Customer Reviews

Tribulation Force, Vol. 4 (Left Behind Graphic Novel, Book 2)

5 star:		(221)
4 star:		(102)
3 star:		(56)
2 star:		(43)
1 star:		(64)

 

 

I consider myself a fan of the left behind series, but #2 is just not my favorite. The reader is left to wonder about large chunks of time that disappear, I believe it was 18 months. When we are talking about a time period of only 7 years, 18 months is a substancial amount of time! However, overall the Left Behind series is excellent. I encourage my non-Christian friends and Christian friends alike to borrow these books, and if nothing else it definately forces one to think about where they would stand if the Rapture were to occur tomorrow. Many people argue the superiority of the Christ Clone Trilogy over this series, but for what they are, the amount of recognition the Left Behind books have received is amazing. I am definately looking forward to the continuation of this series!

Okay, I'm hooked on this series. I've read 6 of the 9 so far and I have to admit it gets pretty unrealistic at times. I guess I'm just a sucker for a soap opra. I'm hooked on the story of the characters.

On the other hand, while I'll keep reading Left Behind, I have to agree with all those that say that The Christ Clone Trilogy by James BeauSeigneur is really a better and much more realistic end times series. Besides since The Christ Clone Trilogy is a completed series, you don't have to worry so much that the rapture will come before you finish reading.;-)

Tribulation Force is the second installment in the Left Behind series. The books are written in a consecutive storyline following the lives of Buck, Ray, Chloe, Rabbi Ben-Judah and many others you will come to know as the story unfolds. LaHaye and Jenkins make a captivating novel out of the end-times prophecies found in the Bible. You won't find a more graphic and intense action adventure series than LEFT BEHIND - TRIBULATION FORCE. I was given the set of the first four in the series for Christmas 99. I had all four devoured by the time New Years was over. Since then, I've read 5 and 6. Number 7 is due out in May 2000. I can't wait! Tribulation Force is a group of everyday people who find themselves in an extraordinary situation: The rapture has occurred and they are Left Behind. You will be entranced with haunting experiences of those left behind and how they deal with their pain and move forward in their lives. This is a must read for every believer! Even if you're not a believer, you'll enjoy the book! It is well written, enthralling, and FUN!

I have completed book #2. I like the references to The Bible because I do not have a full knowledge of passages and verses. This makes me want to know exactly what The Bible is saying about topics relating to the Anti-Christ and other chapters relating to expectations in this world. I do believe that Tribulation Force talks about the challenges faced by Buck, Chloe, Rayford, Bruce, Loretta, etc. during those times. It may be something to agree or disagree with if it were truly real. I know and like the idea of the mixture of truth and fiction.

Tribulation Force makes you see the importance of strengthening your faith, beliefs and asking questions that need answers. I am presently finishing up book #3 showing how Nicolae starts to show who he really is. People in Tribulation Force thought that Nicole was the best that might ever come along. He was so perfect, and that was part of the problem because he led everyone to think he was "perfect." They believed he was The Messiah. He wreaks havoc over nations and has people doing things they do not even recognize as wrong. He delights in his power. Some of the same things could be happening in this day and age. I am certain there are Nicole's (as in the Left Behind series) in this world and may be hard to recognize.

The Left Behind series started with a referral from a friend. Once I started it, I have told others and they are wrapped up in the books. None of the books are to be taken, in my estimation, literally. The references to The Bible are fact, but the interpretation may not be. It gives me a reason to go and read further; it gives me more basis to listen carefully when our minister is giving his sermon and each book makes me strengthen my faith. I, along with many others, think the Left Behind series is excellent. The first book was introductory, and the Tribulation Force starts to build this incredible picture of 'good vs. evil.' One really can read and make a choice has to which appeals to them. I will continue to read the rest of the series and wait for the others to make their appearance.

I've decided that the only way in which I can give an honest appraisal of "Tribulation Force" is to write two reviews -- one concerning anti-Catholicism and the second concerning the writing, plot, etc. Several reviews have been written alleging "Anti-Catholicism" to which one of the authors, Mr. Jenkins, has briefly (and defensively) responded. So as a conservative, Christian clergyman who is neither a Roman Catholic nor an Independant Bible fundamentalist, perhaps I can shed some light on this question.

