Comments on: Apocalypse and Ecclesia – 2008 TF Torrance Lectures in Aberdeen

By: Joseph Mangina

Joseph Mangina — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:28:25 +0000

That was certainly my intention: “closer to traditional Christian interpretation.” While my commentary will not, as a matter of fact, devote a whole lot of space to history of interpretation issues, the general Christological-ecclesial line I’m developing is at the center of classical interpretation of the book. As I said in one of the question periods, the vertical takes precedence over the horizontal, although you can’t ignore the horizontal entirely. The classic millenial interpretations (e.g. Irenaeus, Edwards), the Joachimite reading, and for that matter contemporary liberationist readings are a constant reminder of this fact.

Thanks to all the students who attended and otherwise facilitated my lectures: it was a wonderful week.

By: Brian

Brian — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 14:06:31 +0000

Yes, thank you for the report on Mangina’s lecture. I would also appreciate some clarification on what is meant by `tired and dusty traditional viewpoints.’ In Evangelical circles, dispensational views seem to have assumed the dominant position, but historically, they are far from traditional. Indeed, I suspect that Mangina’s reading is closer to traditional Christian interpretation.

By: Derek Resler

Derek Resler — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:12:57 +0000

Wow…Nice…Great…I want to read Mangina’s preface/intro to his commentary. What a different way to approach the book. I must admit I agree with you Kent in valuing this fresh approach to the tired and dusty traditional viewpoints. I believe in approaching the text in this way in recaptures the centrality of Jesus as well as contextualizing it back onto His church – as you say Kyle. I really wish I could have been there.

As a question for you both and others in the forum community – in what ways does this reading challenge the conventional understandings of eschatology?