Post by Josh on Jan 29, 2007 17:50:38 GMT -8
Originally posted 7/24/06:
A headline story on CNN today was all about Christian interpretations of the book of Revelation.
First they highlighted the popular evangelical futurist stance (annoyingly calling it the literal view). Of course, not all futurists are seeing the events of Revelation necessarily unfolding in current events, but they did focus in on that way of looking at things.
Next, they interviewed others who took the highly generalized Idealist view (the specific details of Revelation aren't meant to be taken as particular events, but as general themes which apply to Christians in all ages).
Among this camp (sort of) was Bruce Feiler (known for his book Walking the Bible) who argued that we shouldn't view Revelation as implying a cosmic showdown between God and Satan, and made the appalling comment (paraphrased): "The message of the[OT] prophets was that God is not going to intervene, if any change is going to happen, it has to be made by us."
It was frustrating to me to see these two views being the only ones represented-- as if these were the only two alternatives available to Christians: reading the conflict in Lebanon into the pages of Revelation OR explaining away Revelation altogether.
How about a book that both reflects actual historical events near the time of its writing (and some general but grand future events) AND has served as an inspiration to persecuted Christians for centuries?
It's like the only two options presented were:
cheapen Revelation by pulling it out of context
or
water down Revelation by generalizing a very specific book
Obviously, this post reflects my personal views and, again, not some dogmatic stance of Aletheia.
Anyone else have a thought?
A headline story on CNN today was all about Christian interpretations of the book of Revelation.
First they highlighted the popular evangelical futurist stance (annoyingly calling it the literal view). Of course, not all futurists are seeing the events of Revelation necessarily unfolding in current events, but they did focus in on that way of looking at things.
Next, they interviewed others who took the highly generalized Idealist view (the specific details of Revelation aren't meant to be taken as particular events, but as general themes which apply to Christians in all ages).
Among this camp (sort of) was Bruce Feiler (known for his book Walking the Bible) who argued that we shouldn't view Revelation as implying a cosmic showdown between God and Satan, and made the appalling comment (paraphrased): "The message of the[OT] prophets was that God is not going to intervene, if any change is going to happen, it has to be made by us."
It was frustrating to me to see these two views being the only ones represented-- as if these were the only two alternatives available to Christians: reading the conflict in Lebanon into the pages of Revelation OR explaining away Revelation altogether.
How about a book that both reflects actual historical events near the time of its writing (and some general but grand future events) AND has served as an inspiration to persecuted Christians for centuries?
It's like the only two options presented were:
cheapen Revelation by pulling it out of context
or
water down Revelation by generalizing a very specific book
Obviously, this post reflects my personal views and, again, not some dogmatic stance of Aletheia.
Anyone else have a thought?