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.

[JoeyKnothead]

From the OP:

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

Your question doesn't ask if it ain't just a pack of lies.


But it does point out the problem with religious claims - we can't tell us the liar from the preacher.

[brianbbs67]

From the OP:

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

Your question doesn't ask if it ain't just a pack of lies.


But it does point out the problem with religious claims - we can't tell us the liar from the preacher.

WHat does your heart tell you?

[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 written in symbols---not to be taken literally, in the majority of cases---but I think that the symbolism is indeed meant to picture something that is real. For instance, the seven-headed beast of Revelation chapter 13 is not a literal seven-headed wild beast, but symbolizes governments of the world. The governments are real and are merely pictured as a beast with 7 ferocious heads.

Christ's disciples pictured under the altar in heaven are not really under the altar. There is another meaning regarding their presence under the altar. But their cries for their blood to be avenged are significant, for Jesus' disciples deserved to be avenged for the awful things they suffered after he went back to heaven.

The Revelation is a book that is vital for Christians today to study and become acquainted with its meaning. It tells us what to expect in "the Lord's Day," which we are living in now.

[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.

I agree that Revelation is written in symbols---not to be taken literally, in the majority of cases---but I think that the symbolism is indeed meant to picture something that is real. For instance, the seven-headed beast of Revelation chapter 13 is not a literal seven-headed wild beast, but symbolizes governments of the world. The governments are real and are merely pictured as a beast with 7 ferocious heads.

Christ's disciples pictured under the altar in heaven are not really under the altar. There is another meaning regarding their presence under the altar. But their cries for their blood to be avenged are significant, for Jesus' disciples deserved to be avenged for the awful things they suffered after he went back to heaven.

The Revelation is a book that is vital for Christians today to study and become acquainted with its meaning. It tells us what to expect in "the Lord's Day," which we are living in now.

RESPONSE: The Book of Revelation is a fiction that some accepted as inspired.

[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 written in symbols---not to be taken literally, in the majority of cases---but I think that the symbolism is indeed meant to picture something that is real. For instance, the seven-headed beast of Revelation chapter 13 is not a literal seven-headed wild beast, but symbolizes governments of the world. The governments are real and are merely pictured as a beast with 7 ferocious heads.

Christ's disciples pictured under the altar in heaven are not really under the altar. There is another meaning regarding their presence under the altar. But their cries for their blood to be avenged are significant, for Jesus' disciples deserved to be avenged for the awful things they suffered after he went back to heaven.

The Revelation is a book that is vital for Christians today to study and become acquainted with its meaning. It tells us what to expect in "the Lord's Day," which we are living in now.

RESPONSE: The Book of Revelation is a fiction that some accepted as inspired.

Why is it that you neglect replying to the various points that a person has presented to you? You pass right by what has been said and just make a broad statement showing your disagreement. That's not discussing.