OPINION:
American culture is fully enraptured by the end of days. From apocalyptic, zombie-themed TV shows to theologically fueled theatrical escapades claiming to show life during the biblical end times, these eschatological themes are ever-present in entertainment.
The latest in this steady stream of content is “Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist,” an upcoming film based on the popular “Left Behind” book series. The movie, which is scheduled to hit theaters Jan. 26 as a Fathom Event, stars “Hercules” actor Kevin Sorbo and explores what life could look like after the rapture — a biblical event during which Christians are abruptly taken to heaven before the horrors of the end times kick into high gear.
One can’t help but wonder why these events and associated scriptures so deeply resonate and why, even decades after the initial release of the first “Left Behind,” people are still enthralled by the central themes in the series.
Mr. Sorbo, who also directed “Left Behind: Rise of the Antichrist,” believes biblical proclamations and a close look at current events coalesce to fuel much of the rampant intrigue.
“When you read the Bible … it sort of predicted all these things that are happening down the road right now,” he recently told CBN’s Faithwire. “But, the reality is, I think this is perfect timing for this movie with what we see going on, not only in America but around the world.”
But what, exactly, is Mr. Sorbo claiming? One must take a deeper look at scripture — and context — to understand the actor’s contention.
SEE ALSO: End of the world as pope knows it? Francis’ latest remarks stir prophetic interest
Christians believe the Bible is filled, among other essential items, with prophecy and predictions from God about events that have yet to come.
Revelation, the final book of the Bible, perhaps the most widely known prophetic text, gives clues as to what happens during the end of days. Its contents have long confounded readers, with endless debate raging over its precepts.
But it’s hardly the only eschatological text worthy of exploration.
In addition to Revelation, many other portions of the Old and New Testaments look toward future events. A conversation in Matthew 24 between Jesus and his disciples is one of the most popular of these end times scriptural segments.
Christ’s followers asked, “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Jesus then offered a truly fascinating response (Matthew 24:6-8, NIV):
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.”
From there, Christ warned about intense persecution and believers being “hated by all nations” because of him. He also spoke about humans’ love growing intensely cold.
“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved,” Jesus said in verses 12 and 13, with verse 14 continuing, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
These stirring proclamations bring us back to the original question: What is sparking the continued interest in the end times? Taking a brief moment to juxtapose Jesus’ forewarnings against current events is pretty telling.
The “wars and rumors of wars” Christ spoke about are ever-raging, with the 20th century including some of the most horrific incursions in human history. From World War I to World War II and the more ubiquitous War on Terror, the world is undoubtedly in an ever-perilous place.
Then there’s the hatred Jesus speaks about — the hardheartedness and disdain for his followers. It’s hard not to look at Open Doors’ new World Watch List report, which shows exacerbating Christian persecution across the globe, and not ponder Christ’s words.
Meanwhile, hatred and viciousness continue to metastasize online and throughout culture, with social media driving much of the angst. These elements, of course, only scratch the surface.
Some might scoff at talk of the end times, prophecies or the aforementioned cultural connections to scripture, though polls show many Americans feel as though something is amiss. In fact, The Pew Research Center recently found 2 out of 5 Americans believe humanity is living in the end times. That’s a pretty stunning statistic.
And most people recognize the world is in a profoundly precarious place. Pope Francis last month told his Catholic followers he believes it’s “a difficult time for humanity … a bitter period, full of the roar of war, of growing injustices, famines, poverty, suffering.”
Regardless of agreement with biblical proclamations about the end times or even faith more generally, one reality is apparent: the world is reeling, and that dynamic is driving interest in the end times and movies such as “Left Behind.”
• Billy Hallowell is a digital TV host and interviewer for Faithwire and CBN News and the co-host of CBN’s “Quick Start Podcast.” Hallowell is the author of four books, including “Playing with Fire: A Modern Investigation into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts,” and “The Armageddon Code: One Journalist’s Quest for End-Times Answers.” He was formerly the director of content and communications at Pure Flix and the former faith and culture editor at TheBlaze.
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