Trafton and Barr: Reading and Encountering Revelation
- In one good paragraph, summarize Trafton’s argument about how to best approach the Book of Revelation as a 21st century reader of this nearly 2,000-year-old Christian text.
Trafton begins by emphasizing that Revelation is not a list of prophecies or revelations, hence the lack of an “s.” He says it should be handled and read as if it were one big narrative, with every piece in place and serving a purpose. He adds that the discovery has its backstory. He emphasizes the need to read Revelation with humility, focus on what the narrative is attempting to communicate in its terms, and double-check any preconceived ideas or prejudices based on what you are reading. He also warns readers not to interpret the book of Revelation as a sequence of chronological occurrences.
- In his article “The Apocalypse of John as Oral Enactment,” David Barr explains how someone (a first-century Seneca) could memorize the entire book of Revelation and recite it for an audience. There were no “chapter and verse” numbers for its intended audience as seen in modern bibles. Briefly discuss one (or more) important way(s) this changes how we think about Revelation.
It is inappropriate to recite the book of Revelation without chapters and verses for its intended audience, as found in contemporary bibles. The Bible is one of those things that does not need to be changed in order for us to comprehend it. When we recite the Bible without the chapter and verse numbers, we are overlooking something crucial. We will speak the words the same way we say the words we see on the internet. Because the identity of the holy words has vanished, God’s words will become commonplace. The book of Revelation has both verses and chapters, and if we ignore those two crucial elements, we will be missing the message.
- What other academic disciplines might be well-equipped to offer important insights about the book of Revelation and why? List two and explain how they would add value here and why IDST is a helpful approach to a book widely filed (perhaps too neatly) into “religious document.”
Religious Studies, founded on religious belief, maybe one subject that might help us better understand Revelation. Furthermore, many religious individuals, especially Christians and Muslims, could identify with parts of the book. It is preferable first to learn and study these faiths to comprehend the book’s intricacy properly.
The other discipline might be history. What occurred in the past, and if it happened in the manner and sequence stated in the book, may also help the reader get a complete understanding of Revelation.
- When studying the history of The End, one of the starkest (and cautionary) tales of predicting the end of the world is found in the story of William Miller. He and the Millerites serve as an excellent case study in millenarian movements and the problem with “hard date-setting” regarding The End. Briefly outline the story of Miller and the Millerites in one or two good paragraphs, taking care to make connections with prior work in this course on IDST and Revelation.
Miller’s connection with the Millerites was similar to that of a father and son. Miller convinced a huge number of people that he knew when Christ will come to the earth. He believed that Christ’s second coming would occur in April 1834, and that on October 23, 1844, all redeemed individuals would go to heaven. Millerites were reported to have sold their homes and were preparing to enter paradise. Miller couldn’t have been more incorrect, and when the day arrived and nothing occurred, everyone recognized it. Miller was eager to claim that he had miscalculated the date of Christ’s return to earth. He rapidly lost supporters, although some remained awaiting this so-called “return.” When he failed to foresee the return, nearly all of his followers left, with just a handful remaining to assist miller create an Advent church.
- Choose one quote from this week’s OTHER readings that “sticks” with you, and discuss why it made an impact on you.
One from Boyer: This group comprising many millions of Americans is susceptible to popularizes who confidently weaver,
One from Basham: on the other hand are those who throw up their hands in despair of ever finding any meaning in the books.
