Tim LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins ​

Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins are American authors best known for co-writing the Left Behind series, a set of religious novels dealing with Christian Dispensationalist End Times. The series has been adapted into four films to date.

Quick Facts ​

• Co-authors of the Left Behind series, a series of 16 novels set in the post-Rapture world.
• The series has sold more than 80 million copies.
• Tim LaHaye was an evangelist and Jerry B. Jenkins is a former sportswriter.
• The series inspired three action-adventure video games.
• They've also written numerous separate books and series apart from their joint venture.

Background ​

LaHaye was born in 1926 to Frank LaHaye and Margaret LaHaye. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan during the Great Depression which influenced his conservative ideology. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. After the war, he attended Bob Jones University and later received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Western Seminary. He was a pastor and a significant leader in the American evangelical movement. His works focused on biblical prophecy, most notably the "Left Behind" series co-written with Jerry B. Jenkins.

Born in 1949 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jenkins worked as a sportswriter for the local paper while he attended Moody Bible Institute. He eventually became an editor for the institute's monthly magazine. Later in his career, he worked as the writer for the "Syndicated Comics" comic strip. He published his first book in 1974. His most famous work, the "Left Behind" series written in conjunction with Tim LaHaye, was a significant success. He has written over 190 books including romance novels, mysteries, and children's adventures.

Writing Style and Impact ​

LaHaye and Jenkins are known for their speculative fiction style, with heavy elements of Christian beliefs and theology incorporated into their narratives. Their work, particularly the "Left Behind" series, managed to popularize debates on end-time prophecies. Despite criticisms about their literal interpretation of biblical texts and simplistic writing style, their books have had a considerable impact in the Christian literature field, with not only commercial success but also influence on religious dialogues and interpretations.

Notable Works ​

• Left Behind series (1995-2007)
• The Indwelling: The Beast Takes Possession (2000)
• Desecration: Antichrist Takes the Throne (2001)
• The Remnant: On the Brink of Armageddon (2002)
• Armageddon: The Cosmic Battle of the Ages (2003)
• Glorious Appearing: The End of Days (2004)
• The Rising: Antichrist is Born (2005)
• The Regime: Evil Advances (2005)
• The Rapture: In the Twinkling of an Eye (2006)
• Kingdom Come: The Final Victory (2007)