Customer Reviews

Opening the Seven Seals John the Revelat

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Very well written analysis of the Book of Revelation. It goes through each verse of the book, and provides thought-provoking insight into Revelation's symbolism and imagery. It also is the first book I've read that gives a plausible sequence of events leading up to the Return of Christ. The author is a Professor of Ancient Religion at Brigham Young University. Although written from an LDS perspective, it is well documented from many non-LDS sources as well, and is highly recommended for anyone who wants to comprehend more of the Apocalypse and the Last Days.

The Book of Revelation is an enigma to most people due to its heavy use of symbolism. I have studied it over the years and have learned little by little using the writings of Joseph Smith and the Doctrine and Covenants as resources to help in the interpretation. I even read McConkie's New Testament Commentary and that also helped. Draper's book has been the biggest help to date in my understanding of this scripture. He is a professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University and uses his knowledge of Greek and symbolism to clarify a lot of what was still confusing to me in the past.

The book goes through the entire Book of Revelation verse by verse and explains the meaning in easy to understand language. He uses as resources the Doctrine and Covenants, the Joseph Smith translation of the Bible, other prophetic books in the Old and New Testaments, other Commentaries of Joseph Smith, commentaries of various LDS and non-LDS scholars, and his knowledge of the Greek language. Where there are conflicting opinions, he points these out. His discussions on symbolism were the most helpful to me. Overall I really enjoyed the book and gained new insights.

I highly recommend this book for those wanting to gain a greater understanding of the Book of Revelation, especially from an LDS perspective. For non-LDS this book will provide a good summary of what LDS scripture adds to the understanding of the Apocalypse of John.

Without a doubt, the best book ever written on the subject. Perhaps the best scriptural commentary ever by a non-GA. I have read it three times and still am learning from it. A must read for every serious LDS member wanting to know what we have in store. I only wish it were longer and spent more time on the first three chapters.

We got this new, and for whatever reason, we are on the 3rd chapter, and every page just comes out, no tear, nothing, just plops out, like it was poorly glued or stitched... other than that, so far, we have enjoyed this reading, just disappointment in a new book that every page with exception of first 2, has just come out without any effort, just turning a page, and slip, out comes that page...

update Jan 2 2012
Reading through the book, and bumped our review up to 4 stars, only because 5 stars would mean a book that doesn't fall apart like this. Did we get a defective copy, I'll know in a few, as we are buying more copies for gifts to those loved ones whom we know would appreciate such a sacred treasure of information in understanding Revelations. Wow, what more can I say. Wow, not because the author does such a good job, but wow because I now see things in such a new light and understanding compared to before reading this book. Symbolical meaning of numbers used in the scriptures as well as in the LDS temples make more sense now, and if anything else, I now desire more than ever, because of the promises John outlines through revelations to those who overcome, and participate in the more sure word of prophecy... wow...

This book is a must for serious followers of Jesus Christ period. It enhances your desire to ponder and study the new testament, and all scriptures at that (As author references scriptures in all canonical books). It opens your mind to better understanding of prophecies, numbers, symbols, and outlines almost perfectly the meanings behind John's visions, with in depth insight and quotes from scholars, prophets, etc. I felt the spirit of this book, and that to me is the most important of any outcome from books taking on things as sacred as John's revelations which other prophets have seen but were commanded not to reveal.

This one is a treasure to have in your book collection, one I'll refer to, read again, and give as a gift to those whom I love.