IanB, what I said about the Book of Revelation isn't my theory, it's been pretty solidly established by the more objective Bible scholars. I don't know of any info online, but there may be some. Much of what I've heard comes from reading and from classes I've taken at one time or another, and from talking with a number of pastors, priests, and ministers of various denominations. That is, ones who are willing to discuss, not just make pronouncements and issue edicts. I can't recall if he covers Revelation or not, but a retired Episcopal bishop has written a most interesting book, Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism : A Bishop Rethinks the Meaning of Scriptureby John Shelby Spong. For those who are interested in the subject, this is pretty fascinating reading. Bishop Spong has written a number of equally thoughtful (and controversial) books. Although highly respected by many clergymen, needless to say in some churches he is definitely not flavor of the month. There are some who maintain he is The Beast. Nevertheless, interesting and thought-provoking. He has quite a following among many Christians, as this website demonstrates. A clergyman with a fan club, no less!

And John, first of all, thanks for the kind words. Rethinking the line "…no matter how you slice it…" this was perhaps a bit strong. There is a substantial number of main-line Christians who take Revelations pretty seriously and I don't mean to step on their toes. I must admit, I don't know all that much specifically about the Apostle John, but at least a couple of the Apostles were Zealots. Judas was, and that explains his actions. He (and others) expected Jesus to be another warrior king, like David, and drive the Romans out with a flaming sword. When it became obvious that this was not what Jesus was all about, Judas was bitterly disappointed in him. Some maintain that Judas' betrayal was a misguided attempt to goad Jesus into action. Where John stood it this (if at all), I don't know.

What I take issue with are the folks who drag people out onto a mountaintop (or far worse), and those willing to be dragged, to await Jesus' return in a fiery chariot, accompanied by a host of angels waving flaming swords and hacking up all those whom they think are non-believers. Very Christian. For them, I would suggest a little less time in Revelation and a bit more in the Gospels.

Don Firth