Tag Archives: Revelation schools of interpretation

APPROACHES TO REVELATION: IDEALISM

Interpretation, Revelation July 2, 2014 Comments: 3

PMT 2014-079 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.Idealism

The wry and sometimes disparaging humor of Ambrose Bierce is recorded in his Devil’s Dictionary. There he defines “Revelation” as follows: “Revelation. n. A famous book in which St. John the Divine concealed all that he knew. The revealing is done by the commentators, who know nothing.” He would have loved our modern tele-evangelism use of Revelation.

Though Revelation was given to be a “revelation,” it has generated much confusion. As a consequence, four basic schools of thought have arisen regarding Revelation. I am continuing a series on this matter. In this study we will consider “Idealism.” Continue reading →

APPROACHES TO REVELATION: HISTORICISM WEAKNESSES (2)

Interpretation, Revelation June 30, 2014 1 Comment

PMT 2014-078 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.Start finish

When we approach the Book of Revelation, we must do so with fear and trembling. It has conquered many a strong scholar. Some have likened Revelation to a black hole: It is so dense that light cannot escape from it. This is strange in that it is actually called a “revelation,” i.e., unveiling, opening. Because of the confusion it generates, scholars recognize for main schools of interpretation. I am offering a short series on these approaches. Continue reading →

APPROACHES TO REVELATION: HISTORICISM (1)

Interpretation, Revelation June 27, 2014 1 Comment

PMT 2014-077 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.Historicism

The Book of Revelation is called a “revelation,” despite its seeming to be an obfuscation to most modern readers. It seems that wherever there are five commentaries on Revelation, you will find six views of this mysterious book, such is our perplexity when approaching this magnificent work. Continue reading →