to use the excuse of “I just don’t get it.” The internet has brought information to our fingertips such that every one who can read or watch YouTube can become quite an expert on any subject in only a few hours.

As the internet is to knowledge in general, so is Tim LaHaye to understanding the Bible. Those of us raised on the King James and the Revised Standard could be forgiven for needed a guide through some of the more difficult words, sentences, or even chapters. Along came the NIV, Living, The Answer, and the Message, and most folks who could read could certainly understand the text of the Bible.

The most difficult concept in the Bible was end times prophesy, and even with these easy-to-read translations, getting a grasp on what dispensationalists and premillenialists were saying about the future of the earth was still a realm for intellectuals only. Personally, I read massive tomes on the subject, heard sermons from some of the best and wisest, but still had some pretty fuzzy notions, and bunches of questions.

Whether you agree with his interpretation or not, no one can argue that Tim LaHaye made Revelation understandable to anyone who could read at the third grade level. Sure, you had to read 15 books or so to get the whole thing. But for those who cared, the material was there and totally accessible.



Now too with the Story of John. Certainly the Gospel of John and his three letters to the churches are not as difficult to understand as his Revelation. But LaHaye has now put John’s life and writing into context. To be sure, this is an historical fiction. It is not supposed to be a literal view of what took place in Johns last few years of life. However, as the reader keeps that info in the back of his mind, it is helpful to get a glimpse of the time and circumstances that led to the most loved of the gospels, by the man that Jesus ‘loved.”

Since reviews are supposed to include criticism, i will point out that this book is disappointingly short, and like some of LaHayes other works with Jenkins, less layered than it might have been. I reached the end wanting more substance.

If you take out the recitation of scripture, necessary to the context of the story to be sure, the sum total of original words written is pretty small. More meat on those bones would have made the work seem more of a good “value.”

But, having said that, read it. Borrow a copy since it will only take three hours to read, but do read it.

The God vs No God Debate Needs Your Help

A new blog has been born. You are invited to participate in any way you can think of to help insure that every aspect of the Christian apologetic (defense of the faith) is represented in this great debate. There doesn't appear to be another place on the web where atheists and Christians of every stripe have a chance to debate the existence of God.

Come visit today, bookmark the site and come back often. We expect to have leading authorities and just plain folks mixing it up on this site.

The Rapture - Countdown to the Earth's Last Days

It seems doubtful that Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins had any idea what they were starting when the published the first book in the Left Behind Series 20 years ago. Since both were extremely successful prior to this series, I'm sure they believed the books would do well. But, THIS Well? I would love to know if the original series was supposed to be 5 books or 7. Did they stretch it out to get to 12. Pretty sure the prequels were an afterthough (so to speak.) Whatever the case may be, I've just completed book 15, THE RAPTURE, and it is a fine ending indeed.

As even LaHaye and Jenkins will probably admit, this will not be taught as great literature in English classes of the future. Nor will anyone confuse the plot lines with 24 Hours. However, the plots are fine (say 7.5 on a scale of 1-10), the characters are memorable and full blooded. (Give it an 8.) Suspense maybe only a 6. Overall, if it weren't for the subject matter, folks would have still read these books, but not nerely so many.

What they so badly need was MORE. Many of the plot lines were good, but needed to be stretched out, given more tension, left the door closed a bit longer.

This final book, which takes us back to the actual rapture and slightly overlaps Book 1, which was called LEFT BEHIND. In the first two books of the prequel, THE RISING and THE REGIME, we watch the beginning of the life and career of antichrist, Nicolae Carpathia. Both of these books spend most of their time on his maneuvering for power. While The Rapture still advances this part of the story, it spends much more time on the lives of several family groups that will be prominant throughout the future books.

As a Christian you are drawn to the imperfect, but saved, family members. You feel bad for those who haven't yet accepted Christ, and are struggling on many levels. There was room for more subtlety in these distinctions, but it works just fine.

What intrigued my business partner, Terry Brown, about this book, was the descriptions of heaven, and how things will actually look and work at the time of the rapture. Obviously, these are the impressions of Tim LaHaye based on Scripture. And they do bring to mind Randy Alcorn's recent book, Heaven.

If you haven't read any of the books in the Left Behind Series, you could start here. You wouldn't miss much. Or you could start with THE RISING, first of the prequels, and just keep going. Total reading time for all 15 books for a average speed reader, 45 hours.

Exciting Page Turner

Babylon Rising: The Europa Conspiracy by Tim LaHaye and Bob Phillips is ... well ... ham fisted. I am absolutely positive that is the first time I've ever used that word in my life, but it is the perfect word to describe this book. Here is another one - defective. This book has a fantastic plot, great characters, super scenes, but is just horribly written. It needs to be recalled, rewritten, and rereleased when it is ready for prime time.

