Another question that’s been asked is why Running Black’s backstory/history didn’t follow the current, accepted Evangelical end-times schedule. (If I’m supposed to be a Christian, and all. The profanity and violence already cast doubt on the condition of my soul…) I mean, Tel Aviv is nuked for God’s sake! There’s no mention of the Rapture, Gog/Magog, the Auntie -Christ, etc, etc. How could I do that?
First off, Running Black is a work of fiction. (So are the Left Behind novels.) It’s a Sci Fi thriller, not a dramatic extrapolation of End-Times prophesy. While it has a ‘definite worldview statement’ that contains favorable mentions of God and Christianity, it’s meant to entertain, not sermonize.
Second, and I’m being Captain Obvious here, where does it say in Scripture it’s Game Over, Baby by 2012? You must be thinking of Mayans, not Matthew. 
I can hear it now: Aha! I knew it. Grab your torch and pitchforks! Burn the heretic!
Hold on there, oh, Hound of God. Hear me out. The Bible states quite clearly the world had a beginning, and that it has an end. I believe that. I also believe in the Rapture. My question is where does it say God is obligated to play Earth’s Coda on your call?
Consider this from Matthew 24: 36“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. 37“For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. 38“For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40“Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. 41“Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. 42“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.
Contrast that with this: Yet another prediction…
It’s not the purpose on this post to debate eschatology, and please be assured I understand about ‘signs of the times’, but the fact is the Almighty can keep this show going as long as He wants. I want to be ready whenever it all goes down, but I’m not making predictions one way or the other. That’s six kinds of stupid and contrary to Scripture.
If the Bible shows us anything, it’s that God frequently does not act according to religious expectations. (“My ways are not your ways…” Isaiah 55) And if you’re one of those who gets their theology from movies, spec-fiction, and comic books, I suggest you go speak with your Pastor. Right now.
Hot Space Station Justice 
Well said – who knows the ways of God? I sure don’t. Heck, I don’t even know or understand the ways of man most days…
I couldn’t agree more.
It goes to show how pervasive the influence of media can be, even when rational people know items to be fiction.
That being said, the prevalence of fiction, and the awareness of the process of myth-making as seen through a historical lens, now casts doubt on Christianity and Judaism. Their respective world views have been diluted, then diluted again. I find that even those believers who are my closest friends have formed their opinions of the end times based on a gestalt of pop culture, Oprah, and scripture. The result is an incoherent mess. Oh, my people! At least read the primary source (scripture) and check your assumptions!
Now there’s a thought: check the Scripture.
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Thanks for weighing in. I hear you loud and clear. I realize we’re saved by Who we know, not What, but you’d think believers would want to be grounded in the Bible. Not simply because it provides definite clarity in regards to Principles but reveals specific character of the Person who redeemed us. After all, it’s kind of hard to have a relationship with someone you don’t know much about.