Here’s a look at the theological concept of the Rapture and its role in history:What is the Rapture? History of the beliefBelief in the Rapture began in the mid-19th century in Britain and elsewhere in the English-speaking world, said Frykholm. The Rapture belief spread through 20th century Bible conferences, evangelical media and the publication of the Scofield Reference Bible, which detailed the Rapture in footnotes, Frykholm said. Pop culture also advanced the belief, including through the evangelical Christian horror film “A Thief in the Night” and the popular “Left Behind” novel series. Past predictions of the Rapture and Jesus’ returnCalifornia doomsday preacher Harold Camping predicted the Rapture would happen on May 21, 2011.