Medieval Lexicon of Symbology

The terms Preterism, Futurism, and Missionism refer to the views of interpreting prophecy found in the New Testament.  These prophecies are generally regarding what is referred to as the End Times and are found primarily in the book of Revelation, as well as in the Olivet Discourse recorded in the Gospels.  There are, however, several other passages in Paul's epistles (2 Thessalonians) that reference Jesus' second coming that are also key elements in our understanding of eschatological principles.  Another reference is 1 John's discussion of the Spirit of antichrist. Futurism asserts that none of the New Testament prophecy have been fulfilled at this point, and that all the references are to future events that will happen at Jesus' future second coming, heralding the end of our current existence on Earth. Typically, these prophecies are referring to real events that are interpreted literally whenever possible, and as references to real events even when symbolic....

 The Escape Valve Theory is an explanation for the seemingly intractable religious wars that, throughout history, seem to characterize certain regions and time periods. This is typically a phenomenon in cultures that are steeply divided by class, particularly economic class, with elite leaders who live lives of luxury and affluence.  These leaders are supported by an underclass that is economically impoverished, with no hope of upward mobility or improving their lives in any way.  This serf class is necessary for things like manual labor, agriculture, mining and so the ruling class need to keep them at a certain population level.   However, if the serf class begins to rise to form an independently wealthy middle or merchant class, or if they become informed by education or the free exchange of ideas, then they become difficult to control.  The educated or middle class begins to question the authoritarian policies of their rulers and they begin to protest an...