'The Dead Rise First' by Ragan and McLaughlin

The Dead Rise First--Rapture Countdown by Alton Ragan and Robert McLaughlin is an interesting read. I started it one evening and finished it before bed, so obviously it's an attention-getter. But, with their emphasis on the possibility of those believers who are already dead actually walking and talking among us (citing Matthew 27:52-53 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14) at the time just previous of Christ's return, well, I don't buy it. I think they've trivialized a holy event. The focus in the book is more on those who died and returned, and isn't on the Lord Himself. I'm afraid I was reminded of zombies in a horror movie. Their appearances are just a tad too eery. And while I will applaud these writers for their enthusiasm and hard work, I disagree with the direction the book takes.

That aside, while none of us can know the events that will transpire in the future, I would like to address some more practical aspects of the book.

It is self-published, and I'll be one of the first to admire anyone who successfully attempts and achieves that goal. But, no matter how powerful a message the writer has to get across to the reader, the grammar and punctuation need to be correct. Anything less isn't acceptable. Unfortunately, Christians are notorious for allowing mediocrity to creep into their work. We don't always strive for perfection, seeming to believe that 'just good enough' will do. Or that folks will understand since we make such a hearty effort. The impact of this book (and regardless of whether I like the outcome or not) would be greater if more time had been taken with proofreading and editing. Something to remember with the follow-up book.

(this book was received free to review---for anyone interested in purchasing it, the address is here)