Isn't the Book of Revelation just a fable and not literal?

[polonius]

http://www.usccb.org/bible/revelation/0

Introduction to Revelation – New American Bible Revised Edition

This much, however, is certain: symbolic descriptions are not to be taken as literal descriptions, nor is the symbolism meant to be pictured realistically. One would find it difficult and repulsive to visualize a lamb with seven horns and seven eyes; yet Jesus Christ is described in precisely such words (Rev 5:6). The author used these images to suggest Christ’s universal (seven) power (horns) and knowledge (eyes). A significant feature of apocalyptic writing is the use of symbolic colors, metals, garments (Rev 1:13–16; 3:18; 4:4; 6:1–8; 17:4; 19:8), and numbers (four signifies the world, six imperfection, seven totality or perfection, twelve Israel’s tribes or the apostles, one thousand immensity). Finally the vindictive language in the book (Rev 6:9–10; 18:1–19:4) is also to be understood symbolically and not literally. The cries for vengeance on the lips of Christian martyrs that sound so harsh are in fact literary devices the author employed to evoke in the reader and hearer a feeling of horror for apostasy and rebellion that will be severely punished by God.

[onewithhim]

http://www.usccb.org/bible/revelation/0

Introduction to Revelation – New American Bible Revised Edition

This much, however, is certain: symbolic descriptions are not to be taken as literal descriptions, nor is the symbolism meant to be pictured realistically. One would find it difficult and repulsive to visualize a lamb with seven horns and seven eyes; yet Jesus Christ is described in precisely such words (Rev 5:6). The author used these images to suggest Christ’s universal (seven) power (horns) and knowledge (eyes). A significant feature of apocalyptic writing is the use of symbolic colors, metals, garments (Rev 1:13–16; 3:18; 4:4; 6:1–8; 17:4; 19:8), and numbers (four signifies the world, six imperfection, seven totality or perfection, twelve Israel’s tribes or the apostles, one thousand immensity). Finally the vindictive language in the book (Rev 6:9–10; 18:1–19:4) is also to be understood symbolically and not literally. The cries for vengeance on the lips of Christian martyrs that sound so harsh are in fact literary devices the author employed to evoke in the reader and hearer a feeling of horror for apostasy and rebellion that will be severely punished by God.

I agree that Revelation is a book of symbols, which are to be taken as metaphors for certain events that would happen. You got that point, I think, when you said that Jesus is not a literal Lamb with seven horns and seven eyes, but this symbolizes his power and knowledge, and we know from other Scriptures that he is called "the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world." So throwing out the book of Revelation would be unwise. In fact, one version says: "Happy is he who reads aloud and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and who observe the things written in it." (Rev.1:3)

We can understand Revelation with the help of the Holy Spirit, and I find this book fascinating. If someone wants to learn more about it, there is an excellent book called "Revelation, Its Grand Climax At Hand!" published by the Watchtower Society. Also this website is very helpful: www.jw.org

[marco]

We can understand Revelation with the help of the Holy Spirit, and I find this book fascinating. If someone wants to learn more about it, there is an excellent book

Luther thought it rubbish and Luther was right. It is possible to let a child throw paint on canvas and interpret the mess as art. The prophecies of Nostradamus can be interpreted in a variety of ways too.

Revelation is filled with obscure images that lend themselves to whatever interpretation the reader wants to give. It is therefore a wonderful book for those who want to advertise their own brand of Christianity. It remains rubbish, nonetheless, as Luther opined.

[onewithhim]

We can understand Revelation with the help of the Holy Spirit, and I find this book fascinating. If someone wants to learn more about it, there is an excellent book

Luther thought it rubbish and Luther was right. It is possible to let a child throw paint on canvas and interpret the mess as art. The prophecies of Nostradamus can be interpreted in a variety of ways too.

Revelation is filled with obscure images that lend themselves to whatever interpretation the reader wants to give. It is therefore a wonderful book for those who want to advertise their own brand of Christianity. It remains rubbish, nonetheless, as Luther opined.

Luther became more confused as he grew older. He started to think a lot of Scripture was rubbish. I wouldn't put much faith in what Luther thought.

[polonius]

We can understand Revelation with the help of the Holy Spirit, and I find this book fascinating. If someone wants to learn more about it, there is an excellent book

Luther thought it rubbish and Luther was right. It is possible to let a child throw paint on canvas and interpret the mess as art. The prophecies of Nostradamus can be interpreted in a variety of ways too.

Revelation is filled with obscure images that lend themselves to whatever interpretation the reader wants to give. It is therefore a wonderful book for those who want to advertise their own brand of Christianity. It remains rubbish, nonetheless, as Luther opined.

Luther became more confused as he grew older. He started to think a lot of Scripture was rubbish. I wouldn't put much faith in what Luther thought.

RESPONSE: But he was correct. A lot of "scripture" is rubbish.

(For example, did you read Matthew,s story of Jesus riding on two animals of different sizes when entering Jerusalem so Matthew could claim Jeseshad fulfilled a prophecy which Matthew misunderstood?)

[marco]

Luther became more confused as he grew older. He started to think a lot of Scripture was rubbish. I wouldn't put much faith in what Luther thought.