Item: The main point of "Tribulation Force" is not to bash Catholics.

Item: Either Mr. LaHaye or Mr. Jenkins (or both) is/are woefully uninformed as to what Catholics believe.

Item: Although "Tribulation Force" does not seem to exist solely for the purpose of bashing Catholics, books in this genre have (for decades) typically featured a high-level Catholic clergyman (Pope, bishop, etc.) as representing the "False Prophet" of Revelation -- and this book is no exception.

Item: Some extremely basic studying of Catholic doctrine would probably have eliminated several of the more glaring errors made by the authors -- which, presumably caused the greatest level of offense to Catholics. These would include:

1) Suggesting that of all the Roman Curia, only the newly elected Pope was "Raptured", apparently for becoming a theological Lutheran. Such a supposition is insulting to Catholics, to Lutherans, to historians who are aware of the social and political ramifications of the Reformation era, and to theologians who are aware of what exactly Luther taught and believed, how that differs from Lutheran theology today, and how neither theology fits with the LaHaye/Jenkins ecclesiology. Essentially, the authors would disagree with classic Lutheran theology as much as they do with Catholic theology.

2) The Archbishop of Cincinnati figure, who is obviously destined to be the "False Prophet" character, suggests that he doesn't take the "Apocrypha" literally. LaHaye and Jenkins are confusing the "Apocalypse" which is another name for the book of Revelation, with the "Apocrypha", a Protestant term used to signify certain books which Catholics and Orthodox Christians accept, but that most Protestants reject.

3) There seems to be some fundamental misunderstanding by LaHaye/Jenkins about Catholic theology of baptism.

4) There seems to be some fundamental misunderstanding by LaHaye/Jenkins about Catholic theology of justification.

5) There seems to be a total lack of understanding by LaHaye/Jenkins about how the Catholic hierarchy actually functions; the role of the College of Cardinals; which cities are traditionally Cardinal sees, etc.

6) There is a strong suggestion that those Catholics who would be raptured are those who have left the Church.

Some further thoughts:

Item: Luther, upon whom the salvation of the pope in "Tribulation Force" apparently rested, seriously doubted the inspiration of the book of Revelation. It is highly doubtful at best that he would subscribe to the eschatology presented by LaHaye/Jenkins.

My conclusion: LaHaye/Jenkins do not seem to have set out to write a deliberately anti-Catholic book. However, their ignorance/misunderstanding of Catholic belief and practice, coupled with certain presuppositions which, unfortunately, are fairly typical of certain elements of American fundamentalism, certainly set forth an atmosphere (unintended or not) which fosters anti-Catholic attitudes and is rooted more in American nativism than in actual theology. Yes, ignorance can hurt and offend - and as such does not further the unity of the Body of Christ prayed for by Jesus Himself in John's Gospel.

No stars for sloppy research and unnecessary offense.

After reading "Left Behind," I immediately dove into "Tribulation Force." This book shifts into a higher gear and the plot moves more quickly than that of "Left Behind." The relationships between Rayford, Buck, Chloe, and Bruce become much more defined and as the tribulation force is formed, the battle against evil begins! As Nicolae Carpatihia continues his rise to power, the members of the tribulation force find themselves drawn into his service with no apparent alternatives. They vow to fight to the end!

As I continue to read the reviews of books in this series, I am disappointed that a lot of people are still writing about disappointments in religious interpretations. I guess that is normal since everyone has different beliefs. Try to keep in mind that this is a fiction novel! It is not the Bible...

Like many reviewers here, I disagree with the pretribulation rapture theology of the Left Behind novels. I actually hold to a very different partial preterist postmillennial view which has a much more optimistic outlook on the gospel's impact in transforming the world. However, my problem with these novels is not their bad eschatology (after all, that's merely my opinion). A well-written dispensationalist novel depicting the events of a future Great Tribulation could be thrilling fiction, and the fact that it would be, in my opinion, purely fiction would not majorly diminish from its quality.

