Dispensationalism and Christian Zionism

The Late Great Planet Earth is a treatment of dispensational premillennialism that compares end-time prophecies in the Bible with then-current events. The book, written by Hal Lindsey with contributions by Carole C. Carlson, was first published in 1970 and became the bestselling nonfiction book of the decade according to The New York Times. It discusses various signs foreseen by prophets from Moses to Jesus, such as the rebirth of Israel, the threat of war in the Middle East, an increase in natural catastrophes, and the revival of Satanism and witchcraft, all of which are seen as portents of the coming of an antichrist and a war that will bring humanity to the brink of destruction. The book emphasizes the importance of biblical prophecy in understanding the imminent future of the planet.

Left Behind is the first book in the Left Behind series and narrates the story of the Rapture and its immediate aftermath. The novel follows characters such as Rayford Steele, a pilot, and Buck Williams, a journalist, as they navigate a world where millions of people, including all children and babies, have suddenly vanished. The story delves into Christian eschatology, particularly dispensationalism and premillennialism, and introduces the character of Nicolae Carpathia, who is revealed to be the Antichrist. The book sets the stage for the seven-year Tribulation period and the formation of the Tribulation Force, a group of Christians resisting the Antichrist's reign.

The Scofield Reference Bible, first published in 1909 and revised in 1917, is a widely circulated study Bible. It includes the entire text of the King James Version along with Scofield’s annotations, which provide Scripture notes, summaries, definitions, and cross-references. The Bible is notable for its innovative features such as printing commentary alongside the biblical text and a cross-referencing system that ties together related verses. Scofield’s notes also advocate for dispensationalist theology, which has had a significant influence on Christian fundamentalism and the development of Christian Zionism.