How do Catholics interpret the Book of Revelation?

[diggerdomer]

Interesting. It sounds like he’s implying that Revelation was a coded version of the early Order of Mass?

Without having read the book, I can’t agree, but I don’t think this is necessarily wrong (unlike the other message which suggested that it was a veiled attack on the Roman Empire–there was nothing veiled about it), either.

I’ve read the book. Yes, I think he’s implying what you say. Again, though, this is a characteristic, as I understand it, of apocalyptic literature. Any number of things can be read into (or out of) it. Again, that’s why (to my knowledge) there is not one “Catholic interpretation” of the book of Revelation. To claim otherwise would, in my understanding, contradict the Catholic understanding of this genre of literature.

 

[hansard]

Just getting back to that bit about the “electronic accounting BEAST” mentioned above: how does such a system equate with worshipping Satan? I mean, it might be all-pervasive and slightly scary, but would it have it be regarded as evil?

 

[Genesius]

I hope you are correct, but their are lot of crazies like him around. I should know, I am a convert from a Evangelical/Fundamental church where things like that were taken very seriously.

I too, am a convert from many different forms of Protestantism. Particularly influential in my formidable years were the fundamentalists, so I am fairly familiar with all this anti-Catholic theology. In his book entitled, “Will Catholics Be Left Behind?”, Carl Olson makes an interesting observation; how one interprets eschatology (end times theology) is greatly influenced by how one intereprets ecclesiology (theology about the Church). In other words, how one defines the Church has much to do with how they interpret apocalyptic literature.

On another absurd note, I have a friend who I visit often. He is a convert like myself, who was raised mostly fundamentalist. His mother is still a fundamentalist and he has a very difficult time even discussing God with her. She is convinced that he has been brainwashed by the Jesuits and that the Catholic Church is an evil institution and that he is no longer saved; all this from his own mother, who raised him to have a strong faith in God…doubting his salvation. Anyway, I digress.

The absurd note I was referring to is one book that she gave him to read about the end times. I cracked it open and almost cried from laughter at the absurdity of one of the chapter titles: “If you’re not paranoid, you’re not paying attention!” I imagine if the author had seen a shrink he probably would have been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia or suffering from paranoid delusions.

 

[levi78]

EdO - At least you’re paying attention to what is true and going on out there, but, man, get off the caffeine. Breathe.

I do think we’re headed towards a more intense surveillance society and it will turn cashless, so as to have more control over us. I think 1 way the CHIP will be interpreted as a mark of the beast is that you’ll have to accept their rules of this “New World Order” before you can be allowed to making financial transactions and have the chip.

hansard - see my above explanation as to how it could be related. And look to the Georgia Guidestones for some insight as to how this New World Order wants to operate. Someone (or some people) went through a lot of expense and trouble to get them put up.

Genesius - I agree about the paranoia point you make, but if you take what society dishes out at face value, you’re going to have a rude awakening in the next 1-5 years. Jesus warned us to stay awake and to as shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves.

That first leap into knowing what really takes place out there is a doozey…but once you’re there, it’s like taking the red pill in the Matrix. I have no regrets. I feel more awake than I ever have been before. But, as with anything, all that is labeled truth, isn’t always truth.

Shrewd as snakes.

 

[EdOsiecki]

