Brad is the Laed Pastor of Mosaic Atlanta. To learn more about the church goto MosaicAtlanta.netFor far too long, the Book of Revelation has been a source of confusion and even fear within the Christian community. Many have been left with a sense of dread and hopelessness when confronted with its enigmatic passages. Whenever conflict or instability arises in the Middle East, there's a chorus of individuals exploiting the situation, proclaiming their own version of "The Sky is Falling." They become the modern-day sidewalk prophets, declaring that the End is Near.Reverend Brad Bellomy joins Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner in a quest for a responsible and enlightened reading of Revelation. It's crucial to remember that Revelation is a book filled with immense hope. Even more importantly, the scroll was originally intended for the Seven Churches in Asia Minor, who had faced persecution at the hands of the Roman Empire. While this series was planned long before the recent conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, its timeliness cannot be overstated. Once again, various factions are emerging, offering doom and gloom, and warning of the world's end. While it is true that Jesus will return one day, it is also true that "only the Father in Heaven knows the day and hour." Any attempts to predict impending disaster and doom are, at best, misguided and, at worst, manipulative.Our commitment to "responsible scripture interpretation" is rooted in several key principles:1. **Clarity of Interpretation:** We aim to provide a clear and well-founded interpretation of Revelation. This is essential because the book has often been subjected to various and sometimes extreme interpretations.2. **Avoiding an Elitist Attitude:** We approach the text with humility, recognizing that ours is not the only correct interpretation. We seek to present the information in an approachable and relatable manner, avoiding an elitist "academic" stance.3. **Teaching in Line with Original Context and Generally Accepted Theology:** Our approach respects the original audience and context of Revelation while adhering to generally accepted theological principles. This ensures a balanced interpretation that doesn't distort the symbolism out of context.4. **Providing Historical Context:** We shed light on the historical backdrop in which Revelation was written, including the challenges faced by the Seven Churches in Asia Minor under a hostile empire. Understanding this context is crucial for appreciating the message's significance.5. **Openness to Diverse Interpretations:** We encourage open dialogue and acknowledge that differing interpretations are possible without branding them as heretical. Our aim is to foster inclusive and constructive discussions.6. **Focus on Hope and Salvation:** Throughout our exploration of Revelation, we emphasize that it conveys a message of hope and serves as a testimony to Jesus' work on the cross. This stands in stark contrast to the oppressive tactics of empires, highlighting God's love and salvation through Jesus.In essence, our approach to a "responsible" interpretation of Revelation seeks to be balanced, respectful of diverse viewpoints, and centered on the book's message of hope and salvation. We hope it provides valuable context for understanding the significance of Revelation within its historical and theological framework. Join us on Echoes through Eternity for a journey of discovery and enlightenment.