The Inspiring Feedback of Catholic Biblical Scholars about My Recent Article ON Covid-19 and Revelation 6:8

Several days ago, I wrote an article to dispute some writers and preachers claiming that Covid-19 is the fulfillment of what is written in Revelation 6:8. For those who have not read this article, I am referring to this, “Is COVID-19 the Fulfillment Written in Revelation 6:8?”

If you research on Google, you will see some websites posting about Covid-19 being linked to Revelation 6:8. 

After I wrote about this issue, I shared this with some Catholic Biblical scholars whom I know and some of whom are friends and mentors. I did this to find out their comments because others may say that I am doing my own interpretation. 

They gave their feedback after reading my article which was truly inspiring. 

"Well done, Duane!  This is very well argued and well written.  The point you make is a key one about how to interpret Biblical texts:  we can't simply  read our own prejudices and grudges, from this age we live in, back into the prophetic word of God.  These are more general warnings about human  sinfulness, which apply to all of us in every age."

Brian Daley, SJ
Catherine F. Huisking Professor of Theology
University of Notre Dame

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"I like your blog. Well done!"

David Bosworth, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Old Testament
and Biblical Studies Area Director
The Catholic University of America 

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Dear Brother Duane,

I read your article and I think you did a fine job of explaining the text and answering the wrong interpretation, citing many good sources. 

In Revelation, Babylon represents the powerful consumerist pagan culture, originally of Rome but really of every age, not the Catholic Church or any church.   We are exhorted to spiritual separation from that consumerist culture of Babylon (Rev 18), so as not to share in its judgment.   This is an  important message if properly understood.

Keep up the good work!

Dr. Peter S. Williamson

Adam Cardinal Maida Chair of Sacred Scripture
Sacred Heart Major Seminary
Detroit, MI 48206
Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture

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It conveys the correct approach and gives the proper way to understand apocalyptic, and it is very well written and handsomely illustrated.

Eugene Ulrich, M.Div., Ph.D.
Professor of Hebrew Scriptures emeritus
University of Notre Dame 

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"I agree with your take on Revelation.  The key thing to understand about Revelation is it is referring primarily to things that were happening in the first century using OT language describing things that happened much earlier.  For instance the language of the plagues is based on language used originally to Pharaoh in Egypt.  This is how Biblical prophecy works.  It is less about telling the future than it is using language from the past to explain God's will in the present.That said, maybe we can apply the language of Revelation to things happening in our own world.  The Bible is relevant for us too!   But the way to understand that relevance responsibly is first to do the work to understand the words according to what they meant to the original author.  As you say, that is tricky to do."

Peter D. Brown, PhD
Academic Dean
Catholic Distance University | cdu.edu