You don't necessarily have to wait for Tim and Bob to rewrite this book. It is a really good read. The story, like its two predecessors, is based on looking for Biblical artifacts, and it is thrilling. Just be prepared to wonder if anyone but the author ever read this work. Should they be listening, here are a few ideas:

When people that are close to you die, one expects people of faith and caring to really care. The comments of the main characters related to the deaths of their friends seem cold and fleeting.

It is ok to use up a bit more forest to tell the whole story. This book should have been at least 100-200 pages longer. You want to see more development of almost every aspect. The scenes are too short, not enough build up, and they just end.

If you must preach, make it subtle. The most ham fisted aspect of this book is the political and theological preaching. It is in your face and not attractive.

When people are said to have survived, it is bad form to later tell us they are dead.

I am a manufacturer and a writer. If this were my product or my book, I'd ask everyone to return it, so I could send them the quality they deserve.

Book Review - The Secret on Ararat

Tim LaHaye is finally getting a fair amount of press. But, I've said it before, he has not received anywhere near the acclaim that his body of work deserves. The Left Behind series will never be confused with great literature, but it was fun reading, and it informed during that fun. If you've not yet read Left Behind, it gets my "Buy the Hardback" rating. We have the entire series in Hardback, and our boys have the kids' version.

The Babylon Rising Series with co-author Bob Phillips is much better written than Left Behind. But that doesn't mean it is great literature either. The story line is fine. The characters are interesting. The setup where hero Michael Murphy is challenged in some death defying game by Methuselah in the opening paragraphs of each book is well done.

I think the biggest missing ingredient in this book is context. It is written almost like the nightly news. The scenes are short with too little build up, and resolve themselves too quickly and easily. Then the entire book ends the same way. Some books feel as if they could be edited, cut down to size. This one feels like it needs someone to flesh it out.

Better Than Left Behind

Babylon Rising by Tim LaHaye and Greg Dinallo

No offense meant to Jerry Jenkins, but as much as I liked the Left Behind series which he co-authored with Tim LaHaye, it might have been even better with co-author Greg Dinallo. If you like edge of the seat action dramas with a Christian theme, you won't do much better than Babylon Rising.

From the opening page of this thriller, you instantly befriend Michael Murphy, the anthropology prof cum adventurer. All of the major characters in Babylon Rising are three dimensional and memorable. There is even a love interest in this one.

From time-to-time you might be reminded of Indiana Jones as you travel into ancient digs throughout the Middle East, but unlike Indy, Michael Murphy is dealing with prophesy and Biblical themes, and all of the characters are dealing with various levels of belief or unbelief.

Tim LaHaye, mastermind of the Left Behind Series, seems to have a limitless ability to move the Word of God forward. Not everyone knows that his writings go far beyond Left Behind, including what I consider to be the best book available on marital intimacy (read "sex.") See my post on The Act of Marriage. He has written or co-authored at least 22 other books. He is also the founder of what is now the Family Life Today Marriage Conferences, two Christian grade schools, a high school, and a college.

Babylon Rising is 9 on a scale of 10. Available in paperback from Dell.

How to Have the Best Sex in Marriage - Book

The Act of Marriage: The Beauty of Sexual Love by Tim LaHaye

The revolution started in 1968. Prior to that Kinsey and others had attempted to bring an understanding of sex into books designed for us little people to read. Playboy had been out for 13 years talking about sex perversion, and to be fair had produced some serious articles on sex in marriage. But Everything I Ever Wanted to Know About Sex was the breakthrough book. It was a huge best seller, and brought normal sexual activity to the grass roots.

Enter Tim LaHaye, author, preacher, and Christ follower. He is best known now for the Left Behind Series, but his book, The Act of Marriage, has sold over 2.5 million copies. The reason is simple. The information is dead on correct. If the sex in your marriage is not what you want it to be. If you are struggling with any kind of disfunction. If your spouse is unresponsive. If you are getting married soon, or have just recently been married, and you have questions about how things work or how to relate, this is the resource you need.

There are other good books on marital sex, both secular and Christian. As a fan of Dr. Ed Wheat and his wonderful marriage book, Love Life for Every Married Couple, I could easily recommend his fine book, Intended for Pleasure. The Wheat book is fine, The Act of Marriage is outstanding.

The Amazing Life of Tim LaHaye

Tim LaHaye may be one of the best known names in the US due to his Left Behind Series of Books. However, his life is much more than that one work. His creative talents have created an output that seems incredible for one lifetime. This site will be dedicated to bringing together that story. Along with the biography that we will create here, there will be book reviews on his entire life's output, links to interviews, and any other information we can gather. Hold on to your seat.