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'''''Left Behind''''' is a series of 16 novels (including three prequels and a sequel to the original series) by [[Tim LaHaye]] and [[Jerry Jenkins]].  Although originally planned to be a three-book series, it was expanded to twelve books, culminating with the return of [[Christ]], and became one of the best selling book series ever produced, selling over 63 million books.<ref>http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2005_June_29/ai_n14706469</ref> Later three prequels and a sequel (the final book covering the Millennial Reign) were added to the canon, making a total of 16 books.

'''''Left Behind''''' is a series of 16 novels (including three prequels and a sequel to the original series) by [[Tim LaHaye]] and [[Jerry Jenkins]].  Although originally planned to be a three-book series, it was expanded to twelve books, culminating with the return of [[Christ]], and became one of the bestselling book series ever produced, selling over 63 million books.<ref>http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2005_June_29/ai_n14706469</ref> Later three prequels and a sequel (the final book covering the Millennial Reign) were added to the canon, making a total of 16 books.

The first book (from which the series takes its name) deals (from an [[Evangelical]] standpoint) with [[the Rapture]] occurring as millions of Christians are instantly taken away from Earth without notice. The novel then explores the impact on those who are left behind trying to find out what has happened, what will happen next, and what they can do as seen through the eyes of a few people who eventually come together to form a small group and prepare themselves for the coming [[Tribulation]] and the rise of the [[Anti-Christ]].

The first book (from which the series takes its name) deals with [[the Rapture]] occurring as millions of Christians are instantly taken away from Earth without notice. <ref>The book deals with the subject from what is known as the "Pre-Tribulation" view, commonly held within [[Evangelical]] churches, which teaches that Christians will be removed from the Earth '''''before''''' the Tribulation takes place.</ref> The novel then explores the impact on those who are left behind trying to find out what has happened, what will happen next, and what they can do as seen through the eyes of a few people who eventually come together to form a small group and prepare themselves for the coming [[Tribulation]] and the rise of the [[Anti-Christ]].

The book struck a chord with the Christian community and &ndash; surprisingly for a Christian work, though possibly due to interest in the Book of Revelation among the public at large &ndash; reached many non-Christians as well, selling over 15,000,000 copies.  As is common with Christian works that become successful, it was given poor reviews by many critics for its Christian-specific themes instead of being more generic and all inclusive, a standard that is seldom applied to non-Christian works.

The book struck a chord with the Christian community and &ndash; surprisingly for a Christian work, though possibly due to interest in the Book of Revelation among the public at large &ndash; reached many non-Christians as well, selling over 15,000,000 copies.  As is common with Christian works that become successful, it was given poor reviews by many critics for its Christian-specific themes instead of being more generic and all inclusive, a standard that is seldom applied to non-Christian works.