WOW! WOW! WOW! My post #37, “Mark Of The Beast” must have ruffled some feathers on this forum, especially to those who claim to be converts from the Fundamentalists/Evangelical churches. Anyway, Here’s my respond to each of your posts. ----PIPPER #38, No, I’m not silly or paranoid. Some verses in the book of Rev. are not to be interpreted literally, as is in the rest of the Bible, but the verses that I quote most certainly have to be taken literally. Rev 14:9-10, informs us not to accept the mark of the Beast. Rev18:4 informs us to come out of her in order not to be punished etc. etc. The Catholic Magisterium interpreted literally the woman in Rev 12 as being the Virgin Mary but it’s not so. ( St. Catherines’s Miraculous Medal)----ANDREWAGILL #39, I wasn’t mocking anyone but I’m very serious about what I wrote concerning the BEAST.------PIPPER #40, No I’m not “crazy”. For 120 years, the people in Gen.6:3, also thought that Noah was “crazy” but do you know what? He was right!------HANSARD #42, God warns in Rev.14:9-10, not to accept the mark. If one does, hell is their destination. Those who accept the mark will also be required to worship a statue in his image Rev.13:15. Those who refuse the mark will be beheaded. Heaven will be their destination Rev.20:4.-------GENESIUS #43, I don’t understand why you, as well as PIPPER in #40, are trying to bring to my attention that you came out of a Fundamental/ Evangelical church. What does that have to with me or the subject matter at hand?-------LEVI78 #44, Thanks for the compliment of my paying attention to the times at hand. As for the caffeine, I haven’t touched the stuff in years. In your following paragraph, you mention the rules of the “New World Order” The rules will be simple, either accept the antichrist’s system by accepting the CHIP and be doomed to hell Rev.14:9-10 or be matured Rev. 20:4 (that’s the only way he can control every person on earth buying, selling and job Rev.13:16-17) Quite a choice wouldn’t you say? I think I’ve answered all of yous. Now to up-date my post #37 :

Cashless Society by 2012, says Visa Chief March 2007
Some retailers could soon start surcharging customers if they choose to buy products with cash, because of the greater cost of processing these payments, he warned.

Hunan Bar Code
The idea of implanting a microchip into a person, whose personal identity data and sensitive private information are on the chipIs there such microchip today?
Yes, it is no longer science fiction. Available today, the implantable micro-chip radio frequency identification device (RFID) is inert (does not cause adverse reaction on contact with human tissues), encapsulated, the size of a grain of rice or the tip of a ballpoint pen (12 mm by 2.1 mm) that is powered and transmits information when activated by a chip reader. It is tamper-proof, practically undetectable and indestructible, and is implanted under the skin.
( The Bible says that there will be an adverse reaction to the chip Rev 16:2 which indicates that it’s an implantable chip)

Pentagon to implant microchips in soldiers Adam Thomas - July 30, 2007
The Department of Defense is planning to implant microchips in soldiers’ brains for monitoring their health information, and has already awarded a $1.6 million contract to the Center for Bioelectronics, Biosensors and Biochips (C3B) at Clemson University for the development of an implantable "biochip

For more information Click onto Google The Mark Of The Beast

The book of Revelation guides us to know what’s coming ahead. As a result, we should not be concerned about the mark of the Beast since the born again Christians believers (Catholic or Protestant) can be raptured to meet Jesus in the sky and into heaven prior to the antichrist’s reign, as per1Thes 4:15-17, 1Cor.50-53 and John 14:3 states. God rescued Noah Gen.8:18, Nineveh in Jonah 3:10, and Lot in Gen.19:15-22. Now God’s Word in Rev 3:10, tells us that He will also rescue us. Those who believe!

 

[prodigal-sun]

Hey Ed, So let me get this straight, It doesn’t matter how much I love God or how much I strive for Holiness. If I allow myself to be implanted with an electronic chip that will allow me to buy a pizza pie I will go to Hell?

I could understand the going to hell part if by getting the chip I was required to denounce God and had to worship some statue in place of God and all that stuff. But just to by a loaf a bread seems pretty mean of God to send me to hell for that.

I guess though, if you say this is the way it is going to happen, then obviously we should keep our eyes open and rosaries at the ready because I’ll be damned if I let - opps - I mean I will never let those evil !@#$$! implant me with their 666 chipping machine. WHERE’S THE CHOPPING BLOCK, I WANNA BE FIRST!

Peace!

 

[Mannyfit75]

What is the Catholic position on the Book of Revelation? I know that the Book is highly symbolic, but is the book about the “end times”? Will there be a literal Antichrist that will rule for seven years at the end (The Tribulation) (Rev 13) I want to the know the Catholic View on the End times in light of Scriptures and Tradition.

