Are We Living in the End Times?

by Tim LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins

It's a fact: 27 percent of the Bible is devoted to prophecy. But most of us don't focus 27 percent of our personal Bible study on prophecy. Why? We're confused. Or intimidated. Or both. This book takes away a lot of the mystery—and "all" of the intimidation. From the creators of the Left Behind series—Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins—comes a truly astonishing book. User-friendly for the layperson. Remarkably complete for the scholar.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Theology, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity, Spirituality

400 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1999

About the author

Timothy "Tim" F. LaHaye was an American evangelical Christian minister, author, and speaker, best known for the Left Behind series of apocalyptic fiction, which he co-wrote with Jerry B. Jenkins.

He has written over 50 books, both fiction and non-fiction.

Reviews

[Jay Miklovic · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have always been dead set against burning books... this book might make me rethink that position

After around 200 pages I finally just had to set this one down. I've finished a number of bad books, but this is the worst book I have read in a long long time. I mean that.

In the first four pages LaHaye essentially undermines all pastors by planting seeds of doubt in the readers regarding their pastor's seminary training. He insinuates that the reason there is disagreement with his position on prophecy is because the seminaries have been infiltrated by people who do not believe the bible, therefore YOUR pastor (if he is not a pre-prib premilennialist) has been corrupted by the system. Of course this opens the door for him to cram 350 pages of garbage into your brain and your pastor who is likely more adept in the scripture than Mr. LaHaye is conveniently taken out of the equation.

I used to be a big fan of LaHaye and the 'Left Behind' school of prophecy, and I can attest first hand that the proponents of this school of thought are constantly driving a wedge into churches on the issue of prophecy. I was part of that wedge for a brief time. Of course when you hold to this "left behind" ideology you quickly think it is the most important issue in the church, and if you question the rapture or it's nearness you are some how against Christ. The progression of this thinking leads many believers looking to Glenn Beck as though he is a prophet of sorts. (Not speaking for or against Glenn here, but let me say there are much better places to go for theology than to him.)

Unfortunately, a number of readers will not read this book critically and will give the author a free pass on his statements. This book is filled with imaginative ideas regarding historical events and how they relate to prophecy. While the author claims to be a literalist taking the text at face value, he does nothing of the sort, and if you read it honestly you will quickly see that. His treatment of Ezekiel is probably the most horrific.

For those who give this book a high rating, read something else outside of the pre-trib premil camp. Try Riddlebarger's 'A Case for Amilennialism', or even Doug Wilson's "Heaven Misplaced" for a view on Postmilennialism. You quickly find both Amil and Postmil to be biblically tenable, and even if you disagree with the Amil or Postmil perspective you will at least be forced to look at some of the glaring errors in LaHaye's work.

This book is pure sensationalism. Again if you read critically you will see that he uses every trick of propaganda available. I constantly read things like "All prophecy scholars agree that.... x" or "Every respectable student of the bible believes.... x" Instead of developing his line of thinking, he merely appeals to "all, or every" when a careful study of the history of interpretation of Revelation will show that historically LaHaye stands in a small minority. Essentially everyone who agrees with him is in his mind "respectable" and all "respectable" theologians agree with him. Circular.

For those who reviewed this book and considered it 'well-written' and
'cogent' I simply ask, in comparison to what? I suppose it's more intellectually stimulating that "Curious George"... nah, I take that back.

I could go on an on. This book is trash. My library is full of books I disagree with but have great respect for. I find it healthy to read books that oppose my theology and oppose it well. This book does nothing of the sort and I am throwing it away, I would feel horrible if somebody else wastes their time with it because I chose not to trash it.

Sorry, that was more of a rant than a review, and probably way over the top. Moreover I know this review falls into the same sensationalism I accuse the book of... but hey this is a review, and nobody paid to read it.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after reading the entire (prequels and all) Left Behind Series. I found the outline of the book easy to follow. I didn't use any other reference guides to help, but followed the chapters-slowly. I am usually a speed reader so I deliberately slowed down and digested each chapter before moving on. I found the information fascinating, the charts clarified a lot, and I was anxiously awaiting the end.

