catholics...do you believe in a rapture of the believers?

Question

You know how paul says we'll be taken up in the air to meet the Lord....what do catholic church say about this bible passage and other scriptures about the end times and tribulation? thnx, just curious cause i don't hear catholics talk about as much as bible christians

Answer 1

First of all, the word rapture is not actually found in the Bible. It is a Protestant term which comes from the Latin “rapiemur.” Protestants have many theories about when the rapture will occur and what kind of signs we will see before it happens.

The Catholic Church teaches that:

(1) the time of Christ’s coming is unknown (Jesus said no one knows but God, Matt. 24:36, Matt. 24:44, Matt. 25:13, Mark 13:35-37, Luke 12:46, 1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10; Rev. 3:3 and others) and,

(2) the second coming of Christ will be preceded by a time of rebellion, lawlessness and persecution (2 Thess. 2:1-4)

Therefore, the Catholic Church has NEVER made predictions or dogmatic statements about the Second Coming of Christ. Rather, following the words of St. James in James 5:-7 the Church tells us to “be patient until the coming of the Lord.” Those who try to predict His coming are disregarded this biblical teaching.

Since we do not know the day or hour and even the faithful will be surprised at His coming, it is foolish to dwell on the end times and long for signs. Jesus warned against seeking signs and wonders.

Rather, we should spend our days growing in holiness so that we will be prepared for our Lord whenever He chooses

Answer 2

Because there will not be a "rapture".

John 17:15 (JESUS praying to The Father) "I pray NOT that thou shouldest TAKE THEM OUT OF THE WORLD, but that thou should keep them from evil."
Verse 20 - Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall believe on me through their word. (That is you and me.)
If JESUS asked NOT to take us OUT, we're NOT going! The Rapture theory has nothing to do with your Salvation. Just make sure you are ready to meet Jesus, no matter how or when you die, or when Jesus returns to the earth to set up His Kingdom.

Jesus will only return once not 3 or 4 times as the rapture believers believe. Ask yourself this,
If all the "good Christians" are taken out of the world during the tribulation, who will be left on earth to convert the poor souls who are looking for answers during that time? Would Jesus leave humans on earth for the devil to ravage but remove all the Christians who can convert them? This would prevent the spreading of the Gospel during that time. If he did that he would be condemning these non-Christians before the Judgment day. (Mat 11:22)

Jesus says all who endure till the end shall be saved.

Answer 3

Here's a recent-ish blurb that is a nutshell, though not "official" - http://www.catholic.org/views/views_news.php?id=21234

Catholics don't tend to talk about "rapture." Instead, we talk about "waiting in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ." To us, this "end of days" is as much a beginning as it will be the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God.

When we read the book of Revelations, we take it with a grain of salt since it is so deeply steeped in the author's culture. That doesn't mean we ignore it, but we do look at it allegorically and metaphorically to get to the underlying meaning.

You are right that in general, Catholics don't talk about the bible as much as our fellow Christians. This is one area where we are sadly lacking, although trying to learn - we read holy scriptures at every mass, but we aren't always very good at looking at them as a whole.

Answer 4

The rapture is a relatively new theory, and is not supported by Scripture. We do not believe in it.

Answer 5

Of course they dont believe in it. They are a Satanic cult with Christian themes to make it look good.

Edit: Churchmembergirl its the book of Revelation drop the s its a revelation not Revelations. Good thing its not official haha.

Edit: After reading the end part of your answer made me sad. Do a little research and find a Bible believing church. One with no man made traditions and idols. Read a book written by a non Catholic or Catholic changed into a Believer. God is there for us to talk to thru prayer. He wants a relationship with us. A priest cant forgive our sins.That was done by Jesus on the cross and arose three days and nights later. Why pray to Mary? She was a very blessed woman but she was not perfect. We pray to God the Father, Son or Holy Ghost. If you really look God will show you the way into a right relationship with Him.

Answer 6

We Catholic do not talk much about it because we don't read our Bible. Most of us believe that Jesus will save us when the time comes. I hope our faith will make us well. Anyway, if we do well there is nothing to worry about.

Answer 7

It has been my finding that most catholics are afraid to give thought to the rapture because they dont know if they will go to heaven. Unlike paul who said " for me to die is gain " they cannot say that becasue they dont know if dying will be gain for them. So they sweep it under the rug and give it no thought