What does the Catholic Church teach about the Antichrist? Will there be a literal war with Satan and God at the end of time (Rev 20:7-9, )?

Most Catholics say the Book of Revelation is the Divine Liturgy or the Mass itself.

 

[pipper]

WOW! WOW! WOW! My post #37, “Mark Of The Beast” must have ruffled some feathers on this forum, especially to those who claim to be converts from the Fundamentalists/Evangelical churches. Anyway, Here’s my respond to each of your posts. ----PIPPER #38, No, I’m not silly or paranoid. Some verses in the book of Rev. are not to be interpreted literally, as is in the rest of the Bible, but the verses that I quote most certainly have to be taken literally. Rev 14:9-10, informs us not to accept the mark of the Beast. Rev18:4 informs us to come out of her in order not to be punished etc. etc. The Catholic Magisterium interpreted literally the woman in Rev 12 as being the Virgin Mary but it’s not so. ( St. Catherines’s Miraculous Medal)----ANDREWAGILL #39, I wasn’t mocking anyone but I’m very serious about what I wrote concerning the BEAST.------PIPPER #40, No I’m not “crazy”. For 120 years, the people in Gen.6:3, also thought that Noah was “crazy” but do you know what? He was right!------HANSARD #42, God warns in Rev.14:9-10, not to accept the mark. If one does, hell is their destination. Those who accept the mark will also be required to worship a statue in his image Rev.13:15. Those who refuse the mark will be beheaded. Heaven will be their destination Rev.20:4.-------GENESIUS #43, I don’t understand why you, as well as PIPPER in #40, are trying to bring to my attention that you came out of a Fundamental/ Evangelical church. What does that have to with me or the subject matter at hand?-------LEVI78 #44, Thanks for the compliment of my paying attention to the times at hand. As for the caffeine, I haven’t touched the stuff in years. In your following paragraph, you mention the rules of the “New World Order” The rules will be simple, either accept the antichrist’s system by accepting the CHIP and be doomed to hell Rev.14:9-10 or be matured Rev. 20:4 (that’s the only way he can control every person on earth buying, selling and job Rev.13:16-17) Quite a choice wouldn’t you say? I think I’ve answered all of yous. Now to up-date my post #37 :

Cashless Society by 2012, says Visa Chief March 2007
Some retailers could soon start surcharging customers if they choose to buy products with cash, because of the greater cost of processing these payments, he warned.

Hunan Bar Code
The idea of implanting a microchip into a person, whose personal identity data and sensitive private information are on the chipIs there such microchip today?
Yes, it is no longer science fiction. Available today, the implantable micro-chip radio frequency identification device (RFID) is inert (does not cause adverse reaction on contact with human tissues), encapsulated, the size of a grain of rice or the tip of a ballpoint pen (12 mm by 2.1 mm) that is powered and transmits information when activated by a chip reader. It is tamper-proof, practically undetectable and indestructible, and is implanted under the skin.
( The Bible says that there will be an adverse reaction to the chip Rev 16:2 which indicates that it’s an implantable chip)

Pentagon to implant microchips in soldiers Adam Thomas - July 30, 2007
The Department of Defense is planning to implant microchips in soldiers’ brains for monitoring their health information, and has already awarded a $1.6 million contract to the Center for Bioelectronics, Biosensors and Biochips (C3B) at Clemson University for the development of an implantable "biochip

For more information Click onto Google The Mark Of The Beast

The book of Revelation guides us to know what’s coming ahead. As a result, we should not be concerned about the mark of the Beast since the born again Christians believers (Catholic or Protestant) can be raptured to meet Jesus in the sky and into heaven prior to the antichrist’s reign, as per1Thes 4:15-17, 1Cor.50-53 and John 14:3 states. God rescued Noah Gen.8:18, Nineveh in Jonah 3:10, and Lot in Gen.19:15-22. Now God’s Word in Rev 3:10, tells us that He will also rescue us. Those who believe!

Ed I am sorry but first of all the book of Revalation is not to be interpretted literally, since it was not written literally. It is apochalyptic literature…period.

