Is it time to take a fresh look at the Book of Revelation

The Book of Revelation is one of the most captivating books of the Bible, though few read it. Knowledge of the book derives largely from the popular writings of Hal Lindsey ("The Late Great Planet Earth," "There’s a New World Coming") and the best-selling series of "Left Behind" novels by Tim LaHaye and films based on them, which have added to the allure of the book.

Revelation is apocalyptic literature, full of vivid images, such as monsters and dragons, and puzzling symbols in the form of numbers and names. Political upheavals are symbolically depicted in terms of cosmic disruptions, such as the sun and moon darkened, and stars falling. The book is ultimately a portrayal of the battle between good and evil, God and Satan. Though many are mystified by the book, Revelation, or The Apocalypse, means “unveiling.” The book was meant not to confuse early Christians, but to reinforce their faith during a terrible time of persecution. It was written to reveal certain mysteries about heaven and earth, God and humanity, angels and demons, and the life of the world to come and the world at that time.

Many are fascinated with the book because they assume that it deals mainly with as yet unfulfilled prophecy of world events. The key event that triggered the contemporary infatuation with Revelation was the founding of the nation of Israel in 1948, which supposedly launched the countdown to the end times. But the modern nation of Israel is not a fulfilment of biblical prophecy. The creation of Israel happened largely because of Western guilt about the Holocaust. The ancient covenant people of Israel and the modern nation of Israel are not the same. The one is a spiritual community gathered by God; the other is a political entity constructed by modern-day Jews, subsequently admitted to the United Nations.

Various New Testament theologians suggest that as much as 80 percent of the prophecies of Revelation were fulfilled during the period of 66-70 CE, a tumultuous time for both Jews and Christians culminating in the destruction of the city of Jerusalem, including its Great Temple, by invading Roman legions. But such claims fall on deaf ears among many conservative evangelical Protestants who jump to the conclusion that every dramatic event concerning Israel, including its present conflict with Hamas, is a fulfilment of some prophecy contained in the apocalyptic document.

Jesus is a Jekyll and Hyde character according to these Christians. In his first coming as Prince of Peace, he rides humbly on a donkey, but in his second coming as Conquering King, he rules with a “rod of iron.” The one who said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9) now will come amassing an army that will annihilate his enemies. The Book of Revelation is often referred to as God’s battle plan for the end times. Jesus is assumed to come as a vengeful warrior who will overpower all his opponents and establish a kingdom through violence for a 1,000 years in Jerusalem.

I love horror stories, but the Book of Revelation is a peculiar kind of horror story. The blood, plagues and violence in the book are not approved by God to conquer evil. They are displayed to show the result of human misbehavior toward each other and the whole creation. A main reason why people enjoy the titillation of horror and science fiction films is because they know that the action is not real; it is all make-believe. They safely watch the movie at a distance resting comfortably in their living room or in a cozy seat at the theater.

Many Christians adopt the same “distant” attitude toward the horror of the Book of Revelation because they believe it will not happen to them. They will be safely “raptured” into heaven while all of this carnage and devastation take place on earth. They will be watching the “Great Tribulation” being inflicted upon the unfortunate residents of earth from the otherworldly bliss of heaven. Some televangelists say this with a sardonic smile suggestive of a secret pleasure in watching the misery of others.

But perhaps we’ve been misreading the Book of Revelation. What if it were really advocating a message of peace rather than violence? Jesus is depicted as a Lamb who conquers evil not through warmongering but through love. The sword of Jesus in Revelation proceeds from his mouth. It is not a literal sword. Jesus conquers through words of love and hope, not through physical weapons. Likewise those who follow the Lamb triumph through their faithful testimony to Jesus and his loving ways.

Jesus came to earth as a lamb to be sacrificed to show God’s love for the world. He did not come to overpower others and force them to accept his teachings and kingdom. He came rather to goad them to follow his vision of a different lifestyle that could offer them joy and comfort not found in a secular outlook. When we are shepherded by the Jesus of the Book of Revelation rather than the Jesus who is the wrathful warrior of the "Left Behind" series of books, we see the world in a new light that compels us to be his servants performing works of healing love and uplifting justice.

It’s urgent today that we properly read the Book of Revelation, especially in regard to contemporary events in the Middle East. Many groups and individuals in this country and around the world are praying and working for peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians, including many Israelis and Palestinians. The "Left Behind" series of books anticipate a thermonuclear World War III that will annihilate millions, planned by God. In these novels, peace is considered evil; only the Antichrist signs peace treaties. Such a misguided interpretation of Revelation, a book written to soothe persecuted Christians, promotes the very “Antichristian” behavior it seeks to oppose. Revelation was intended to comfort, not scare us.

The Rev. Dr. Gary Shahinian is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. He served for 20 years as the pastor of Park Congregational Church in Worcester. He is also an instructor in the WISE program of Assumption University.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Keep the Faith: Should we read the Book of Revelation differently?