When it comes to the book of Revelation, there are usually two roads people go down in attempting to understand the book. There is the "I give up" road and the "who cares?!" road. Sadly, both of these views miss the point because Revelation is an important book, we can understand it, and actually what we believe about Revelation truly effects how we behave as the church. This Saturday I read the book "Four Views on Revelation" This book is a great start for those that want to understand Revelation and get a well rounded understanding of the interpretations. This book offers four interpretations:
Preterists - According to preterists, the events of Revelation took place in 70AD around the destruction of Jeruselum. Therefore, they generally have a more positive view about the future of the world.
Idealists - According to idealists Revelation represents a more figurative, spiritual battle that occurs continually in all ages and unfolds throughout history.
Progressive Dispensationalist - According to the progressive dispensationalist, the events of Revelation occurred more figuratively in the first century and will continue to occur to some extent throughout history building to a future and literal climax.
Classic Dispensationalist - According to the classic dispensationalist, all events in revelation must occur literally, therefore they will all happen in the future and have not happened yet in any sense.
Those are quick summaries of the four views. So what is your view?
Hey Ty, this is Jonathan from class. I was wondering if you read "Three Views on the Millennium and Beyond" by Bock (from STIII). If so, how would you compare it with the 4 views book from this review? If you were to pick between the two, which would you recommend? Thanks for your input.
ReplyDeleteSorry Jonathan, just saw this! The two books are a little different, but I would say "four views on Revelation" because it touches on both the views of Revelation and the issue of millennium.
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