"Left Behind" is the first book of a Christian-fiction series also named Left Behind. This series’ genre has fiction in its name, but the stories are prophetically accurate according to the bible. Co-Author of the series, Dr. Tim Lahaye is a renowned prophecy scholar who has used his expertise to the best advantage in this portrayal of the end days.
The book begins with the shocking and powerful rapture. People disappear, leaving only their clothes behind. On Pilot Rayford Steele’s 747, he finds that all the children and many adults are missing from their seats. One of those left behind, journalist Buck Williams is also on the plane. He and Rayford become acquainted through a Flight attendant named Hattie Durham. These three are the main characters in this story. Hattie and the married Rayford have had a little bit of a romance but neither has acted on it yet. Rayford later comes to regret this when he begins to look into the Christian faith as an answer to these happenings. By the end of the book, Buck finds himself leaning toward Christianity, but his conversion takes more time than Rayford’s.
As the tragic events unfold, a charismatic and personable leader steps into the limelight.
His name is Nicolae Carpathia, and we find out later that he is none other than the Anti-Christ. He has the ability to all but hypnotize with his verbal abilities. The ultimate communicator, he fluently speaks nine languages and his speeches are very moving. One U.N. address has him compelling everyone present to jump to their feet in wild applause, even while the speech, before his arrival onto the scene, was very controversial and in a minority viewpoint.
While reading this book one can’t help but be interested in the Christian faith. The story is conveyed in such a real and believable manner that it really helps shed some light on areas that people not brought up in the faith would most likely never have access to. However, the story is at the same time interesting solely for the action and mystery. Bravo to Dr. Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins.