Dean Arnold, a Chattanooga based author and historian, told Civitan Club about his latest project: a three volume commentary on the Book of Revelation titled "Revelation Explained."
The presentation offered insights into both biblical interpretation and contemporary political discourse.
Mr. Arnold's new work consists of three volumes titled: "Dragon," "Thunder," and "Harlot and Bride." The commentary represents a departure from his previous historical works, including "Old Money New South," which chronicles Chattanooga's post Civil War development.
The author, looking like an Old Testament prophet with his flowing white beard, explained that his interpretation of Revelation differs significantly from mainstream evangelical views. Rather than viewing the book as primarily prophetic about future events, Mr. Arnold argues that much of Revelation describes events that occurred in the first century AD, particularly the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD.
Mr. Arnold's commentary, based on lectures by scholar James Jordan, suggests that many of Revelation's symbolic elements including the "sea beast" with seven heads and 10 horns represent the Roman Empire. The number 666, commonly associated with the Antichrist, is interpreted through its only other biblical appearance in 1 Kings, where it describes the amount of gold that came to Solomon before his moral decline.
"Prophecy in the scriptures is generally multiple fulfillment," Mr. Arnold said, comparing this to Isaiah's prophecy about a virgin birth, which had both a near term fulfillment in Isaiah's time and an ultimate fulfillment in Jesus' birth.
Mr. Arnold's presentation addressed recent political discourse, particularly a viral interview between Tucker Carlson and Senator Ted Cruz regarding U.S. support for Israel. The discussion centered on whether biblical passages require unconditional support for modern Israel.
Mr. Arnold challenged the theological basis for this position, analyzing Genesis 12:3 and other biblical passages commonly cited in support of Israel. He argued that the promise to Abraham was ultimately fulfilled through Christ, and that the concept of "chosen people" was transferred to Christian believers, citing passages from the New Testament.
The author's interpretation extends to contemporary Middle Eastern politics, though he emphasized he was addressing theological rather than geopolitical questions. He questioned whether modern Israel meets biblical standards of righteousness, pointing to various social and political issues.
Mr. Arnold also discussed historical examples of Jewish exile from the land, arguing that biblical precedent shows possession of the land was conditional upon obedience to God's commands.
Rather than focusing on apocalyptic themes, Mr. Arnold advocated for what he called a "positive vision" based on the final chapters of Revelation. He described this as the "bride of Christ" representing all nations coming into God's kingdom through Christian evangelization.
"The better positive vision is the Great Commission going into all the world, making disciples of all nations," Mr. Arnold concluded, referencing Jesus' command to spread Christianity globally.
Mr. Arnold’s three volume series is available for purchase through the author, with both hardcover and paperback editions offered.
Mr. Arnold also said that several of his other works, including his historical books on Chattanooga and Cherokee history, remain available for purchase online.