Christian theology

===Approaches to interpretation===
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* The ''[[Preterism|Preterist]]'' approach (from the Latin ''praeteritus'' "gone by") seeks parallels between ''Revelation'' and the events of the 1st century, such as [[Herod the Great|Herod]]'s attempt to [[Massacre of the Innocents|kill the infant Christ]], the struggle of Christianity to survive the persecutions of Judaism and the [[Roman Empire]], the [[Siege of Jerusalem (AD 70)|fall of Jerusalem]] in 70 AD, the [[Abomination of Desolation|desecration of the temple]] in the same year, and the growth of Christianity from a sect within Judaism to an independent religion.
* The ''[[Historicism (Christian eschatology)|Historicist]]'' method takes a broader historical approach and seeks parallels between ''Revelation'' and the major people and events of history, especially those which have had a direct effect on [[Israel]] and the Church.
* The ''[[Futurism (Christian eschatology)|Futurist]]'' method approaches ''Revelation'' as chiefly referring to events that have not yet come to pass but will take place at the end of this age and at the end of the world. The main focus is the return of Christ. 
* The ''[[Idealism (Christian eschatology)|Idealist]]'' model, also known as ''Spiritualist'' or ''Symbolic'' model, approaches the images of ''Revelation'' as symbols representing larger themes and concepts, rather than actual people and events. It sees in Revelation an allegorical representation of the ongoing struggle of the forces of light and darkness, and the ultimate [[triumph of good over evil]].