I’m not brave enough to attempt an explanation for the book of Revelation. It’s an example of apocalyptic writing, a popular genre with particular characteristics that we have discussed during English 245 classes in the past.

Let me just say that there are several ways to interpret this book–the preterist view (most prophecies referred to events around 70 A.D.), future (the Tim LaHaye approach with his Left Behind series), and symbolic (a general picture of God’s ultimate triumph over evil).

I get irritated by those who tell me they have this book all figured out and here’s how it works. They need to be humble and explain that this happens to be their particular interpretation but that there are many other ways to see this puzzling book.