Rapture (disambiguation)

Rapture (Latin raptus) has two connotations derived from its classical origins, one spiritual and poetical, the inspired vision granted to a prophet (Ezekiel, Daniel) or to a poet stemming from his invocation of the Muses (Hesiod, Virgil)— or in apocalyptic literature to a writer combining both natures, such as the author of Revelation—the other possessive and physical (raptus virginum Sabinarum). As the Sabine virgins were raped and abducted so the poet was abducted by the source of his inspiration— transported.

• Rapture in its two original classical senses may be examined at raptus.

"Rapture" has been both trivialized as a literary expression for intense joy or pleasure, and it has also been co-opted as a specialized expression in millennarian Christian eschatology.

• Rapture in its specialized usage by some Christian sects, referring to the End Times, when the Redeemed leave the world, may be examined at Rapture.

Trivialized, "rapture" has been devalued until the sight of a child's missing tooth may send the grandmother into raptures. In the late 20th century "rapture" experienced a mild vogue that attempted to resupply a sense of depth and breadth to essentially commercial ventures.

• Rapture trivialized may be detected:
  • in "research rapture" or "rapture of the depths" the nitrogen narcosis that endangers divers.

Commercially, since 1980 Rapture may be found:

• • in the title of a 1980 hit single by Blondie, the first rap-influenced number one hit.
  • repeated as the title of a hit single in 2001 by New York City-based trance duo Iio.
  • in The Rapture, a New York City-based rock band.
  • at Rapture TV, a failed UK dance music television station.
  • The Rapture is a Big Finish Productions audio drama based on the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who.
  • Rapture is a Finland-based Heavy Metal band.