This is both wrong and wrong-headed. It is apocalyptic literature - with specific conventions. We need to understand that this kind of writing was not unusual in the ancient world; we need to understand how the literary genre works. It presents a worldview that was common at the time it was written.

Revelation is also called the Apocalypse of John (though most scholars doubt it was written by the Apostle). The term 'revelation' comes from a Latin word that is the equivalent of the Greek word 'apokalypsis' which means an unveiling or a revealing. Jewish and Christian apocalypses have been called "tracts for bad times." They were intended to strengthen their readers to meet some grim ordeal, to offer hope and encouragement and to affirm that God will ultimately prevail.

Basically, the writer of Revelation has a vision or dream of the risen Christ and is instructed to write letters to each of the seven churches in Asia Minor. Each letter is different and apparently addressed to the need of the particular church to whom it was addressed.

The writings of the authors visions or dreams are filled with symbolism that would have been very apparent to the early Christian/Jewish communities to whom he wrote. There is heavy borrowing from books of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) along with the use of numerology and colors.

The convention of Apocalyptic writing often contains bizarre symbolic visions. Example: In Rev. 17. there is a "great whore of Babylon." This is a prostitute who has committed fornication with the kings of the earth' who is a scarlet beast bedecked in fine clothes and jewelry' who is drunk with the blood of the martyrs and who has written on her head, "Babylon, the mother of Whores." And the 'beast" is said to have seven heads which Borg explains refers to the seven hills on which the woman is seated. (v 8) At the end we are told she is the "great city that rules over the kings of the earth." (v 18)

Who then is the great whore of the earth? Which city ruled the world at the end of the first century, a city that had been known to persecute Christians, a city that was known throughout antiquity as the city of seven hills? Any ancient reader would have recognized the city as being Rome.

The enemy of God was Rome (the domination system) and its emperor (who claimed to be a god) was the antichrist; they were responsible for the intense suffering that Christians and others were experiencing.

Borg states that Babylon, refers to not only the original Babylonians that conquered Jerusalem the first time and sent the Jews to exile, but also refers to all domination systems. "Domination systems organized around power, wealth, seduction, intimidation and violence." It symbolizes the early Egyptian domination system under which they suffered, the Jewish domination system itself that arose after their deliverance (that the Jewish prophets speak out against in the book of "Prophets") and now to Rome.

So this was not meant to predict far off future events but was away of speaking out symbolically against the current dominations system that would not be readily noticed by the then dominant power, Rome.

From Borg; "Thus 'John's' indictment of the empire sounds the same theme as the central voices of the biblical tradition." "his claim is stark and compelling: God is Lord; the kingdoms and cultures of this world are not."

Thank you so much for your presentation!

We had a wonderful large group discussion and were soon ready for fresh, moist and delicious slices of the most delicate poppy seed bread you ever did see. Absolutely mouth-watering. I was cutting half pieces for those of us who may be having 'seconds' and was promptly chastised into leaving well enough alone! Amen. Gracious.

Judging by the outbursts and laughter of the small groups it would be fair to say they were engaging. We discussed Grace again and the Catholic dogma behind it (I looked it up in the Catholic encyclopedia) and many other "interesting" teachings and dogmas of the Church.

We talked about our love and respect for the church which we feel includes a responsibility to speak out against the dysfunctions and policies that steer us away from the message of Jesus and to speak for changes that lead us back to those basic teachings within this church that we love.

We spoke about heaven and mystery and mystical experiences and suffering and life after death. And we even heard a wonderful "organic" joke! Sorry, you had to be there.

We then closed with a wonderful, and hopefully thought provoking, reading of a very different view of the man Jesus. A view through lenses that are most definitely not rose colored.

We also humbly ask that we all keep Denny's wife, Pamela, and my sister, Nanette, in our thoughts and prayers. Pamela is in the hospital recovering from Gall Bladder surgery from which there were complications. Nanette will be having brain surgery (no date yet) to remove a mass and is also waiting to hear results from a biopsy of her thyroid. Our families are eternally grateful.

On to our Potluck business. As you should know we are having a potluck next Tuesday (17th) starting at 6:30 pm in Hospitality Hall with everyone invited! Here is a shakedown of how many people are bringing what, so far:

• Entrees 6
• Salad 3
• Vegetable 3
• Desert 3
• Beverage 2
• Appetizer (including red and white wino) 4

That deserves a great big, Hanta Yo! (Clear the Way!)
Rik Murray
(612) 872-8694