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Here’s the analogy: apocalyptic literature functions like a political cartoon. Both use non-literal, symbolic images to describe literal realities and ideas. Typically, I’ll say: “Imagine a political cartoon in which President Bush is riding an elephant and is being chased by a herd of donkeys. What does that mean? Does it mean that our nation’s leader is riding a literal elephant on a safari with literal donkeys in hot pursuit?”

People usually smile and respond, “No.” They understand that the elephant stands for the GOP, while the donkeys represent Democratic leadership.

“But that’s how some people interpret apocalyptic literature,” I’ll say. “They insist on taking figurative details literally.” I point out, then, what the cartoon communicates: the Democratic leaders are going after the President on a particular political issue. So, does the cartoon refer to something literal? Yes. But does it use literal language to describe this literal reality? No.

The image of a political cartoon helps people understand the balance or relationship between figurative and literal. Last Sunday, I projected an actual cartoon from a recent newspaper (which I purchased for public projection). I’m planning to do the same again this Sunday to make sure that people ‘get it.’

I’ve also likened the book of Revelation to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis. I’ll point out that the N.T. epistles resemble Mere Christianity – a book by Lewis with a series of lectures explaining Christianity. But Revelation uses fantasy literature similar to what’s in the Narnia series to communicate its message.

Have you found any images or ways to help listeners make sense of the Bible’s apocalyptic texts?