Revelations was a controversial addition to biblical canon specifically because it intentionally adds undeclared allegory to what was otherwise meant to be philosophy from literal history. Other places in the Bible where allegory is used, it is clearly framed as such. Revelations instead presents allegory as prophecy, which some argue contradicts the entire new testament. The new testament can actually be read as a desire to remove the influence of prophecy from Abrahamic religion, as it was widely seen as a distraction, and source of conflict. The Epistles spend a lot of time on the exact subject, making it clear that theological duty is an earthy duty, not a quest to fulfill prophecy or a sprint to salvation. But then they go and throw in a “prophecy” (which is really a cautionary tale against false prophets) right at the end which seems to undo all of that.
I did know the addition of Revelation was controversial, but I never considered that it’s the only part of the New Testament that’s not strictly philosophy. The irony of Revelation seems to be that its prophecy (and warning) almost fulfilled itself. By having this tale of Armageddon, you give the false profits the amo they need to deceive the people.
Also worth noting, most Christian doctrines don’t even believe in the Rapture, and it didn’t come into theology until the 1830s.
Revelations was a controversial addition to biblical canon specifically because it intentionally adds undeclared allegory to what was otherwise meant to be philosophy from literal history. Other places in the Bible where allegory is used, it is clearly framed as such. Revelations instead presents allegory as prophecy, which some argue contradicts the entire new testament. The new testament can actually be read as a desire to remove the influence of prophecy from Abrahamic religion, as it was widely seen as a distraction, and source of conflict. The Epistles spend a lot of time on the exact subject, making it clear that theological duty is an earthy duty, not a quest to fulfill prophecy or a sprint to salvation. But then they go and throw in a “prophecy” (which is really a cautionary tale against false prophets) right at the end which seems to undo all of that.
I did know the addition of Revelation was controversial, but I never considered that it’s the only part of the New Testament that’s not strictly philosophy. The irony of Revelation seems to be that its prophecy (and warning) almost fulfilled itself. By having this tale of Armageddon, you give the false profits the amo they need to deceive the people.