Description
Note: The Revelation classes listed below should only be attempted after completing the 16 hours of basic instruction in “The Ancient Skies and the Restored Gospel.” They require sufficient background to be understandable. They are not stand-alone presentations. Attending any of the “Exploring Revelation” classes without the prerequisite instruction will only result in misunderstanding, confusion and frustration.
Joseph Smith once said, “The book of Revelation is one of the plainest books God ever caused to be written.” (History of the Church 5:342) Yet when most of us attempt to read this “plain book,” we find it cluttered with mystical mumbo-jumbo and bizarre images that seem to make little sense. Except for a few references to Christ, most of it reads like a mysterious religious text from the Far East. What was John trying to say? Was the book of Revelation given just to occupy space at the end of the Bible, or is it intended that we understand this enigma? What did Joseph Smith know that enabled him to view this book as “plain?” Can we ever see the book as Joseph did?
Like no other of the prophetic books in scripture, the enigmatic text of Revelation beckons us to explore its secrets, but then openly defies all efforts to grasp the import of its rhetoric! Scholars, clergymen, laymen and may other self-appointed exegetes have labored in vain to grasp and communicate the message John seems to have hidden so well.
Most offerings have only been piecemeal efforts, examining this or that part of the book without attempting to relate it to the whole. One verse or another has been quoted out of context to substantiate a doctrinal position or pious whim, yet no one has presented a uniform, comprehensive system for interpreting the complete set of cryptic metaphors John penned over 20 centuries ago — until now. Despite repeated attempts on the part of biblical scholars, Revelation remains a mystery to most of Christianity, including Mormons.
Even though we have the Lord’s reply to Joseph’s questions regarding Revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants (Section 77), and Joseph’s observations in the History of the Church (5:326, 339-345), they do little to enhance our understanding of that mysterious book — until we consider them in light of the novel approach to ancient cosmological history suggested by Anthony E. Larson. In that context, the Prophet’s comments on the subject become truly meaningful and easily understandable by anyone. You need not be a prophet to understand John’s writing; but you do need a working understanding of prophetic metaphors and their origins in ancient cosmological events. Even though we have only a few statements from the Prophet concerning John’s book, they appear to be in accord with the concepts presented by this author in the initial course in this series, “The Ancient Skies and the Restored Gospel.” Taken together, they allow a complete interpretation of Revelation, which heretofore has been virtually impossible.
In a series of 11 one-hour classes, your instructor will proceed two chapters at a time through Revelation, verse by verse, to explain all the imagery and the purpose of that cryptic book. This course is a lecture and powerpoint presentation. Each hour of instruction will be immediately followed by a question-and-answer session, just as in a classroom setting.
Registration Instructions for Online Classes
Go to the Instant Presenter HUB (www.instantpresenter.com/anthonyelarson) to register for the pre-recorded courses “The Ancient Skies and the Restored Gospel” or “Exploring Revelation.” Once there, you can select the lesson you wish to view. Follow the instructions there. The registration process will take you to Pay Pal, where you can use your account or your credit card to pay $10 for each class.
“The Ancient Skies and the Restored Gospel” course consists of 16 lessons, each an hour or more long. The “Exploring Revelation” course consists of 11 lessons, each an hour or more as well.
Repeating classes will not require an additional payment. Just be sure to remember your login information, as it will be required to repeat any class. You are encouraged to review the classes as often as necessary to absorb all the concepts and information presented.
In time, there will be more courses added, but the registration process will remain the same. Again, consult the HUB for class availability.
If you have questions or encounter a problem, I urge you to contact me: anthonyelarson@gmail.com.
Class Titles and Descriptions
#1 – Chapters 1 & 2
#2 – Chapters 3 & 4
#3 – Chapters 5 & 6
#4 – Chapters 7 & 8
#5 – Chapters 9 & 10
#6 – Chapters 11 & 12
#7 – Chapters 13 & 14
#8 – Chapters 15 & 16
#9 – Chapters 17 & 18
#10 – Chapters 19 & 20
#11 – Chapters 21 & 22
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