Discovery Channel: Jan 11 2004, 7pm (ET)

[Robyn Banks]

Ancient Evidence
Revelation: The End of the World?

Revelation is the last book of the King James Version of the Christian Bible. It is also a most controversial, dramatic, fantastic description of never before experienced events. Scholars provide insight into a vivid description of the end of the world.
http://dsc.discovery.com/schedule/episode.jsp?episode=10&cpi=24340&gid=11487

The program says that 616 is the number of the beast, and that this all came true in the first century AD.

"If 616 is the real 'number' of the beast, as it is according to a most ancient text, then there can be no doubt whatever as to its meaning; for it numerically represents Kaisar Theos--the 'God Cæsar' against whom the 'Lord Jesus' was opposed." . . . "That is Kaisar Theos, which in Greek is 666, is 616 in Latin, and therefore this must be the original meaning."
- New Archaeological Discoveries, by Camden A. Cobern, Page 378

[kofh2u]

There are a number of problems with the identity of 666 as suggested, tho' the match here is as valid a guess as any so far.

We might assume that these connections with historical persons was intended, encouraging an on going interest in each generation, by pointing to "almosts."

This guess is an almost that is pretty convincing, too. A number of symbolized elements, tho', make it less certain, in that they are a hard stretch to manufacture.

We all ought wonder whether, as Pogo used to say, if we have searched for 666/616 and found him,...and, he is us...modern homo... now 6.16 billion strong and headed for 6.66 billion before this generation shall pass.


(In regard to your subscripts: proving that the spirit of Jesus is NOT prophecy:

The written word comes down to us, in the form of the New Testament, as a record, of what was SAID by Jesus.

The date of the written authorship does not weaken the argument for his power of prophecy, in regard, for example, to the temple, which Jesus said would be destroyed.

That the book of Matthew was written @ 50-60 AD has long been my understanding. That this date is too early, however, doesn't convince me that Matthew lied. There is no reason to doubt that what was written was, indeed, said @ 59 years before the Temple was destroyed. Obviously, Jesus was long gone whether the NT was written before or after the Temple fell.

What might be convincing is counter testimony from the other apostles. It was written they were also present. That they, too, directly and indirectly by their silence, confirm that Jesus said this and other things. The question is begged in that we are now required to produce WRITTEN evidence about a man, Jesus, who never wrote anything himself.

The question is begged in that we are being required to submit a certain form of proof, a written document. In this, it is assumed proving his statements, concerning the future, was a priority for Christ, an obligation to us, here, in this future time, and a major issue of concern regarding what Jesus said was "his Father's work."

That we have Matthew's testimony, concerning what was said, is essentially, eye witness testimony.

True, that testimony was written down long after Jesus told Matthew that the Temple would be destroyed.

That Matthew was reminded, and awed no doubt, at some later time, might well be argued as the reason for incorporating that prediction in the NT. We are told that Jesus told enough to fill a whole library. I doubt very much that Matthew chose this particular prediction to set down BEFORE the destruction, just so that people (already formed into seven churches at that time) COULD sit around and see if it did occur. No. The NT is written record of Matthew's oral testimony. As a record, before or after the fulfillment of that prophecy, this IS what many people of that day say Jesus said. It is THAT testimony which supports the prophecy come true, is it not?

To doubt the testimony, because it was recorded later, merely begs the question. It is not the NT we are testing, but the question concerning whether or not Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy,.. like a Jimney Cricket,... able to tell us the consequences of our behavior, very much in the mode of a materialized Conscience.)

[Xavier]

So... :ddw: was right the whole time... <GASP>

[Chief of Staff Lizard]

Well if the Discovery Channel is promoting preterism.......


I might just have to look into historicism.

(I would look into futurism, but I couldn't take the gloating from :btc:)

[kofh2u]

When scientist tell the future, we call it "prediction."

Even Jesus noted that these men can tell the weather in advance.

But, human behavior is a mystery still. It is also the basic unit of sociology, a humanity.

What Revelation seems to concern itself with in part, is the demonstration of a science-like Sociology.

In this, the big revelation of Revelaion will be the inferences applicable to the coming art of a science of Socio-psychology.

Just one man's opinion, ... now...