Christian Apocalyptic Teaching - Three Interpretations of the Book of Revelation

Question 1

What is the preterist interpretation?

Answer 1

the events in the text happened around the time of writing

Question 2

What is the futurist interpretation?

Answer 2

the events will happen in the future from the time they were written

Question 3

What is the Idealist interpretation?

Answer 3

the events do not relate to any specific time in history - they are a spiritual message

Question 4

Preterist interpretation example?

Answer 4

Beast of the sea = Roman empire during reign of Emperor Nero - wounded head of beast = death of Nero- though wounded the beast (the roman empire) survives.

Question 5

Futurist interpretation example?

Answer 5

Beast of the sae = revived future Roman Empire - govt made up of 10 powers led by charismatic leader like Caesar. Wounded head - leader will survive assassination attempt

Question 6

Idealist interpretation example?

Answer 6

Beast of the sea = any system of government that opposes the kingdom of God. Persecution of Church = beast working on behalf of Satan.