|
||
Definition:
The doctrine of "the rapture" is believed by millions and millions of Christians in America.
According to this doctrine, true Christians will be "taken up" by Jesus Christ into heaven
just before his second coming. Acceptance of this doctrine is based upon a passage
in Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians:
The Lord himself ...will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive ...will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air. (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17)
This belief is predicated upon acceptance of premillennialism and is most common among fundamentlists. It is the central organizing principle behind the popular series of books Left Behind.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Christianity?
What are the various Christian groups, denominations, sects and heresies? What are some key concepts in Christian theology? What are some of the most important events in Christian history? All of this and more are covered in the Christianity FAQ.What is the Philosophy of Religion?
Sometimes confused with theology, the Philosophy of Religion is the philosophical study of religious beliefs, religious doctrines, religious arguments and religious history. The line between theology and the philosophy of religion isn't always sharp, but the primary difference is that theology tends to be apologetical in nature, committed to the defense of particular religious positions, whereas Philosophy of Religion is committed to the investigation of religion itself, rather than the truth of any particular religion.What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism?What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear. Read more about how dictionaries, scholars and others have tried to define and explain religion.
