Discussion Questions
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What advice would you give a new Christian who wants to read the book of Revelation?
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I would advise anyone ( not just a new Christian) who wants to really understand the book of Revelation to seek out others who have done research and who have studied this book and its symbolism (i.e. taking courses such as this one), before they try to make sense of the book of Revelations. I, too, used to take it literally and became very confused as a result. Through studies and lectures such as these, I no longer feel confused about Revelations and am looking forward to gaining a better understanding of this book.
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Read with an open mind, asking the Holy Spirit to help you “rightly divide the word of truth.”
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I would remind them first that this book can be challenging BUT that it reminds us we are blessed if we read it and heed the things which are written in it. I recognize that we could say the same of ALL the Bible but I believe that this is the only book of the Bible that specifically states such. It is an encouragement to me then, to keep reading and studying it, learning from the many different perspectives communicated in various commentaries.
Like others below, I would encourage others to read the rest of the Bible and then study Revelation with commentaries aside it. It is helpful to hear the varying perspectives of major theologians. -
Since approaching this book may seem overwhelming ODBU provides several courses that will help remove the stigma by breaking it down into easier overviews of how to read and the and understsnd the overall purpose of the book.
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I would advise people to read that book last. I wouldn’t want them to get discouraged. I would tell them to save that book for last, after they’ve read the rest of the Bible. They would definitely understand it better after reading the other books first.
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What new things about interpreting the book of Revelation did you learn from this lesson?
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I really appreciated the reminder that this was indeed a letter written to people who were expected to understand it. What must those people have been like, and what would their understanding have been?
I also appreciate the caution that we can’t expect that it’s just a way to interpret the news. That said, I think that it is clear that this was also written for us, here now, and not only seven historical Churches of ancient Turkey. It is interesting that it is stereoscopic in being specific for them and also useful for us now! -
To be open to the different views of the rapture and the millennium and the tribulation. I have always been given to understand one point of view, dismissingdifferent points of view. I am now open to those.
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I learned that there are different interpretations that go along with The understanding of the book of Revelations, the end of times book.
I also understood that sometimes two or more interpretations suit better than one or any of the interpretations.
The importance of at least recognizing the differences and knowing the each interpretations are crucial when you read to understand. The understanding of the different meanings of things described that are not of human form. -
I learnt that there are signs and symbols that indicate the end of days.