[Philip Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Like that's ever going to happen." —Shrek

"The one thing left behind in the Left Behind series was the Bible." —Paul Washer

Bring out Matt Redman, because there are 10,000 reasons that this book is quite possibly the worst book I have ever read.

[Heidi Holford · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't like it when dispensational theology is presented as inarguable, undisputable, and self-evident.

[Joe Caplinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. It brings to light how the end of times could really come at any time. And points to technology advances we are seeing today as moving right along in the same direction that will lead to several of these prophecies being fulfilled. Things such as cashless systems and microchips to track health records and locate pets who may get lost we all think are awesome today but is only one step closer to the events that have been said will occur at the end of time.

[Dianne Sagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is well written and shows us things about our times that show how they conincide with prophecy and how it is presented in the Left Behind series. Well worth the read.

[G Ream · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good - scary for those who do not believe in Christ and His salvation

[Dillon]

morbid curiosity

[Daenel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a book by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, I learn something new. Based on their best~selling Left Behind series, Are We Living in the End Times is a three~part book that examines today’s culture to determine if we are the generation who will see Christ’s return. The second part of the book takes a step~by~step look at what will happen to those who are left behind after the Rapture and the last section examines the personalities who will shape end time events.

After discussing what the Rapture means to and for Christians, the authors go on to explain in great detail the horrors those who’re left behind will suffer. This period, known as the tribulation, will be a seven year series of climate, economic and physical trials that will befall the unrepentant. The authors go to great extremes to explain that these trials aren’t meant as punishment but as a last ditch attempt by God to persuade them to come to the truth of His love before it’s too late.

While the book relies on the Left Behind series for jumping off points, I like that the authors use the Bible, the words of prophecy experts such as John Walvoord and examples from current events to support their theory that we are, in deed, living in the end times. Some of the events that they discuss that point to this being the end times are:

*apostasy within the church (think Chrislam)
*increased interest in the occult
*deaths from diseases thought to have been irradicated, famine and warfare

I’d recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in biblical prophecy or end times studies. Whether you’re new to the topic or have studied the subject extensively, I think you’ll find this book informative, thought~provoking and useful. And, hopefully, it will make you consider your relationship with the lord.

[Damien Vasseur · Rating 1 out of 5]

Worst book ever. I'm serious. I wish I had the energy to write a book going into detail everything that is wrong with this book. Neither author understand history. No editor who reviewed it has any concept of academic research. They come up with a conclusion and searched long and hard for "facts" to fit their reality. If you want to understand people who truly believe the second coming and rapture...then read this. You will realize that you cannot argue with their beliefs because logic and REAL history has been eliminated from the conversation.

[Victoria Neely · Rating 5 out of 5]

It does a good explaination of the books and what is going to happen

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a shocker to read! This book is VERY thought provoking. I must say this series has changed my life.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good look at end time prophecy. Matched up with what the Bible foretells.

[Randy Corn · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the title suggests, this book is about prophecy, pretribulation premillennialism in particular. It is a very thorough book, covering all the issues related to the end times but without going into a debating format where contrary opinions are well known. The authors simply state their opinions on the issues and leave them at that. Still, it is a charitable book, unlike many in this field. The authors feel no compulsion to slam those they disagree with.

This the writing duo that is responsible for the Left Behind series and they integrate quotes from some of those books into this volume. I have read perhaps half a dozen books by LaHaye and have always felt that he is an easy writer to read after. That may mean that he has a clear style or it may mean that he has a simplistic approach. I prefer the former.

This is the kind of book that I would recommend to a Christian interested in knowing more about prophecy.

