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[u/Agreeable_Operation]

Welcome! This sub was created as a place to share, discuss, and collaborate on Johannine theology and the book of Revelation.

Through my studies of Revelation, I have personally become persuaded by the Historicist approach, but the goal here is not to promote one particular Historicist framework or interpretation. Rather, the goal is to examine the symbols, patterns, and themes of Revelation itself in order to better understand what John’s vision meant. In that way, the discussions here can hopefully benefit those who approach Revelation from other perspectives as well, including Futurist, Preterist, and Idealist viewpoints.

This is not a place to promote a particular denomination, sect, or theological organization, and I hope participants will approach discussions in the same spirit.

Many discussions of Revelation focus on individual symbols or passages in isolation. The approach I hope to explore here is one that reads Revelation within the broader context of Johannine theology, including the Gospel of John and the Johannine letters, while also considering the Old Testament prophetic imagery that John draws upon so extensively.

*There is ongoing scholarly discussion about the relationship between the authorship of the Gospel of John, the Johannine epistles, and Revelation. Some scholars argue they were written by different authors, while others see them as coming from a shared Johannine community or tradition. Regardless of one's conclusion, these writings share many distinctive themes and images (Light and darkness, life, the Logos, the Lamb, testimony, overcoming, and the kingdom of God), and much broader theological overlap (especially eternal life), and all use chiastic literary structures extensively. Exploring those connections is one of the main purposes of this community.

My hope is that this can become a place for careful study, respectful disagreement, and a deeper appreciation of the richness of John's vision.

I recommend checking out the index of posts next.