The Underappreciated View of Preterism: A Deep Dive Into Biblical Prophecy and the Meek Inheriting the World
Preterism, a Christian interpretive approach to biblical prophecy, provides a unique and overlooked perspective on the Second Coming of Christ and the fulfillment of all the apocalyptic events described in the Bible. In simple terms, preterism holds that many of the prophecies found in the Bible, particularly those concerning the end of the world and Christ's return, have already been fulfilled—specifically in the past, duh. The term "preterism" itself is derived from the Latin word praeter, meaning "past," underscoring the idea that these events are historical, and not future occurrences.
There's two main strands of preterism: partial preterism and full preterism (also known as hyper-preterism). Partial preterism asserts that most, but not all, of the prophecies have been fulfilled, with a major focus on the destruction of Jerusalem and the fall of the Roman Empire in AD 70. Full preterism, on the other hand, goes even further, arguing that every prophecy in the Bible, including the return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the final judgment, have already come to pass. And, perhaps, we were all too busy with something trivial to even notice. . .
In contrast to the traditional futurist view, which expects the culmination of biblical prophecies to occur in the distant future, preterism insists that the kingdom of God was inaugurated during the first century, with its ultimate fulfillment occurring in the past. This view is radical, to say the least, especially given the widespread expectations of an impending apocalypse that dominates many contemporary Christian theologies.
The Preterist Perspective on Biblical Prophecy
A critical component of preterism is its interpretation of the Book of Revelation, particularly the opening of the seven seals, a series of events that are seen as God's judgments upon the earth. These judgments are often depicted as apocalyptic and catastrophic in nature, including war, famine, and natural disasters. For many futurists, these seals represent events that are still to come, signifying the ultimate destruction of the world and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
However, preterists argue that these seals and the corresponding judgments were already unleashed on humanity in the past, especially during the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70, a pivotal moment in Jewish and Christian history. According to preterism, the destruction of Jerusalem, the siege by the Romans, and the subsequent persecution of Christians were the fulfillment of the apocalyptic judgments foretold in the Bible. In this view, Revelation is not a prediction of a future event but rather a symbolic account of historical events that have already taken place.
This interpretation challenges the dominant view that the end of the world is a distant event still to come. Instead, preterists suggest that the early Christian community lived through what many would consider the "end times," and that Christ's return was a spiritual event that was fully realized in the first century, not a physical event that will happen in the future.
The Great Flood, Conquests, and World Wars: Alternative Interpretations of Biblical Prophecy
For some, the fulfillment of biblical prophecy isn't confined to the events surrounding the fall of Jerusalem. Many alternative interpretations suggest that major apocalyptic prophecies may have already been realized through other historical events, such as the Great Flood, the conquests and pillagings of ancient civilizations, or even the tumultuous conflicts of the World Wars.
The Great Flood, for example, is often viewed by some as a massive, world-altering event that aligns with the catastrophic imagery found in biblical prophecy. Similarly, the wars, plagues, and suffering experienced throughout history—particularly in the 20th century—might be seen as fulfillment of the apocalyptic judgments found in Revelation.
World War I and II, with their unimaginable scale of destruction, death, and global upheaval, could be interpreted as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy in their own right. The sheer devastation and loss of life during these wars might mirror the catastrophic events described in the opening of the seven seals or other apocalyptic imagery found in scripture.
However, each of these alternative interpretations requires a rethinking of how prophecy functions within the biblical narrative. Are these events mere historical occurrences, or do they have deeper, symbolic meaning in the context of biblical prophecy? And if the apocalypse can be seen in any of the past events mentioned here like the Great Flood or the World Wars, then what does that imply about the state of humanity after that point?
The Meek Inheriting the World: A Profound Question
One of the most intriguing theological questions that arises from the discussion of preterism and biblical prophecy is: Are we the meek who inherited the earth? That phrase, famously found in the Beatitudes, refers to a spiritual promise that the humble and meek will receive God's kingdom, in contrast to the powerful, wealthy, and arrogant. Being that they're still running things, I'd safely assume that we're still up shit's creek. But the question becomes more complicated when viewed through the lens of preterism. If all the biblical prophecies have already been fulfilled, and we live in the aftermath of apocalyptic events that were intended to purify the world and reestablish God's rule, then where does that leave humanity today? Are we truly the meek who have inherited the world? What is the weakest part of "the meek", and is that us now? The ones not born into ridiculous generational wealth?
Or are we simply the survivors of a long and brutal history of conquest, war, and suffering, left to pick up the pieces of a world that has already seen its final judgment?
This leads to a more profound theological inquiry: Are we, in our present day, the "dominant species" on earth because we have somehow inherited the world, or have we simply managed to survive in an environment that continues to be shaped by forces beyond our control? In other words, is our current dominance on Earth a sign of spiritual fulfillment, or are we simply an accident of history, existing in a world that has seen multiple apocalyptic cycles?
The idea that humanity is the "dominant species" today could be seen as a paradox. On one hand, we've achieved scientific, technological and social advancements. We dominate the planet in ways no other species has. On the other hand, we are also grappling with environmental destruction, geopolitical instability, economic inequality, and existential threats like climate change. If we are the meek who have inherited the earth, why does the world seem so far from being a place of peace, justice, and divine fulfillment?
The Case for Preterism: Why It Isn't Pushed More
One of the more fascinating aspects of preterism is why it isn't more widely embraced, especially given its compelling theological implications. Despite its clear scriptural backing and historical resonance, preterism remains a fringe perspective within mainstream Christianity.
Part of the reason for this is likely due to its challenge to traditional eschatological beliefs. The vast majority of Christians still subscribe to a futurist view, where the Second Coming of Christ is an event yet to occur, and apocalyptic prophecies remain an open-ended, future expectation. Preterism's emphasis on the fulfillment of prophecy in the past can be unsettling to those who expect a dramatic, global upheaval to signal the final coming of God's kingdom.
Moreover, preterism offers a radically different understanding of the Christian faith. If the apocalyptic judgments have already occurred, and if Christ's return is not a physical event but a spiritual one, what does that mean for the Church's mission today? Seriously, wtf are they even doing anymore?! What is the role of Christians in a world where the end times are already over? These are difficult questions that many are not ready or willing to confront, especially in a religious landscape that often emphasizes imminent apocalyptic expectations.
Additionally, the commercial and cultural appeal of future-based doomsday tales can't just be overlooked. The "Left Behind" series, apocalyptic films, and books continue to captivate audiences with their dramatic portrayals of the end times. The idea that the world is heading toward a cataclysmic showdown between good and evil taps into deep fears and desires for resolution, making futurist eschatology a far more marketable and emotionally engaging viewpoint than preterism.
Conclusion:
The question of whether we are truly the meek who have inherited the earth remains an open one, deeply intertwined with theological debates about prophecy, the nature of history, and the role of humanity in the world. Preterism offers a fascinating alternative perspective on biblical prophecy, suggesting that many of the apocalyptic events described in scripture have already come to pass.
Whether or not preterism will ever become a more dominant view within Christianity remains uncertain. However, its ability to challenge conventional interpretations of prophecy, and its invitation to rethink the nature of divine fulfillment, offers a profound theological and philosophical exploration of our place in the world. And as for whether humanity is truly the dominant species in the end times, that's a question that continues to provoke thought, reflection, and debate. Perhaps, in the end, the meekness required to inherit the earth isn't about dominance at all—but about humility, patience, and the willingness to recognize the divine in the everyday moments of life.