Unraptured: Debunking End Times Theology Myths - A Critical Analysis for Christian Readers & Bible Study Groups

With disarming candor and wit, and in a style evocative of the narration in the popular movie A Christmas Story, Zack Hunt relates his youthful crusade to ensure no living soul who crossed his path would miss the Rapture. Reading, I half-expected the teenaged Zack might shoot his own eye out with zealously parroted — but erroneously translated — Bible passages and lessons gleaned from famous end-times teachers. Of course, that didn’t happen. With humor, and no small amount of winsome humility, he offers a memoir of his abrupt fall from grace as a champion of Dispensationalist doctrine and his quest to overcome disillusionment.Here is such a book as will make many older pilgrims in the faith smile, nod, and whisper, “Me too, son. Me to.” even if they never believed in the Rapture, because each of us has a “first naiveté”. Here is a book that will cause many to sigh and give thanks for critical reflection, while others will sigh and clutch the “aha!” moment close—forming the courage to take their very first step away from their newly-lost naiveté. Here is a book that will assist those who follow Christ in sorting out the things about which they are uncertain (and ought to be), and separating them from the teachings of Christ that are crystal clear, the teachings that compel us to action: those which concern how we treat “the least of these”.Unraptured confronts a large segment of Christendom that is looking toward the skies in anticipation of something that will never happen, illustrating how end-times-focused believers neglect the here-and-now problems that concern God most. We shouldn’t need anyone to tell us what these are because they are the afflictions that cause suffering for what God loves most—humanity. The book reframes misunderstood apocalyptic myth as relevant teaching about the here-and-now Kingdom of God, a call for social justice, and the promise of liberation and hope. While Dispensationalism sacrifices love on the altar of “being right”, Hunt reminds us that without love (agape) it doesn’t matter what else we get right (1 Cor 13).Unraptured calls the Church-in-waiting away from vain imaginings, and exhorts her to remember her First Love, and to be about His work in the world. Part autobiography and part (genuinely) prophetic call to “get woke”, this book will become a recommended “must read” as the 21st century Church leaves the Rapture behind in order to be come a more obedient and effective Church-in-action. This book is for every disciple of Jesus Christ — not just for those who need deliverance from Dispensationalism — and first-time author Zack Hunt will be a trustworthy voice post-modern disciples can turn to for many years to come.Full disclosure: As a volunteer member of the book launch team for Unraptured, I was provided a free advance reader copy in digital format.This review represents my honest and candid opinion. I liked the book so much I purchased a copy for my bookshelf!