You are correct about one thing, I did get my fill of all this paranoid gibberish in my fundamentalist past and I am done with it all.

The book of Revelation and the book of Daniel are both apochalytic literature, they are not future predictions. That is an extremly wrong idea of prophecy in the bible. The prophets were about a lot of things and fortune telling predictions were the least and last things the prophets were about.

In fact those two books have given rise to all kinds of heresy, the Seventh Day Adventists, and Jehovah Witnesses are the very worst example.

I have no idea what denomination you belong to (etc) is not very descriptive. Maybe you are an SDA or JW. But this thread is asking for the CATHOLIC interpretation of Revelation, not a one guy alone with his bible interpretation.

You remind me greatly of my half brother who is Paranoid-Schitzophrenic, he too thinks everyone else has problems, and he is the sane one. That is one of the symptoms of PS.
He has been hospitalised many times for PS, and now he has gone missing and quite possibly dead. All we know is that our Mom died last Dec and the police were completely unable to find him, it is like he dropped off the face of the earth. He has not had his medication for years because in his delusional mind he is completely normal and everyone else is sick.

good luck ED

 

[EdOsiecki]

Ed I am sorry but first of all the book of Revalation is not to be interpretted literally, since it was not written literally. It is apochalyptic literature…period.

You are correct about one thing, I did get my fill of all this paranoid gibberish in my fundamentalist past and I am done with it all.

The book of Revelation and the book of Daniel are both apochalytic literature, they are not future predictions. That is an extremly wrong idea of prophecy in the bible. The prophets were about a lot of things and fortune telling predictions were the least and last things the prophets were about.

In fact those two books have given rise to all kinds of heresy, the Seventh Day Adventists, and Jehovah Witnesses are the very worst example.

I have no idea what denomination you belong to (etc) is not very descriptive. Maybe you are an SDA or JW. But this thread is asking for the CATHOLIC interpretation of Revelation, not a one guy alone with his bible interpretation.

You remind me greatly of my half brother who is Paranoid-Schitzophrenic, he too thinks everyone else has problems, and he is the sane one. That is one of the symptoms of PS.
He has been hospitalised many times for PS, and now he has gone missing and quite possibly dead. All we know is that our Mom died last Dec and the police were completely unable to find him, it is like he dropped off the face of the earth. He has not had his medication for years because in his delusional mind he is completely normal and everyone else is sick.

good luck ED

Thanks for your reply, You say that the books of Rev. and Daniel are apocalyptic literature and are NOT to be interpreted literally. It seems that Jesus disagrees with your understanding of " apocalyptic" literature. In Mat 24:15 “So when you see standing in the holy place, the abomination that causes desolation, spoken of through the PROPHET Daniel let the reader understand” This is a future prediction for the nation of Isreal. Also the very name “prophet” means a person who PREDICTS the future. There are 100’s of predictions of Christ in the Old testament by the prophets, all of which came true. We have the PROPHET of Isaiah, the PROPHET of Jeremiah, the PROPHET of Daniel, the PROPHET of Ezekiel, the PROPHET of Hosea, the PROPHET of Joel. (Peter refers to Joel’s prediction 2:28-32 at Pentacost Acts 2:16) there are several more but I think you get my message. If Rev is apocalyptic (which means predicts the future) literature and according to you it is not to be taken literally, why then does the Catholic church interprets the woman in Rev 12 as the Virgin Mary? The book of Rev is to be understood symbolically as well as literally, as is the whole Bible. If we are not to understand the meaning of the book of Rev., why then is it in the Bible? The Book of Daniel is the most accurate predictions of past history on record. 100% was fulfilled as he predicted. The balance of his future predictions, I take very seriously. Would you please answer what does this statement mean to you, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” ED O.

 

[diggerdomer]

Most Catholics say the Book of Revelation is the Divine Liturgy or the Mass itself.

Most? I don’t think so. Let’s say “some.” I personally don’t know any Catholics who say that.

