The "Left Behind" series of books, created by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins in 1995, have been hugely popular. They are, in fact, one of the most popular series of books in American history. They also represent a view of Christian theology which is not universally held by all Christians - and, according to some, it encourages an anti-Catholic attitude that has been an undercurrent in Protestantism for a long time.

Jerry Filteau writes for Catholic News Service:

"While they appear to be based on the Bible, the 'Left Behind' books actually promote a nonbiblical fear in opposition to Catholic teaching about a hope-filled end time," wrote religious educator Joyce S. Donahue in an article analyzing the theology of the series in relation to Catholic teaching. ... [Joyce S. Donahue] described a number of ways in which the series is anti-Catholic, including the portrayal of "a self-centered, obese American cardinal" becoming pope in an election rigged by the Antichrist and then leading "the Antichrist's new one-world religion."

Filteau also describes how the "rapture" theology described in the books and common in some sectors of Protestantism contradict other Christian doctrines. For example, it is arguable that the "rapture" means that Jesus comes three times: once in Bethlehem, once in secret to take away the devout, and then a final and third time to defeat Satan. Contradicting orthodox Christianity, however, is probably less important than making people feel better about their beliefs - and because Jenkins' and LaHaye's books do that, they will continue to be popular.