Post series: Prophet Model

How can there be such diverse interpretation and confusion about Bible prophecy? Fulfilled prophecy can be difficult to pin down historically, and the modern tendency to value prophecy in terms of accurately predicted events, or “tomorrow’s news today”, often results in confusing and fanciful predictions. This series of three articles argues that our modern expectations of prophecy can conflict with what the Bible really says, and builds a framework for understanding the message of the prophets by looking the words they use, the perspective they adopt, and the response they seek.

Prophet Model: the divine perspective

Challenging and questioning the dominant culture from the divine perspective

It is unsurprising to find that the poetic form and language of prophecy speaks to individual Christians in different ways. Writ large in metaphor and hyperbole, the motifs of judgement and salvation present an enduring message of hope that has universal reach. But indiscriminate application of these words to contemporary events imposes modern concerns on text intended to convey something entirely different: the divine perspective. Continue reading “Prophet Model: the divine perspective”

Prophet Model: A War of Words

Building a foundation for understanding the message of the prophets

Modern prophetic interpretation is surprisingly diverse, often presenting a bewildering array of national, personal, and cosmic predictions. Opaque scriptural symbols appear to have insufficient predictive potential, making even fulfilled prophecy frustrating to understand. As blood moons pass, “significant” dates come and go, and Planet X stubbornly refuses to destroy the earth, we are forced to reflect on our approach to prophecy. Are we doing it wrong? Continue reading “Prophet Model: A War of Words”