Obama's li
I've heard that the book of Revelations was a coded message to the early church to give them confidence during times of persecution, and was never meant to be taken literally. Similarly to how the of story of Alice in Wonderland was a coded criticism of the British crown, and never meant to be taken literally. Does anyone know how valid this claim is? How do we know that the book of Revelations is not an allusion to the Roman Empire?
Answer
Revelations and the Old Testament Book of Daniel are examples of a genre that fortunately faded from popularity long ago. Both Books were indeed originally written for an audience in the midst of oppression from political leaders. In the case of Daniel, written very close to 165 BC, Antiochus IV one of the last of the Macedonian Emperors had defiled the second Temple at Jerusalem, suspended the Jewish dietary rules and religious observances, and required the Jews to consider him a God.
Revelations was written late in the 1st century AD during the insanity that accompanied the years when Nero was Emperor of the Roman Empire. Nero was an incredibly evil man, one who burned human beings alive and used the flame for street lighting, among other atrocities. After his death rumor spread that he was Satan and would be resurrected to rule again.
The style of this type of writing was to write about things to come in the future that were actually the present day, thinly disguised, in order to protect the author from persecution. The readers in 165 BC did not think Daniel was a Prophetic Book, nor did the readers in the time of Nero think Revelations was Prophetic. Had there been Public Libraries in those days, both Daniel and Revelations would have been found in the religious fiction section, next to the Left Behind series.
Revelations and the Old Testament Book of Daniel are examples of a genre that fortunately faded from popularity long ago. Both Books were indeed originally written for an audience in the midst of oppression from political leaders. In the case of Daniel, written very close to 165 BC, Antiochus IV one of the last of the Macedonian Emperors had defiled the second Temple at Jerusalem, suspended the Jewish dietary rules and religious observances, and required the Jews to consider him a God.
Revelations was written late in the 1st century AD during the insanity that accompanied the years when Nero was Emperor of the Roman Empire. Nero was an incredibly evil man, one who burned human beings alive and used the flame for street lighting, among other atrocities. After his death rumor spread that he was Satan and would be resurrected to rule again.
The style of this type of writing was to write about things to come in the future that were actually the present day, thinly disguised, in order to protect the author from persecution. The readers in 165 BC did not think Daniel was a Prophetic Book, nor did the readers in the time of Nero think Revelations was Prophetic. Had there been Public Libraries in those days, both Daniel and Revelations would have been found in the religious fiction section, next to the Left Behind series.
What are the best books on the history of Rome and the Roman Empire..?
jegerjack
I am looking for a book on the rise and fall of the Roman Empire... I have found a ton of books but I am unable to decide witch one would be the best... The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, seems like the way to go but it appears that that it only deals with the fall... I would like to start at the beginning with Romulus... Any suggestions?
Answer
The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire covers the entire history. One probkem is that many books break Roman history in to two sections-the early years are referred to as the Roman Republic so look under that for early history; the Roman Empire was started basically with the rise of Julius Ceaser and the loss of power by the Roman Senate.
The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire covers the entire history. One probkem is that many books break Roman history in to two sections-the early years are referred to as the Roman Republic so look under that for early history; the Roman Empire was started basically with the rise of Julius Ceaser and the loss of power by the Roman Senate.
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