How then do we read the Book of Revelation responsibly? This is the concern of this series and Michael Gorman, as a teacher, knows the best way to teach this sort of reading is to give the big picture first. His seven themes (below) are a deconstructive and constructive approach: it deconstructs some popular approaches but constructs an alternative more historical reading of Revelation.
Gorman, Reading Revelation Responsibly: Uncivil Worship and Witness: Following the Lamb into the New Creation , proposes the following themes as the way to read the Book of Revelation. In other words, if we grasp these themes we will have the handles we need to read the text responsibly. Another way of saying this, though, is that if we read the text from beginning to end, in its context and in the sort of genre it is, we will also come to the same seven themes.
What do you think of his seven themes? Anything you would add?
So here they are:
1. The Throne: The Reign of God and the Lamb. God reigns, the Lamb reigns, and God not only will reign but God already reigns. God’s reign and the Lamb’s reign are inseparable, leading to a cruciform vision of reigning.
2. The Reality of Evil and Empire: Evil is real; empire is now. Empire disorders relations with God and others.
3. Temptation to Idolatry and Immorality: Civil religion tempts the church to confuse true worship with false worship. Immorality is ultimately idolatry.4. The Call to Covenant Faithfulness and Resistance. The church is called to resist evil and empire, and this requires discernment and may entail suffering.
5. Worship and an Alternative Vision: to resist the church needs discernment by having an alternative vision, and that vision is the worship of the Lamb. Thus, Gorman’s theme: “uncivil worship.” It is a form of civil disobedience.
6. Faithful Witness: The Pattern of Christ. Jesus is the pattern for how to respond to and live in empire and against evil. This witness is faithful, true, courageous, just, and nonviolent. It is not passive but active and shows up in alternative communities.
7. Imminent Judgment and Salvation/New Creation of God. God is about to judge, to save the faithful and renew the cosmos.
Thus, put together: uncivil worship and witness: following the Lamb out of fallen Babylon into the new creation.
I will now add his five alternative reading strategies:
1. Recognize that the central image is the Lamb that was slaughtered.
2. Remember the Book was written in the 1st Century for 1st Century Christians using 1st Century literary strategies.
3. Abandon linear approaches to the Book as if it were history written in advance. Focus on analogy rather than correlation.
4. Focus on the Book’s call to worship and discipleship.
5. Place the images of death and destruction within the framework of hope.
I think we’re blind to this alternative (which I accept as proposed here) as Americans because we’ve bought into a vision other than the vision of God’s kingdom come in Jesus. But it is a matter of discernment as to how to live out the vision of God in Jesus in this world. Where Christians depart. But I think some of the departure comes from us buying into what is false. Such as thinking America has a special place in God’s working in the world. And being willing to commit ourselves to any state, no less America, in a way that is under America, and that in a way which takes us from submission to God’s kingdom come in Jesus.
No one should read John’s apocalyptic adventure until reading the book of Daniel. Daniel’s own agony over what he sees should be a resonating dynamic as we venture through the continuation. The spirit of humility and worship Daniel carries should help us avoid the dissecting propositional arrogance that many have fallen prey to in the last few decades.
Not sure why there isn’t more attention paid to the New Heavens/New Earth. Not only is it a major theme at the close of the book, it’ closes out the story of scripture. Deserves more than half a line on a theme – a little bit more of a major theme.
Very well stated. As humans we tend to complicate things a bit, even in our hermeneutics. I believe Revelation is to be read just as it is written without any human interjection or presuppositions. The Book of Revelation is an inerrant and infallible book inspired by God. But, this same book is often misinterpreted and misunderstood by errant and fallible men. And perhaps it is intended for us to never fully understand until the events themselves will unfold. Until then, we must focus on the “here and now” and living out our lives for the glory of Jesus Christ.
Awesome. Can’t wait to read this one and have it on my shelf.
What about the importance of “waiting” as a spiritual posture? Recurrence of “how long” etc., waiting for vindicaton. Not as exciting as “resisting,” but arguably more central to the book.
I’ve been teaching through Revelation to our College & Career class at church. They are less intrigued with fulfilled prophecy that my generation was at their age. I’ve been pointing out that a lot of what is in the book is descriptive of present events written in the language of Moses & the Exodus or Babylonian Exiles since the audience was under Roman persecution and in a diaspora. John used motifs that were both anciently familiar and current experiences.
The biggest problem we have in the US is that we are seeing Christs kingdom coming – unprecedented wealth and prosperity, extended lifespans, luxuries among even the poorest Americans that were unimaginable in the last century, the end of slavery, religious liberty and so many privileges – and yet we cannot recognize it. We run the risk of being a Laodicea that is rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing, including God.
Rick – I never knew Christ’s kingdom was defined by, “unprecedented wealth and prosperity, extended lifespans, luxuries among even the poorest Americans that were unimaginable in the last century, the end of slavery, religious liberty and so many privileges.”
Christ’s kingdom is not of this world, although one day He will indeed reign on earth during the new millennium.
The collapse of the empire is another important theme.