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THE FINAL OUTCOME The fact is, any events happening simultaneously, that resemble some prophesy in the Bible, can be said to be fulfillment of the prophecy. Since any argument can be made in discussions about religion, any attempt at literal translation of the Bible is futile at best and dangerous at worst. Many so-called Christians of today, are just as misguided as their predecessors and devote their entire lives to an exersise in futilty. Or is there more than meets the eye? This confusion regarding the timing and particulars of the rapture may have been intentional on the part of Jesus. The truth is that humans are obsessed with questions relating to life after death because they are so obsessed with the "trappings" of earthly existance. By being intentionally vague regarding the actual details of the rapture, Jesus was trying to say, if you are still worried about all that stuff, you still don't get it. If you live a life of peace and simplicity, then these questions will not matter anymore. Spirituality can only happen when you clear your mind of the "things of the world". Then, and only then, will it be possible to understand. These prophecies have always caused confusion among the faithful, even in the time when the Bible was written. Paul is writing to the faithful in Thesselonica, who were concerned about loved ones who would be left behind in the event of the rapture, as shown below in the New Testament book of 1 Thesselonians. It is apparent the Thesselonians had questions about the rapture and the resurrection of the dead saints, that Paul was trying to answer. Their "sorrowing" had to do with those who had died. In his answer, Paul tried to ease their concerns about those left behind by the resurrection of the saints in Christ and rapture of the Church. 1 Thess. 4: 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. People today are just as apprehensive about the afterlife and anything related to it, as the early Christians 2000 years ago. This is why so much effort is devoted to this subject today, it sells! I don't think Jesus would be very happy with those who profit in selling books and tapes on the rapture, exacerbating the fears of his people, for profit. Adding insult to injury, these purveyors of fear and intolerance, live in luxury from the profits, at the expense of those who can least afford it, all in the name of God. They exist as a psychological and financial parasite, free from regulation and taxation, on the masses who seek God's help in dealing with the tribulations of life. Jesus drove the money changers from the temple with a horsewhip. This was the only time the Bible depicts Christ ever "losing it" and acting out violently. Maybe that example dictates how we should deal with those who seek to profit from the Church today. Many Evangelists are nothing more than peddlers of fear, who have turned a simple religion based on love and peace, into a complicated, doomsday cult, all for the sake of profit. What would Jesus do? I personally believe there is no way these wealthy evangelists, too many to mention, could ever really believe in God. Even with just a basic knowledge of the Bible and teachings of Christ, no true believer could live in opulence at the expense of the poor, when Jesus was so clearly against this. They are all nothing more than charlatans, bilking the most desperate of people. They better hope there is no God, for their sins are many and grievous. WHAT ELSE
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