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		| Originally posted by SecretMethod70 
 Regarding Revelations, I have heard more than once (but not looked into it to any significant degree) speculation that it is more of a cryptic book referencing the Roman Empire.  Considering it was written at a time when Christianity was persecuted, that's very possible, and in which case, it would not be a book necesasrily about the "end times" at all.
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 This is what I was taught as well.  Because of its dramatic, mystic sounding passages people somehow got this notion that revelations is a book predicting the future.  Its not (at least thats not what the catholic church teaches).  Its exactly as you said, codified text that was written during a time when openly admitting you were christian would get you killed.  No spooky prophecies here.