Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Dean Anderson · 10-18-2006, 06:49 AM

On another message board, I have got into a debate about the interpretation of Revelation. One of the other people there has made some rather bizarre assertions about how "Christians" (I assume that he thinks anyone who doesn't agree with him isn't a True Christian) interpret the text.

I don't wish to pre-empt the poll by saying what this guy is saying that you believe until after you've voted...

But what is your opinion about Revelation?

Dean Anderson · 10-18-2006, 06:55 AM

I should add that whilst I welcome our atheist, jewish, muslim, pantheist and pagan users to comment in this thread; I am trying to find out what Christians believe - so I ask you to please not skew the poll...

Barnet · 10-18-2006, 06:58 AM

There is no doubt that this particular book is written in apocalyptic language - a literary style which appears at various points in the OT. Therefore, a literal interpretation is a very dangerous thing to do - the 10 headed beast is the EU etc. Personally, I haven't made my mind up yet...some believe it refers to a spiritual state now, others the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans and, more obviously, the end of the world.

Tao of Pooh · 10-18-2006, 07:04 AM

I really wanted to vote for Godzilla 'cause I think that would be sooo cool but I didn't want to screw up your poll...sigh.
Where are the magic brownies?

Self improvement is masturbation.

Dean Anderson · 10-18-2006, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tao of Pooh

I really wanted to vote for Godzilla 'cause I think that would be sooo cool but I didn't want to screw up your poll...sigh.

N/A

Quote:

Where are the magic brownies?

The Beast ate them!

angela2 · 10-18-2006, 07:39 AM

I voted for the first option, but I think there should have been another saying that The Beast is a coded reference. Hence only the original writer/readers of Revelation know for sure what it meant.

JamesBannon · 10-18-2006, 07:57 AM

I would go along with angela2. I read it as a message to the faithful that the persecution of the Christians by the Romans would end soon.

angela2 · 10-18-2006, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesBannon

I would go along with angela2. I read it as a message to the faithful that the persecution of the Christians by the Romans would end soon.

Thanks. I think it's a good question because it shows that while Christianity has its loonies just like any other belief system, not all Christians are loonies, at least not on this topic.

Imnotspecial · 10-18-2006, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angela2

. Hence only the original writer/readers of Revelation know for sure what it meant.

Are you sure about that?
The guy had a revelation. Does that mean that he knew what it meant? Do we al;ways know what our dreams mean? The readers might also have spent endless hours trying to get some meaning from it.

If it was only meant for the earliest Christians, why did it even end up in the bible?

angela2 · 10-18-2006, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunter

Are you sure about that?
The guy had a revelation. Does that mean that he knew what it meant? Do we al;ways know what our dreams mean? The readers might also have spent endless hours trying to get some meaning from it.

If it was only meant for the earliest Christians, why did it even end up in the bible?

Not all of the book is beyond modern understanding.

View Poll Results: How should "the Beast" in Revelation be interpreted?
A metaphor for the Roman Empire of the time when it was written	6	19.35%
A metaphor for some modern organisation (EU, UN, Catholic Churct, etc.)	2	6.45%
A literal sea monster that will rise Godzilla-like from the sea during the "End Times".	1	3.23%
A figment of the author's imagination - Revelation is not inspired.	1	3.23%
I'm not a Christian, but I wanted an option I could vote for.	21	67.74%
Voters: 31. You may not vote on this poll

10-18-2006, 06:49 AM	#1
Dean Anderson Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Brighton, England Posts: 6,947	A quick Poll for Christians On another message board, I have got into a debate about the interpretation of Revelation. One of the other people there has made some rather bizarre assertions about how "Christians" (I assume that he thinks anyone who doesn't agree with him isn't a True Christian) interpret the text. I don't wish to pre-empt the poll by saying what this guy is saying that you believe until after you've voted... But what is your opinion about Revelation?

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10-18-2006, 06:55 AM	#2
Dean Anderson Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Brighton, England Posts: 6,947	I should add that whilst I welcome our atheist, jewish, muslim, pantheist and pagan users to comment in this thread; I am trying to find out what Christians believe - so I ask you to please not skew the poll...

10-18-2006, 06:58 AM	#3
Barnet Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: England Posts: 82	There is no doubt that this particular book is written in apocalyptic language - a literary style which appears at various points in the OT. Therefore, a literal interpretation is a very dangerous thing to do - the 10 headed beast is the EU etc. Personally, I haven't made my mind up yet...some believe it refers to a spiritual state now, others the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans and, more obviously, the end of the world.

10-18-2006, 07:04 AM	#4
Tao of Pooh Beloved Deceased Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: The 100 Acre Wood. Posts: 2,805	I really wanted to vote for Godzilla 'cause I think that would be sooo cool but I didn't want to screw up your poll...sigh. Where are the magic brownies? *Self improvement is masturbation.*

10-18-2006, 07:39 AM	#6
angela2 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: boston Posts: 3,687	I voted for the first option, but I think there should have been another saying that The Beast is a coded reference. Hence only the original writer/readers of Revelation know for sure what it meant.

10-18-2006, 07:57 AM	#7
JamesBannon Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Paisley, Scotland Posts: 5,819	I would go along with angela2. I read it as a message to the faithful that the persecution of the Christians by the Romans would end soon.

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