The roots of Pre Tribulation Rapture
An interesting book which investigates the origins of the pre tribulation rapture theory popularised by the Scofield Bible. John Nelson Darby of the 'Plymouth Brethren' is often credited with its origin. Macpherson,however,provides information indicating that the theory resurfaced in the 19th century from the teachings of Edward Irving, a contemporary of Darby. The Plymouth Brethren, according to Macpherson, borrowed the theory from Irving and claimed it as their own without giving Irving any of the credit. A more recent book by Macpherson furthers his research and shows how the Plymouth Brethren in the late 19th centrury edited the works of Darby to give the impression that Darby's early writings indicate that he held pre tribulation rapture theories before Irving did.