-
Why are people drawn to the book of Revelation and confused by it? What might be the value in studying it?
-
Perhaps the reason that many people are drawn to the book of Revelation is that they are told that it is a book that speaks about the “end of the world.”
Perhaps the reason that many people are confused by the book of Revelation is that they have only been exposed to one way of interpreting the book.I have been a subscriber to ODBU for a few weeks, and I have been blessed by the courses. However, the last portion of this “Bible Basics” course (the Book of Revelation segment) was a complete disappointment. I believe that it was extremely irresponsible of ODBU to only present one view (the “futurist” view) of the Book of Revelation here in this “introductory” course on the “Bible Basics.” If people are “introduced” to the “Bible Basics” with an idea that the Book of Revelation is primarily about future events (future for us who are alive today), then there is no wonder why there is confusion in the majority of Christianity regarding the message of the Book of Revelation. At a minimum, ODBU should include a disclaimer that there are other ways to interpret the Book of Revelation (Preterist view, Historicist view, Idealist view, etc.).
Other issues:
Revelation is an “apocalyptic” book. Therefore, the contents are spoken in symbolic language (Rev 1:1). Yet, this course teaches of a literal 1,0000 year “millennium.” There are other (non-literal) interpretations that could have been presented in the video. There were a number of other literal interpretations in the video that failed to consider that a non-literal interpretation would make more sense.Additionally, the Greek word for “earth” can also be translated “land” (i.e. “the land of Israel”). Therefore, the interpretation that 1/3 of the “earth” will be destroyed, etc., is only one option (and probably not the best) for interpretation. There were other issues, but I have probably already said too much. The main point is that it seems a bit irresponsible for ODBU to present only one interpretation of Revelation, and to present it as if there are no other options for interpretation. I encourage everyone to study Revelation on their own, and to examine other views (Preterist, Historicist, Idealist, etc.).
-
PEOPLE ARE DRAWN TO IT BECAUSE IT LEADS UP TO THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. HOW THE BOOK DESCRIBES THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO CHRIST’S RETURN IS WHAT I THINK IS CONFUSING TO SOME. THE VALUE IN STUDYING THIS BOOK IS, IT PREPARES YOU TO GET READY FOR CHRIST’S RETURN.
-
I believe that people are drawn to the mystery of the Book of Revelations. They are intrigued by the seemingly coded messages it seems to bring. But they are confused by it as well because it walks a fine line of reality and imagination. I believe studying Revelations, and studying it in dept with take away the fear some people have to read it and bring better understanding of its message.
-
People may be drawn to it because they search for answers and clarification. It may confuse some people because of the words it is language in and because of the different interpretations, people are taught about it.
-
Intrigue regarding the end times draws people to Revelation but the book can be confusing due to the imagery. The book of Revelation like the other books in the Bible helps us to know God and obey Him. But studying Revelation in particular can assist us in learning God’s plan for the end times and the warning of sin to avoid as the end nears in order that we may be a church ready for the return of our Lord.