 

[diggerdomer]

Thanks for your reply, You say that the books of Rev. and Daniel are apocalyptic literature and are NOT to be interpreted literally. It seems that Jesus disagrees with your understanding of " apocalyptic" literature. In Mat 24:15 “So when you see standing in the holy place, the abomination that causes desolation, spoken of through the PROPHET Daniel let the reader understand” This is a future prediction for the nation of Isreal. Also the very name “prophet” means a person who PREDICTS the future. There are 100’s of predictions of Christ in the Old testament by the prophets, all of which came true. We have the PROPHET of Isaiah, the PROPHET of Jeremiah, the PROPHET of Daniel, the PROPHET of Ezekiel, the PROPHET of Hosea, the PROPHET of Joel. (Peter refers to Joel’s prediction 2:28-32 at Pentacost Acts 2:16) there are several more but I think you get my message. If Rev is apocalyptic (which means predicts the future) literature and according to you it is not to be taken literally, why then does the Catholic church interprets the woman in Rev 12 as the Virgin Mary? The book of Rev is to be understood symbolically as well as literally, as is the whole Bible. If we are not to understand the meaning of the book of Rev., why then is it in the Bible? The Book of Daniel is the most accurate predictions of past history on record. 100% was fulfilled as he predicted. The balance of his future predictions, I take very seriously. Would you please answer what does this statement mean to you, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” ED O.

Jesus does not disagree that apocalyptic literature is interpreted symbolically.

In Biblical studies context, “prophet” does NOT mean one who predicts the future.

 

[EdOsiecki]

Jesus does not disagree that apocalyptic literature is interpreted symbolically.

In Biblical studies context, “prophet” does NOT mean one who predicts the future.

Thank you for your reply. You misquoted me. I said that Jesus disagrees with Pipper’s interpretation per post #48 . In others words, yes the book of Rev can at times be interpreted literally. Jesus in Mat 24:15 is interpreting Daniel literally. Also I understand the prophets in the Old Testament guided the people and their leaders but all of them did predict future events too. Ed O.

 

[juliamajor]

Prophet and seer are two different thing . A seer ‘sees the future’. A prophet( nabi in Hebrew)means someone who announces. Being a prophet means speaking for God. Not looking into the future.Your reducing God’s spokesmen into carnival acts.The understanding of ‘prophecy’ has become denigrated into foretelling the future. Classical prophets spoke God’s word, to move and change God’s people,to tell them of God’s displeasure at the demeaning of His covenant.
Apocalyptic literature is a genre unto itself written in times of stress, hardship-when Israel was surrounded and captive by enemies.In this seemingly hopeless situation apocalyptic literature was wriiten to give hope to the hopeless-though things may seem awful and it seems that God has forgotten Israel, in the end things will change. The righteous will prevail- the wicked will get their comeuppance and the world will again become in balance where good will overcome evil no matter how strong.with all the bizarre and weird imagery the ultimate concern of apocalyptic literature is to give hope. Ultimately Revelation IS a book of hope. God WINS in the end-no matter how dark the times seem to get- God is in control-no need to fear if you are a believer.

 

[EdOsiecki]

Prophet and seer are two different thing . A seer ‘sees the future’. A prophet( nabi in Hebrew)means someone who announces. Being a prophet means speaking for God. Not looking into the future.Your reducing God’s spokesmen into carnival acts.The understanding of ‘prophecy’ has become denigrated into foretelling the future. Classical prophets spoke God’s word, to move and change God’s people,to tell them of God’s displeasure at the demeaning of His covenant.
Apocalyptic literature is a genre unto itself written in times of stress, hardship-when Israel was surrounded and captive by enemies.In this seemingly hopeless situation apocalyptic literature was wriiten to give hope to the hopeless-though things may seem awful and it seems that God has forgotten Israel, in the end things will change. The righteous will prevail- the wicked will get their comeuppance and the world will again become in balance where good will overcome evil no matter how strong.with all the bizarre and weird imagery the ultimate concern of apocalyptic literature is to give hope. Ultimately Revelation IS a book of hope. God WINS in the end-no matter how dark the times seem to get- God is in control-no need to fear if you are a believer.