Some would say that suggests Luther matured with age. It is understandable that people might become confused if they spent any time reading Revelation. It has no place in an age of reason. It cannot even be commended as children's literature.

[polonius]

Luther became more confused as he grew older. He started to think a lot of Scripture was rubbish. I wouldn't put much faith in what Luther thought.

Some would say that suggests Luther matured with age. It is understandable that people might become confused if they spent any time reading Revelation. It has no place in an age of reason. It cannot even be commended as children's literature.

RESPONSE: Are you suggesting that fundamentalists are misjudging the book of Revelation? Isn't that a four star heresy?

[marco]

Some would say that suggests Luther matured with age. It is understandable that people might become confused if they spent any time reading Revelation. It has no place in an age of reason. It cannot even be commended as children's literature.

RESPONSE: Are you suggesting that fundamentalists are misjudging the book of Revelation? Isn't that a four star heresy? [/quote]

I don't believe one commits heresy as a spectator. It is common for people to view rubbish as high art and so it is with Revelation. It is regarded as a magician's masterpiece.

[showme]

http://www.usccb.org/bible/revelation/0

Introduction to Revelation – New American Bible Revised Edition

This much, however, is certain: symbolic descriptions are not to be taken as literal descriptions, nor is the symbolism meant to be pictured realistically. One would find it difficult and repulsive to visualize a lamb with seven horns and seven eyes; yet Jesus Christ is described in precisely such words (Rev 5:6). The author used these images to suggest Christ’s universal (seven) power (horns) and knowledge (eyes). A significant feature of apocalyptic writing is the use of symbolic colors, metals, garments (Rev 1:13–16; 3:18; 4:4; 6:1–8; 17:4; 19:8), and numbers (four signifies the world, six imperfection, seven totality or perfection, twelve Israel’s tribes or the apostles, one thousand immensity). Finally the vindictive language in the book (Rev 6:9–10; 18:1–19:4) is also to be understood symbolically and not literally. The cries for vengeance on the lips of Christian martyrs that sound so harsh are in fact literary devices the author employed to evoke in the reader and hearer a feeling of horror for apostasy and rebellion that will be severely punished by God.

Hate to say it, but I think you will be caught unawares when the "fig tree" puts forth its leaves (Mt 24:32). You seem to mix up "vengeance" with the justice and "wrath" of God. A good example of what is coming up per the "awesome day of the LORD" (Joel 2:31-32), where you will have "survivors", is found in Revelation 9:18, whereas 'a third of mankind... was killed". The term "many" can be a literal device, the term "a third of mankind", is quite specific.

The 7 horns and 7 eyes are with respect to the 7 angels of the 7 churches. (Rev 1:20) & (Zech 4:2-10)

[showme]

We can understand Revelation with the help of the Holy Spirit, and I find this book fascinating. If someone wants to learn more about it, there is an excellent book

Luther thought it rubbish and Luther was right. It is possible to let a child throw paint on canvas and interpret the mess as art. The prophecies of Nostradamus can be interpreted in a variety of ways too.

Revelation is filled with obscure images that lend themselves to whatever interpretation the reader wants to give. It is therefore a wonderful book for those who want to advertise their own brand of Christianity. It remains rubbish, nonetheless, as Luther opined.

Luther, as many of his followers, was into eating large, drinking large quantities of beer, and making merry with his wife, the ex nun. Kind of like the leadership required for the men of Noah's time. Wait, a second, it will be like the day of Noah. (Mt 24:38)

[polonius]

http://www.usccb.org/bible/revelation/0

Introduction to Revelation – New American Bible Revised Edition

This much, however, is certain: symbolic descriptions are not to be taken as literal descriptions, nor is the symbolism meant to be pictured realistically. One would find it difficult and repulsive to visualize a lamb with seven horns and seven eyes; yet Jesus Christ is described in precisely such words (Rev 5:6). The author used these images to suggest Christ’s universal (seven) power (horns) and knowledge (eyes). A significant feature of apocalyptic writing is the use of symbolic colors, metals, garments (Rev 1:13–16; 3:18; 4:4; 6:1–8; 17:4; 19:8), and numbers (four signifies the world, six imperfection, seven totality or perfection, twelve Israel’s tribes or the apostles, one thousand immensity). Finally the vindictive language in the book (Rev 6:9–10; 18:1–19:4) is also to be understood symbolically and not literally. The cries for vengeance on the lips of Christian martyrs that sound so harsh are in fact literary devices the author employed to evoke in the reader and hearer a feeling of horror for apostasy and rebellion that will be severely punished by God.

Hate to say it, but I think you will be caught unawares when the "fig tree" puts forth its leaves (Mt 24:32). You seem to mix up "vengeance" with the justice and "wrath" of God. A good example of what is coming up per the "awesome day of the LORD" (Joel 2:31-32), where you will have "survivors", is found in Revelation 9:18, whereas 'a third of mankind... was killed". The term "many" can be a literal device, the term "a third of mankind", is quite specific.

The 7 horns and 7 eyes are with respect to the 7 angels of the 7 churches. (Rev 1:20) & (Zech 4:2-10)

RESPONSE; Paul tells us to test everything. Retain what is true. But put aside childish things. This I and many others have done regarding the Book of Revelations.