What does diminish from the quality is the thin characterization, particularly the embarrassing romance that so many reviewers have already mentioned. The first novel provided no real demonstration of why Buck and Chloe are attracted to one another. The writers tell us, without showing us, that both are very intelligent and are immediately drawn to one another. However, this would have been better depicted through quality dialogue that displays their wittiness and shows a real connection between them. If their scenes together had shown real chemistry, the authors would have not have had to tell us. But this is not the worst part. The shallow romance gets even worse in the second book, when it becomes completely juvenile. Chloe, for instance, makes silly assumptions that no intelligent character would have made. The interaction between the two is awkward and painful to read. Chloe frequently ends up bursting into tears, which is a fairly offensive portrayal of women, especially since Chloe is supposed to be an analytical person. Also, it is quite unrealistic that Buck and Chloe are both virgins. LaHaye and Jenkins missed a real opportunity here to show people that forgiveness for sexual sin is possible.

Furthermore, I am a very conservative Christian, but some of the extrabiblical morality in the books is quite offensive to those who are outside the mainstream of fundamentalism. (I am Presbyterian.) No Christians in the books drink, not even in moderation, while drinking is frequently shown as a character trait of immoral unbelievers. While drunkenness is clearly depicted as a sin in the Bible, this view of alcohol is contrary to the Bible. Christ drank wine and even instituted the use of wine in the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. While the authors never explicitly condemn the use of alcohol, it's irritating how all the good characters are explicitly depicted as teetotallers. (Buck, in addition to his amazing virginity after 30 years as an attractive unbeliever in supposedly "fast" crowds, also has never been much of a drinker.)

Other reviewers have commented on the anti-Catholicism in the novel. I am not Catholic myself; in fact, I strongly disagree with various aspects of Catholic theology. However, it is absolutely true that LaHaye and Jenkins have misrepresented Catholicism. This is intellectually irresponsible and uncharitable. If you want to know what Catholicism is really like, talk to Catholics, read Catholic books, or even read a good Protestant guide to Catholicism. You may disagree (as I do), but at least you'll know what you're disagreeing with.

One more attack on this novel: It does not even have an intriguing plot to redeem all of these bad qualities. Some reviewers have claimed that at least it has a "good story." This is subjective, but I happen to disagree. There is no tightly constructed plot here. There are no surprises or twists, and my personal view on light fiction is that if it's going to be cheesy and shallow, it should at least have some real intrigue, some thrills, and a few jaw-drop moments. Then again, it's kind of hard to pull any major surprises when you're trying to fit a plot into a predetermined seven year framework which even the characters are aware of.

In short: By all means, do not buy this book. If you simply must read it out of morbid curiosity, borrow a copy. With the phenomenal success of the series, you should know someone who owns it.

First of all, I will read the next one because I have read that it is a lot better then this book. Then again, I have read better character development in my son's Blue's Clues books. The problem is that this book centers on the characters and their dating turmoil which frankly made me cringe. A 30 year old 'famous' journalist who cannot even hold a girls hand! Silly. During the "most historic moment of our time" he is eating a cookie because his girlfriend is too. Come on! He kisses her about 8 months after they start dating and is so happy after she effortlessly HOLD HIS HAND in public - even though they are married. And, all of a sudden, Rayford is married. Please! It's a shame because the last few pages are excellent and I wish the authors would concentrate on the end-times rather then "Leave it to Beaver II". Poorly written - but I'll try the third one.

I've just finished book nine from the series, Desecration and find myself agreeing with many other reviewers. This is a good series, but not great. The characters never really come alive and the plot definitly seems to begin slowing down in order to strech it out to cover more books. Still, these novels are simple, easy reads and go into some pretty good depth when it comes to the particulars of Revelations. I could see this series as being very good for teen-agers, although as an adult, they aren't as challenging as they could be. If you're looking for greatness, I agree with many others that We All Fall Down by Caldwell and The Christ Clone Trilogy by BeauSeigneur are still the best of the genre- intellegent, well written, and very powerful.

I think that Left Behind 2 was a great book. I think that most readers would probably like this book. It's very interesting, but it's not boring and preachy, like some Christian books I've read. Some people don't like Christian books, but I'd recommend this book to everyone. It's a great book, and I think it's kind of funny. If you haven't read this book yet, I would suggest that you do.