Thank you for your reply. Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar exactly what was to take place and it did. Isn’t that being prophetic. He explained the writing on the wall and what he said came about Isn’t that prophetic. Isaiah states in 66:7-8 that in one day a nation Isreal will become a nation. That happened in 1948. Isn’t that prophetic. Now your saying that apocalyptic literature is used to give hope. That’s true, but one must be able to understand what’s written in order to get that hope that you speak about. Shouldn’t they? The book of Rev is our hope for the future. It explains in detail what’s about to take place on earth which coresponds to what Jesus tells us about the comming events. By the way, I certainly know the diference between a prophet of God and a seer of the devil. ED O.

 

[juliamajor]

Samuel, Elijah and Elisha were all seers .Primary importance of the prophet is not the future but the here and now.How we fufill God’s covenant.How we trespass His Laws.

 

[brb2]

during the time of Christ, when he walked from place to place, very few people were becoming saved. Christ even feed 5000 men not including women and children, and very few were saved. This is because Satan was free. When Christ died, Satan was dealt a mortal blow, and was locked away. This is why on Pentecost, Peter is able to preach the gospel and over 3000 are saved and received Holy Spirit. Now can Peter preach the Word better than Christ himself, No.

.

I have problems with this concept that satan is currently ‘bound’. I know Catholics believe it … but, I don’t see the evidence for it.

From Nero to Hitler … to the present age /// where is the evidence that satan is subdued ?

Scriptures teach that we are in a spiritual warfare. Yes, the H.S. is present [since Pentecost] with the Church … but, satan seems as active now as before in past Pre-Pentecostal history.

The Church has stood against him and prevented him from having unrestricted reign … but, to suggest/believe that satan can’t currently ‘raise hell’ and cause apostasy, doesn’t seem supported by Church age history.

 

[brb2]

If Rev is apocalyptic (which means predicts the future) literature and according to you it is not to be taken literally, why then does the Catholic church interprets the woman in Rev 12 as the Virgin Mary? The book of Rev is to be understood symbolically as well as literally, as is the whole Bible. If we are not to understand the meaning of the book of Rev., why then is it in the Bible? The Book of Daniel is the most accurate predictions of past history on record. .

Score a run for EdO …

However, one problem about the Visa / CC matter … look where the easy credit has gotten us, USA is financially on the ropes. The computer chip is not the absolute controlling brain of our society. Men/women still put garbage into the wafers … and cause the resulting chaos.

It would appear that the Church has obtained all from Revelations that can currently be known. With time, perhaps more of John’s prophetic instructions will be released to us from the Deposit of Faith.

 

[diggerdomer]

I have problems with this concept that satan is currently ‘bound’. I know Catholics believe it … but, I don’t see the evidence for it.

From Nero to Hitler … to the present age /// where is the evidence that satan is subdued ?

Scriptures teach that we are in a spiritual warfare. Yes, the H.S. is present [since Pentecost] with the Church … but, satan seems as active now as before in past Pre-Pentecostal history.

The Church has stood against him and prevented him from having unrestricted reign … but, to suggest/believe that satan can’t currently ‘raise hell’ and cause apostasy, doesn’t seem supported by Church age history.

I’ve been Catholic all my life and don’t believe Satan is bound.

 

[diggerdomer]

Score a run for EdO …

However, one problem about the Visa / CC matter … look where the easy credit has gotten us, USA is financially on the ropes. The computer chip is not the absolute controlling brain of our society. Men/women still put garbage into the wafers … and cause the resulting chaos.

It would appear that the Church has obtained all from Revelations that can currently be known. With time, perhaps more of John’s prophetic instructions will be released to us from the Deposit of Faith.

Score a run? Apocalyptic does NOT mean “predicts the future.” Sorry. I think it’s a strikeout or foul ball at best.

 

[pipper]

And of course their is no book of RevelationS anywhere in the bible. The title is Revelation, no “s”.