V
Vanguard
Guest
Probably the most fascinating and confusing book in the Christian Bible, Revelation has long been the source of much criticism and speculation, as well as justification. It was originally written in Koine Greek; authored by a man named John. This is where historians/scholars divide paths. Some believe it was written by John the Apostle, others believe it was written by a man called John of Patmos. According to those same scholars, they are not the same person. They do agree that it was written sometime between 70 AD and 95 AD.
Scholars have further compared the vocabulary, grammar and style of the Book of John to the Book of Revelation, and they are vastly different. They indicate that there might even be a third possible candidate for the authorship of Revelation, a man called John the Evangelist. It is important to note that all three Johns could be the same person, but the writing styles suggest otherwise.
Interpreters of Revelation fall into three main categories:
1. Historicists- have a very broad view on Revelation (both past and present).
2. Preterists- believe the events surround the 1st century AD, or up until the fall of the Roman Empire.
3. Futurists- believe that Revelation is a book of prophecies of things that have yet to happen, or have only recently started happening.
What is absolutely clear, is that Revelation is not clear. The book is full of symbolism, given to the author by way of dreams/visions, and he is describing things that are the subject of much speculation and theory. You have to put yourself in that time period, their lack of understanding of science and engineering (as we know them), and as one Jewish scholar put it, "John wrote as if he were reading Dr. Seuss on a really bad acid trip" (his mocking tone is not lost on me).
Now, if anyone would like to talk about verses or chapters within Revelation, let's have at it! All I ask is that you please cite your source (translation) and keep them in context.
Scholars have further compared the vocabulary, grammar and style of the Book of John to the Book of Revelation, and they are vastly different. They indicate that there might even be a third possible candidate for the authorship of Revelation, a man called John the Evangelist. It is important to note that all three Johns could be the same person, but the writing styles suggest otherwise.
Interpreters of Revelation fall into three main categories:
1. Historicists- have a very broad view on Revelation (both past and present).
2. Preterists- believe the events surround the 1st century AD, or up until the fall of the Roman Empire.
3. Futurists- believe that Revelation is a book of prophecies of things that have yet to happen, or have only recently started happening.
What is absolutely clear, is that Revelation is not clear. The book is full of symbolism, given to the author by way of dreams/visions, and he is describing things that are the subject of much speculation and theory. You have to put yourself in that time period, their lack of understanding of science and engineering (as we know them), and as one Jewish scholar put it, "John wrote as if he were reading Dr. Seuss on a really bad acid trip" (his mocking tone is not lost on me).
Now, if anyone would like to talk about verses or chapters within Revelation, let's have at it! All I ask is that you please cite your source (translation) and keep them in context.
