Scan barcode
mmazelli's review against another edition
dark
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
4.75
alanrussellfuller's review against another edition
2.0
“If you don’t read a book the way books are written to be read, you’ll be taking a mosaic and rearranging the pieces to show what you yourself want it to show.” p.19
Ehrman directs this statement towards modern Dispensationalists and their interpretation of Revelation. However, I think his own interpretation shows strong confirmation bias as he cherry-picks the Bible and history to make his case.
“The literary context of words is therefore just as important as their historical context.” p. 110
He then names six apocalypses that demonstrate the literary context. He uses none of them to explain Revelation. For instance, 1 Enoch repeatedly talks about 7 mountains (Rev 17:9). The Shepherd of Hermas also has an explanation of mountains in the ninth similitude. Ehrman mentions none of that in his interpretation. He goes almost exclusively on history, and not even biblical history but secular history. In most cases he doesn’t even discuss similar scriptures within the Bible. Where is the literary context? He also cherry picks scriptures to try and prove that Revelation is different from the teachings of Jesus, but is inspired by John’s passion for complete domination (p. 192)
“I am saying that, in my view, the God of Revelation cannot be the true God.” p.156
That’s a strange statement coming from the admitted atheist Ehrman.
Those interested in the Nero connection should read the latest scholarship on the issue.
[b:The Nero-Antichrist: Founding and Fashioning a Paradigm|55609735|The Nero-Antichrist Founding and Fashioning a Paradigm (Classics after Antiquity)|Shushma Malik|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1602274026l/55609735._SY75_.jpg|75940786]
Ehrman directs this statement towards modern Dispensationalists and their interpretation of Revelation. However, I think his own interpretation shows strong confirmation bias as he cherry-picks the Bible and history to make his case.
“The literary context of words is therefore just as important as their historical context.” p. 110
He then names six apocalypses that demonstrate the literary context. He uses none of them to explain Revelation. For instance, 1 Enoch repeatedly talks about 7 mountains (Rev 17:9). The Shepherd of Hermas also has an explanation of mountains in the ninth similitude. Ehrman mentions none of that in his interpretation. He goes almost exclusively on history, and not even biblical history but secular history. In most cases he doesn’t even discuss similar scriptures within the Bible. Where is the literary context? He also cherry picks scriptures to try and prove that Revelation is different from the teachings of Jesus, but is inspired by John’s passion for complete domination (p. 192)
“I am saying that, in my view, the God of Revelation cannot be the true God.” p.156
That’s a strange statement coming from the admitted atheist Ehrman.
Those interested in the Nero connection should read the latest scholarship on the issue.
[b:The Nero-Antichrist: Founding and Fashioning a Paradigm|55609735|The Nero-Antichrist Founding and Fashioning a Paradigm (Classics after Antiquity)|Shushma Malik|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1602274026l/55609735._SY75_.jpg|75940786]
thedude1965's review
5.0
You could enjoy this one whether you are a christian or not. Ehrman excels at giving context to the bible (who wrote/why/time period, etc.) With more and more talk of the “End Times” coming from evangelicals, it is interesting to get an idea of what is actually in the bible regarding this topic.
Ehrman explains how some people/groups who have become enamored by the book of Revelation get their ideas. Furthermore the book covers some of the consequences of holding such beliefs.
Its short, well written, and clear.
Check it out, or burn in a lake of fire with me!
P.S. John of Patmos is a Hack Fraud.
Ehrman explains how some people/groups who have become enamored by the book of Revelation get their ideas. Furthermore the book covers some of the consequences of holding such beliefs.
Its short, well written, and clear.
Check it out, or burn in a lake of fire with me!
P.S. John of Patmos is a Hack Fraud.
dbg108's review
5.0
Ehrman examines the irreconcilable differences between the Jesus of the gospels and the Jesus portrayed in Revelation. I found myself feeling embarrassed for how much I had missed in prior readings. But it seems obvious now. We might all be served to resurrect the early Christian arguments about whether to even include Revelation in the canon.
ryanfields32's review
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Took away quite a few things from this book.