For those reading the blog that attended the class, you all discussed well. Here are some follow-up notes.
The four views of Revelation
(1) Past -- sometimes referred as Preterist. This views that virtual all the end times prophecies took place around 70 AD at the fall of Jerusalem. There are two versions of this view, the Full Preterist, and the Moderate or Partial Preterist. The Full Preterist says that even Christ's second coming occurred at 70 AD. The Moderate or Partial Preterist says that many of the end times prophecies took place at 70 AD, but Christ did not return. That is a future event. Famous Partial Preterists include: R.C. Sproul Senior, and Hank Hanegraaff (the Bible Answer Man).
(2) Historicism -- This views that Revelation has been largely fulfilled during the course of history after Christ's ascension. Various events, such as the Islamic invasion of Middle East in 900 and later in Europe are viewed as actual fulfillment of particular sections of Revelation.
(3) Futurist -- This views that the bulk of Revelation has yet to be fulfilled. This is the most popular view in American Christian culture at the moment, and is exemplified by Hal Lindsay in the Late Great Planet Earth and Tim LaHaye in the Left Behind series.
(4) Idealist -- This is the "all the above" view. This view says that Revelation tells of things that will happen throughout the age between Christ's ascension and his second coming. There are some things that Revelation speaks to that happened during the lives of the original audience of Revelation, things that happened throughout the centuries, and things yet to occur. The tribulation, for instance, happened in the early church with the persecution of the Roman Emperors, during upheavals, such as the Islamic invasion, or during the Reformation struggle against a corrupt church. These tribulation events even occur today in many parts of the world, in Africa, the Middle East, and elsewhere where state law prohibits people from converting to Christianity. Further, all these tribulations may point to a time of great tribulation just before Christ's return.
Authorship and Date
Revelation identifies the author as John. Given that John as the last surviving apostle and well known, it would appear he would need no other qualification for identification. Further, the early church fathers identify the apostle John as the author of Revelation.
The date of Revelation could be in the 60's or around 90-96 AD. I prefer 96 AD for the following reasons:
(1) Early church fathers put a date of Revelation during the time of the Roman Emperor Domitian. Domitian died in 96AD.
(2) Emperor worship. The book of Revelation indicates there was emperor worship. There were three emperors who insisted on worship during their lifetimes: Caligula (37-41 AD), Nero (54-68 AD), and Domitian (81-96 AD).
(3) The state of decline of the seven churches in Asia Minor. They were strong, robust churches in the 50's and it would take time for the churches to decline. Ephesus, a strong church in the 50's and 60's was in decline. The city of Laodicea was destroyed by an earthquake in 60 or 61 AD would take some time to rebuild before it could take pride over its riches.
(4) The allusions to the New Testament. Revelation is steeped in references to the New Testament. This would call for a later date than the 60's Revelation.
Are there any questions or comments?
