The "rapture" is a belief held by some Christians, especially in American evangelicalism, that at the end times, all Christian believers (both alive and dead) will be suddenly "caught up" or taken from Earth to meet Christ in the air, essentially being taken to Heaven. This event is often depicted as a dramatic, secret, and sudden disappearance of believers before a period of tribulation or suffering on Earth. However, the rapture concept as popularly taught is a relatively recent doctrine originating in the 19th century and is not found in historic Christianity. Many scholars and Christians argue that the doctrine misinterprets biblical texts, particularly 1 Thessalonians 4:17, where the Greek term for "caught up" implies a sudden, powerful gathering by God rather than an abduction or secret removal. Critics say the idea that believers will be snatched away before a tribulation period and then Christ will come twice is not supported by the Bible and was popularized by modern authors and media. In short, the rapture doctrine is considered by some to be a modern, flawed interpretation and not a biblical teaching, often described as a theological invention or myth that clouds understanding of true biblical prophecy and Christ’s return.
