Sam Hamstra, Jr.

Good introduction to four views on the interpretation of the Book of Revelation. It would help to narrow down how one views Revelation, even if taking something from each view; and would also help to subtract those views that seem less viable when compared with the others. Each contributor's critical interaction with the other contributors is very helpful.

Revelation is a real complex and confusing book to understand, so this "Four View" may help arrange the issues in the minding some kind of show more order too, at least, give one a fundamental base when interpreting the text. show less

First, I didn't read the entire book because I am very familiar with the dispensational or futurist interpretation of Revelation. Second, I was disappointed that the historicist view wasn't represented. I appreciated the idealist view. It has much to commend; however, Hamstra imports his view onto the text that the visions of Revelation cover the entire history of the church. The preterist approach of Ken Gentry is the most biblically convincing view. Yet, I wonder if there is any historical show more precedent for his interpretation. show less

This book presents the book of Revelation from four different perspectives. After about a 30-page overview, four different authors present their insights.

Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr. covers the Preterist view. There are variations of Preterism, but the general idea is that the Bible’s eschatological promises have been fulfilled. Revelation’s bloody war scenes occurred in the first century. Gentry is an established Revelation scholar who writes clearly, but this is not his most lucid show more writing.

Sam Hamstra Jr. writes about an Idealist view. I would call it a “spiritual” view. Such interpreters find Revelation to be a message of “assurance, hope and victory” in its relevance to today’s struggles.

C. Marvin Pate, who serves also as the book’s general editor, discusses a “progressive dispensationalist” view. The arrival of Jesus 2,000 years ago is the dawning of a the “age to come,” but it is not yet complete; it awaits the Parousia for its consummation.

Finally, Robert L. Thomas lays out the classical Dispensationalist view, the common futuristic interpretation. While there are still many divisions in this category, Thomas strives to present a “typical” belief.

In my opinion, Steve Gregg’s book http://www.dubiousdisciple.com/2010/12/book-review-revelation-four-views.html on the same topic is more comprehensive and objective, and also more readable. But it’s also much longer; today’s book should be considered a compact, argumentative introduction by comparison. show less