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Kayla
Member
| Joined: | Mon Jul 30th, 2007 |
| Location: | Emmitsburg, Maryland USA |
| Posts: | 364 |
| First Name: | Kayla | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Atheist, kind-of Mormon, Catholic |
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Posted: Fri Nov 16th, 2007 07:55 pm |
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How is it that we, as Catholics, are supposed to read the Book of Revelation? I know there seem to be three "schools of thought" on how to read this book... one as it being a symbolic book speaking on past events, another as being something in the future, and another where both of those are put together as something that takes place now, has happened, and will happen...
Is this merely a matter of theological opinion? Or is there something more concrete that should be grasped upon?
I ask because I seem to be hearing conflicting views; my theology teacher and from various readings I've done (I believe what I'm thinking of in particular is Scott Hahn's "The Lamb's Supper"). I am trying to expose myself to a variety of thoughts within Catholicism, but also want to make sure that I am able to decipher the truth, as best as I am able.
Thoughts? Opinions? Arguments one way or the other?
____________________
I believe, Lord, help my unbelief.
Jesus, I trust in You!
There's not a lot of job security for us after death. I suppose that's one advantage of being a philosopher. - Peter Kreeft
http://kayla23mount.blogspot.com/
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DrDave
Member
| Joined: | Mon Nov 6th, 2006 |
| Location: | Mildura, Australia |
| Posts: | 217 |
| First Name: | Dave | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Cradle - Lapsed - Renewed Catholic |
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Posted: Sat Nov 17th, 2007 05:48 am |
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I tend to think that if the females in my life (even the 4yo) can do more than one thing at a time then God can probably do possibly even more.
So I would say Past, Present, Future, Literal, and Symbolic. Or as some of us Catholics like to say BOTH!!!
Regards Dave
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SBC2RCC
Member
| Joined: | Mon Oct 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | York, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 125 |
| First Name: | Monte | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | was Southern Baptist Minister, now Roman Catholic |
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Posted: Sun Nov 18th, 2007 07:44 pm |
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Thank you Kayla,
This is a good subject to raise. Probably no other book excites more enthusiasm than the book of Revelation. Unfortunately it has started more than a few fires too, as folks have gotten off track at times. One factor that is crucial is to remember that it would be incorrect, even dangerous to make specific predictions based upon it. Jesus warned us that no one knows the day or the hour of His return.
I heartily give an amen to DrDave's comment, for truly God is more than capable of acting in a very complex way. Thus, this book is quite complex, and the meaning of it is multifaceted.
The interpretations given by Dr. Hahn need to be taught, for this book, as well as all of the Bible, IS ours, it is a CATHOLIC book!
When I was a Baptist minister, I was never anti-catholic, so I did not spout the trash which some pour forth about Mary and the Roman church -- based upon Revelation. It was in reaction to this sort of hateful and virulent attack that I began to seriously question the lack of love in those who hold such ideas.
When I taught this book to my congregation, I pointed them toward things I found in commentary written by early Church fathers. Too many in more recent times have tied these images to historical characters and made that classic error. When I was a teenager in the 70's, most Bible teachers, following Hal Lindsey, did not expect that we would still be here in the 21st century.
Indeed, much of what is in Revelation actually was of immediate meaning to the people who first read it and were being persecuted by the Roamn emperor. But it also tells us of the judgement to come at the end of time.
Gotta go,
Monte
____________________
In Christ,
Monte W
(Formerly on CHN Forum as "Pilgrim Paul"
Minima Maxima Sunt
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