Rapture anxiety is a psychological phenomenon characterized by an overwhelming fear or general anxiety concerning the Christian belief in the Rapture, an event in some Christian eschatologies where it is believed that Jesus Christ will return to Earth and raise faithful Christians into heaven before the apocalypse.[1]

In many popular depictions of the Rapture, Christians physically rise into the sky, sometimes leaving their clothes behind. Many children raised with the concept of the rapture report having fears that they will be left behind, or that they will be raptured before being able to live their full life. This anxiety can follow many into adulthood.[2][3]

Background

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells his disciples that no one will know the day and time when the second coming will happen.[4]

"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the father."

— Matthew 24:36

The concept of the rapture has been widely criticized. It is not accepted by either the Catholic or Eastern Orthodox Church, who purport that the calling of Christians into heaven as described in verses such as 1 Thessalonians[5] will not be a literal, physical ascension. They also dispute the exact timing relative to the second coming when this event will happen, or if it will even be a single event at all.[6][7]

Despite this, many children fear that because of some minor sin or transgression, they will be left behind on Earth while their loved ones enter heaven. There are numerous reports of children coming home to empty houses, and fearing that they have been condemned.[2]

This fear may also be influenced by popular works of fiction such as the Christian book and film series Left Behind or the 1972 film A Thief in the Night, which both depict the collapse of society and suffering following the rapture.[2]

Many who suffer from Rapture anxiety are hesitant to voice their fears due to their belief that only sinners should fear judgement. [2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Slade, Dr Darren M. (2022-09-29). "Rapture Anxiety: The Disgraceful History of Prophecy Pundits and Harmful Apocalyptic Hysteria". GCRR. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Willingham, A. J. (2022-09-27). "For some Christians, 'rapture anxiety' can take a lifetime to heal". CNN. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  3. ↑ "Rapture anxiety is a thing". Washington Post. 2023-04-21. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  4. ↑ "Matthew 24:36 - "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even..." Bible Study Tools. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
  5. ↑ “Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” —1 Thessalonians 4:17 ESV
  6. ↑ "The Rapture". Catholic Answers. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  7. ↑ "Orthodox Christian Teaching on the Rapture: Is the Rapture in the Bible?". St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church Bellingham, Washington. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
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