[Tanya Borgov · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ich hoffte auf eine kritische Auseinandersetzung mit biblischen Inhalten. Stattdessen wirkt alles sehr leichtgläubig und schlecht fundiert. Schaubilder und Kernpunkte werden sehr oft wiederholt, ohne an Substanz zu gewinnen. Der Leser wird gelockt mit der Aussicht darauf, die Wiederkunft Christi bestimmt noch zu erleben, muss sich jedoch über viele Seiten hinweg verurteilen lassen dafür, wie schlecht und verkommen er doch als Mensch ist. Dogmatischer Glaube wird als einzige Rettung postuliert, die Worte des Papstes sind nicht in Frage zu stellen, Kondome sind Teil des Bösen, usw. Dieses Buch ist, wenn überhaupt, wirklich nur kritischen, selbst reflektierenden Lesern zu empfehlen. Aber indem wir selbst denken und nach dem Wissen greifen wollen, lehnen wir uns ja nur wie einst Luzifer gegen den Herrn auf - Daher spart man sich vielleicht diese Lektüre besser.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way things have been in the world lately, I keep on looking up, saying "Come Lord, Jesus!" It certainly does look like we are in the end times and this book is very helpful in understanding the times and how the prophesies of the Bible compare. Anyone interested in prophesy and looking to the second coming, perhaps being inspired to look closer after reading the Left Behind series, or after experiencing wars, rumors of wars, pestilence, etc. that suggest we are nearing the end, should read this book! Very clearly written, the authors have a deep understanding of Scripture and always go back to Scripture as their lens for the events of the times.

[Judy Tarver · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of these books tend to be alike. The only differences I find in some of them by different authors is that they interpret some of the scriptures differently and their beliefs vary somewhat. Most of these type of books, including this one, seem to imply that the end is near, which, in my opinion, isn’t something that we can know for sure because we have had many signs in the past that could be interpreted as such and the Bible itself says no man knows the day nor the hour. It’s still a good book with good information on how to try to interpret what will happen during the end times.

[Brett · Rating 4 out of 5]

"No one knows for certain when Christ will return or whether we are really living in the end times. We believe, however, that Christians living today have more reason than those of any generation before us to believe that Christ could come in our lifetime. When you examine all the signs of the times that have been fulfilled in our lifetime, you have to believe the coming of Christ is very near."

[Supra Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was made in 1999and in the book discussed possibility of end times beginning at any moment, talks about rapture,. Tribulation the first half, the great tribulation , New Jerusalem, the false Prophet, the Antichrist, the Two witnesses , 144,000 Jewish Prophets and much more.....more than 22 years old but the knowledge in it is solid to prepare yourself for Rapture if not surviving tribulation ...great book to read

[Lenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone remotely interested in Bible prophecy, this is the book to read. The book was well structured and researched to include a multitude of scripture which describes current events and what is likely to come in the near future. Many compelling arguments are made, in my opinion, that would lead you to believe times are nearing the prophetical end. You’ll just have to read and decide for yourself!

[Patty W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Sure gives you a lot to think about. Something that I'll quote from the book that really means something. "No generation of Christians ever had more reason for believing Jesus could come in their lifetime than does ours" because it's later than it's ever been. If you do not understand that, then read this book.

[W H · Rating 1 out of 5]

From the epilogue: “Prophetically, it is later than it has ever been.” In other words… time moves forward. History has progressed towards the -wait for it- end.

Never mind the gaping holes in the logic of the preceding pages; reading this book is a waste of time that only invites more argument and panic for their own sake.

[Alisa Kester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Biblically sound. Since this was published a few years back, it's fascinating to see some things he was only speculating about already happening. I would be very surprised if the world lasted beyond my lifetime.

[Darleen Cole warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope he comes sooner than later, just waiting for his appearance. hope all you wrote is true and we are in the end times.

[Carol Mae Derrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jewell

Very interesting. Even though this book was written many years ago it is like what is going on in the world today. We need to be ready to ho at anytime..

[Nancy Bandusky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative and easy to read; ties in some concepts to the beginning books of the author's Left Behind series. There isn't an index so this would be a difficult "reference" type book.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outdated but still relative and informative

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the original 1999 printing, so there were some parts that were outdated.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all people. What needs to happen before the End Times? Are you ready? Will you be left here after the Rapture, during the Tribulation period?

[Heather Anne Price · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't really care for it...