"My family is paranoid about the end times." A conversation with a Friend
Hi
Dr. Pendergrass!
I've
really learned a lot from reading your blog and listening to your podcasts.
Thank you for all your hard work and the effort you put into making all of
this available!
I
have 2 items I'd like to get your input on. First, I listened to one
of your podcasts that mentioned getting the Translators Study Bible.
Is this something that would be beneficial for a layperson? Do you
have any other suggestions for materials for study purposes?
Next
question is concerning my in-laws and their (what I perceive to be) obsession
with prophecy and the apocalypse. They read every John Hagee, Perry
Stone and Jonathan Cahn book out there. They are thoroughly convinced
that a big event is coming this September and are even planning to spend
$6,000 on a back-up generator. Now, I know it's their business how
they want to spend their money...but I just wonder if there's a way to get
them to think about these things rather than just whole-heartedly believing
them. They did the same thing during y2k and at other times.
Not
sure if you have suggestions for ways to get into conversations with them
that will make them think?
Thank
you for any input you have to offer. I really appreciate it!
Friend
Columbus,
Ohio
Hi Friend,
Thank you so much for your
kind words! I’m elated that you have learned from my efforts.
Here are some thoughts:
First, the Study Bible I
recommend the most is The New Interpreter’s Study Bible. (Click here to buy it
on Amazon). What makes it a great study Bible
is the fact that the notes below the text and the short essays throughout are
almost always exceptional. Moreover, the team of scholars who wrote the notes are from a
broad spectrum of denominations and are fine scholars.
The translations I prefer, regardless of the Bible you purchase or the
app you use, are the NET, ESV, and NRSV. (I use this app often.)
Also, I'd download the app by Logos (click here). It is AMAZING. It has several Bible dictionaries that are really great and respected (they start with the name, Dictionary of...); anything that starts with IVP is great; the Hard Sayings of the Bible is great; and a few others.
Second, that’s a great
question about your family. I know people like them. I used to think “that’s
just crazy.” And perhaps it is. But…now in my old age…I have more
understanding. J I
think a few things about this:
(1) I
don’t know why there is such foment about this for certain persons. I have
several theories mostly having to do with psychological/emotional motivations in such persons. But, the best thing to do is to ask them. “Hey, I notice that
you really like to think and talk about some final event. Why is that? Why do
you think your interest in it is so much greater than almost all other people?”
A follow up question might be: “What do you hope to accomplish by ‘being ready’?” And then, "Where in the Bible does it say to get ready like the way you're doing?"
I say this
because I think it’s very helpful (and kind) to attempt to see it from their
perspective. I know it helps me to be more empathetic when I can “get in their
shoes.”
(2) Concerning
prophecy and the apocalypse, I might ask them, “What it is about Hagee’s
interpretation that you find so compelling?” A follow up might be, “Have you
ever read other authors besides them?”
These questions help you know
their side. But, ultimately, of course, as adults it’s up to them to care about
what they want to care about. If they want to spend $32,000 on survival tools,
so be it. Yes, I think it’s a bit silly; but, it’s not my money.
What I find helpful when I
speak to people who hold such views is, after
I ask them the questions and listen carefully, is that they are usually open to
having a conversation. If your family does that, then it’s your turn to give
alternative views. Be sure to familiarize yourself with at least some minimum other views. For example:
Hagee's views are indicative of a view called "Dispensationalism." I haven't written on this topic yet online (though I've taught about it for over a decade). So, here are some quick references to it from a person I really respect: watch this Video and read this PowerPoint presentation.
Also, this overview might be helpful (click here).
I might say something like this to them: “Well, first,
I really appreciate that you want to take the text seriously. I do too. We’re
on the same page with that. It’s just that, the great majority of authors, and
nearly every biblical specialist/scholar on the planet, doesn’t read the Bible
the way they do. I’ve read a few books that give really good, compelling interpretations
of those events. They put what Jesus and Paul and others said in their
historical contexts and boy…it just comes to life. They also believe in the
authority of Scripture. It’s just that their views are radically different than
Hagee’s. I’d really encourage you to read what they have to say too.”
Of course, it means you need
to have read them. I’ve linked them so you can click to Amazon. I’d start with Craig Hill’s work.
Here are some suggestions, for
what it’s worth:
Craig Hill, In God’s Time: The Bible and the Future
Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things
These are specific books on the book of
Revelation:
Charles Talbert, The Apocalypse: A Reading of the Revelation of John
Ben Witherington, III, Revelation
And...if I'm wrong...can we stay with y'all in September? I don't own a generator. :)
David
David
