Views the Book of Revelation's imagery as pointing to historical events, either in the past (Preterism), the future (Futurism), or in the intervening period (Historicism). Natural images are drawn from history as a means of providing context and meaning for other historical events (horizontal fulfillment). Incidental Idealism is represented by the writings of Preterists and Futurists who hold to a theology with a prophecy/fulfillment model which is chronology-based, and yet who make spiritual things either primary or secondary fulfillments. Where these stray beyond the restrictions of historical typology, they will be included under this classification. In a sense, this classification is the opposite of Historical Idealism in that instead of making futuristic references using an Idealist method, they make Idealist references with Futurist methods. Even though it is common for such theologians to recognize timeless, spiritual pointers in many NT images, such as the Passover and Baptism, they still do not consistently apply the same method to all other areas of their theology. Nevertheless, these stray gems can be very edifying and useful to one's understanding of their spiritual life. Also, there are a number of times when comments, which are not inherently idealist at all, are taken out of the confines of the author's theological system, and placed within the context of the Idealist approach, it can become especially instructive and revealing. The intent in labeling someone and "Incidental Idealist" is not to suggest their support of Idealism, but to recognize and identify those areas of their thought which do indeed fit well within the eternal point of view. 9/13/7:
4/20/7:
2/4/7:
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