the end: A reader's Guide to Revelation
Most writers approach Revelation from one of the traditional eschatological positions. These writers begin with the assumptions that correspond to their particular position. As they discuss their interpretation of sections in Revelation, their views reflect more of a defense of their pre-existing position than an objective interpretation derived from a carefully thought out approach to interpreting Revelation. In many cases interpretations are presented that come from a “this looks just like…” approach to understanding imagery in Revelation. From this method comes Halley’s explanation that the image of horses with fire coming from mouth and tail in Revelation represent helicopter gunships. Those who take this approach to interpreting imagery in Revelation find that their views change as culture and technology change.
The End: A Readers' Guide to Revelation has gone in a different direction. The book interprets the imagery in Revelation by using a Scripture interprets Scripture methodology. When Jesus interpreted the parables he did not say what the parables meant, he identified who the characters in the parable were. A reader is able to understand a parable by knowing what the images represent. Believing that Revelation is similar to the parables in that the images intend to hide the meaning of the book from those not familiar with Scripture, A.D. Bauer suggests the Bible is the primary source for interpreting the images in Revelation. Definitions for many of the images can be found within Revelation. Other images are found elsewhere in Scripture and their meaning in that context is carried over to Revelation.
In The End, Bauer has presented a useful tool for the interpretation of Revelation by showing the origin and meaning of the images from Revelation. The book consists of three sections. The first chapter presents background material that is necessary for one to understand before reading Revelation. The second chapter is a brief overview of Bauer’s interpretation of Revelation. The third chapter is a glossary that discusses where an image is found in Revelation, where that image is found outside of Revelation and what the meaning is based on how it is defined in the biblical text. The intent of the book is not to have everyone agree completely with Bauer’s interpretation of Revelation. Rather, it is a tool designed to help people read Revelation with some measure of understanding. We have found that the glossary is helpful to anyone who is interested in studying Revelation. Visions of The End: A Glossary of the Images in Revelation is revised and updated version of the third chapter of The End is now available as a Kindle book. You can purchase that by clicking HERE.
"Anyone interested in the careful study of the Book of Revelation will find Alan Bauer's book both a helpful guide and a stimulating interpretation. His effort to integrate this difficult book with the rest of Holy Scripture is laudable. His writing style is clear and succinct, and his approach to the study of Revelation is unique. Alan Bauer's book takes full account both of the contemporary significance of Revelation as well as its ongoing importance to the Church in all ages. Read this book slowly, carefully, and you will find a rich banquet of insight and understanding."
—T. M. Moore
ISBN 0-9658798-0-1 | List: $14.99 (Kindle $5.99)
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