“All In the Family: Daniel and Revelation” – Hill begins by talking about the audio world.  As a boy, he’d purchased an album by Simon and Garfunkel. He loved listening to it over and over again, each time feeling as if the words had been almost written for him and about his life.  The songs meanings fit what he was going through.   Then, when cd’s came out, he bought a stereo with a cd player.  He bought the same album on cd.  It was hard to enjoy musically at first.  All of the imperfections came out…drawing a breath, etc.  But he was also able to hear it better, and understand most of the words better and more clearly.  All of this brought his ears closer to hearing something that was closer to the original performance.  Hill compares this to his beginning of biblical studies.  Already having a certain understanding of the bible, and a level of knowledge about the content.  When he began his studies, however, it is at first disconcerting and disorienting.  But after some time, ” I came to see that careful biblical study can remove layers of distortion, taking us closer to the original performance, allowing us to hear the notes more clearly, helping us to get the lyrics right.”

Daniel and Revelation are two books that are heard the most differently through the instrument of modern scholarship.  “The question that divides traditional and modern interpreters is this:  Are Daniel and Revelation principally books of historical FORESIGHT or theological INSIGHT?”  So many today interpret these writings as a sort of “End Times road map”, where they recognize a description of their own historical terrain…..meaning the end times are at hand, the beast/antichrist is alive in the world…etc.  It’s hard sometimes talking with these people, because they are everywhere.  I know quite a few who believe technology/computers/internet/bar codes/implants/etc…you name it…is the mark of the beast.  I find it hard to believe someone could accidentally be condemned to hell because they trusted the government or new developments in technology.  But it’s surprising ( and sad) how many don’t find it hard to believe at all.  But anyways, I’m off the subject..

Daniel – Hill first examines the book of Daniel.  With the realization that it was written by an imperfect and finite human, but also inspired by a perfect and infinite God; we can both accept Daniel’s place in scripture, be insprired to think of it theologically, and confront the conflicting details found within it.  The author’s knowledge of Babylonian and Persian history is both thin and inexact.  11:40-45 also tells about the destruction of Antiochus and his forces….which never happened.  “True to apocalyptic form, Daniel sees the eschatological climax as the very next event on the prophetic calendar.” 

Hill goes on to discuss specific details about the book of Daniel, that I won’t bother with copying down or bore you with detailing.  But it’s well worth a read, and very thought provoking.  To think that so many would deny that Daniel might be written by someone other than Daniel, even though most of the evidence seems to point in that direction…is odd. 

Anyways…tomorrow is thanksgiving….can’t wait to feast on turkey and pie and whatever.  hehe.  Actually I could care less about all the food.  Give me a pizza.  I just really enjoy the season because people are so happy and nice to each other.  People get days off from work, families get to come together, and hang out.  Conversations are had about what we’re thankful for.  Sure, most of the thanks goes for material things….but here and there are candy sprinkles of thanks being sent up for things that matter….life..love…family…etc.  I like this time of year.  I’m not sure if anyone reads these things….or if I’m saying this for my own benefit…but enjoy this week/weekend.  Love.  Laugh.  Live.  Remember to breathe (worship).  God Bless.