A ST LUCIAN public servant/ and cricket analyst has taken a leap of faith into the world of Theology to pen a new book exploring the religious theory surrounding the Rapture.
Claudius Emmanuel has knowingly jumped into the deep end by sharing his findings on the controversial topic with the world. He said he is ready to take on the world as he stands by his findings and beliefs wholeheartedly.
The rapture refers to the belief that either before, or simultaneously with, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to earth, believers who have died will be raised and believers who are still alive and remain shall be caught up together with them (the resurrected dead believers) in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
The concept has its basis in various interpretations of the biblical book of First Thessalonians and how it relates to interpretations of various other biblical passages, such as those from Second Thessalonians, Gospel of Matthew, First Corinthians and the Book of Revelation.
The launch of “The Rapture: From Genesis to Revelation” took place at the Cultural Development Foundation last Wednesday and featured the Author himself speaking to members of the local media about the contents of his book.
During the launch, Linda Berthier rendered a song written by Emmanuel with the music arranged and recorded by Ronald “Boo” Hinkson.
Emmanuel said although his book is non-denominational, the majority of his findings were taken from the King James version of the Bible after studying the Holy Book for 30 years.
The author said he felt compelled to write the book as he has always gravitated towards the teachings of the Bible and has become well known for challenging teachings that are not in line with what is stated in the good book.
He said: “Even at St. Mary’s College, I was known as the ‘opposer’ because I used to argue about everything that was taught to me by my R.K teacher.”
Emmanuel grew up in the Catholic church and said he always had a passion for the Bible. However, the Rapture theory, he said, was one that always bothered him.
Of the popular and highly controversial theory, the author said: “I hope readers gain an understanding of the Rapture Theory’s origin, it’s revelation as the mark of the beast, and an understanding of it as a tool to deceive people into the worship of the counterfeit God and the several consequences for those who embrace it.”
Over the years, individuals have raked in millions of dollars using the theory to create numerous television programmes, films and even songs, according to Emmanuel.
He said: “If you look at the development of it over the years, it has been pushed by popular publications. However, it doesn’t line up well with the Bible and so that is what I sought to investigate and what I’ve found is that it is not what it is made to be. Actually, the Rapture is a counterfeit second coming of Christ and so I think I have a responsibility to bring out that message, that result, even though it’s unpopular, controversial and it would put a target on my back.”
Emmanuel said the book took two years to complete and was finally published in the U.S in April.
The new book is available directly from Emmanuel and he can be reached at 728-0889 or from Nathaniel’s Book Store close to the Central Bakery on Mary Anne Street. It is also online at Amazon Bookstore, Barnes & Noble and Xulon Press.
