LRC, Houston - the weekends-free church in Houston, Texas

I was reminded once again today how damaging it is to have been trained to interpret the Scriptures ALL LITERALLY. It’s even worse when you apply such an approach to the book of Revelation. Worse yet is to think somehow that the literal interpretation of Revelation is also prophetic. An email from the Dallas area had a question about the “lake of fire”.

When I informed my questioner that Revelation was allegorical, not prophetic, we were done.

I think of myself as tolerant and open to suggestions. There is so much I don’t know. And I usually only “seem harsh” when I am attempting to be humorous: which doesn’t always work. However, I simply can’t hold back my “are you crazy attitude” when people try and convince me that The beast is the European Union, the Anti-christ is a coming dictator, and that Armageddon will be fought against Russia, China, and an Arab League.

Right! And don’t forget that those scorpions are really helicopters!

Here’s what I believe. I may be wrong of course. But, in addition to Revelation being allegorical, I believe a key to its interpretation is when it was written. If written in the 90’s during the time of Emperor Domition, then a lot of the events are “yet to come”. But, if it was written around 65-68CE during the time of Emperor Nero, just before Jerusalem was destroyed, then we have a very logical explanation.

The author was writing allegorically, saying things that Christians would understand, but that the Romans would not so the author wouldn’t be nailed to some cross or burned at the stake. We’re not to be waiting on anything: the rapture, the 2nd Coming, nada! The Kingdom HAS COME! It’s not something that you’re going to see over there, nor in the natural!

I understand how difficult the Bible can be. I mean I’m still trying to figure out what to do with three different Ten Commandments (Exodus 20, Exodus 34, and Deut. 5); however, Revelation is pure allegory. Let’s move on to the hard stuff and leave the highly symbolic, well, symbolic!

Let’s just love (click here), the story before the rapture post.”