Unraptured: How End Times Theology Gets It Wrong

Hunt, a former youth minister, investigates apocalyptic end-times theology in American Christianity, particularly the concept of the rapture, in his piquant debut. Partly constructed as a memoir, the book explains Hunt’s journey from youthful enthusiasm for eschatology and anticipation of the rapture in his hometown of Dickson, Tenn., to college rebellion, informed skepticism, and current doubt. Between his personal stories are large sections of Biblical exegesis where Hunt examines the origins of prominent ideas and predictions in end-times theology, such as John Darby’s popularization of the rapture and other dispensationalist readings of the Bible. Hunt also provides a cogent critique of aspects of contemporary evangelical culture that he views as out of harmony with Jesus’s teachings, such as focusing on the end-times at the expense of serving the poor and improving the world. Hunt, who has a master’s degree in Christian history from Yale Divinity School, demonstrates scholarly expertise on the apocalypse, but also makes the book accessible to the lay reader through his personal stories, sense of humor, and casual, conversational tone. Readers looking for a new voice in progressive Christianity, or simply eager to learn more about biblical prophecies for the end-times, will appreciate this informed take. (Mar.)