Revelation 5-6 and 19-22. Views and Perspectives

Keywords

Book of Revelation, scriptural interpretation, prophetic symbolism

Abstract

The Book of Revelation has long been the source of much mystery, speculation, fantastic interpretations, and the source of near suffocating fervor that the world will be destroyed in five minutes (I just hope that I can finish this article before that happens!).  Though the Book of Revelation can cause confusion due to bizarre images, strange symbols, and unfamiliar sights we can take courage that with some simple interpretive keys the words, symbols, and messages of this text can be meaningful for our lives now.  Joseph Smith has encouraged us with the words, “The Book of Revelation is one of the plainest books God ever caused to be written.” ((History of the Church, 5:342.))  Sometimes I joke that the only time I have ever questioned the prophetic calling of Joseph Smith is his statement concerning the Book of Revelation.  Well seriously now, if we exercise our faith and go to work reading, thinking, and praying about the text we will discover as Joseph Smith declared that the Book of Revelation is indeed quite plain.  Again, this takes faith and work.

With this in mind we will take the following approaches in our study today.  First, we will briefly review some interpretive methods used over the centuries to understand Revelation.  Next we will turn to Nephi for interpretive guidance.  Finally, we will discuss the broader themes evident in chapters 5-6 & 19-22 as John saw them.

Original Publication Citation

“Revelation 5-6 and 19-22: Views and Perspectives.” Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship. 2015.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2015

Publisher

Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Marketing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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