The historical ignorance of the Book of Enoch among Western Protestant churches, from the formation of the Westminster Confession through the establishment of American settlements and later the USA, raises questions about the credibility of contemporary evangelical opinions on this ancient text. Initially, the Book of Enoch was largely unknown to Western Christianity, with its existence not widely recognized until its discovery in Ethiopia in the 18th century. Even after its translation into English, the book remained obscure during the formative periods of evangelicalism. It was not until the mid-20th century, with the discovery of Enochic fragments among the Dead Sea Scrolls, that the book's antiquity and significance within early Jewish and Christian traditions were more fully appreciated.
Given this prolonged period of ignorance, the prevalent evangelical views on the Book of Enoch today may lack the depth and historical context necessary for a fully informed theological stance. The absence of Enoch in foundational Protestant confessions and its minimal impact on early evangelical thought mean that many contemporary evangelical perspectives may not adequately reflect the text's historical and theological importance. However, correcting this ignorance by integrating the Book of Enoch into contemporary theological study could significantly enhance the understanding of the Book of Revelation and related doctrines.
The Book of Enoch contains vivid apocalyptic visions and themes that closely parallel those found in Revelation, such as stars falling from heaven (Revelation 8:10; 1 Enoch 86:1), blood up to the bridle of horses (Revelation 14:20; 1 Enoch 100:3), and the vision of ten thousand times ten thousand saints (Revelation 5:11; 1 Enoch 40:1). Additionally, the implied millennium in Enoch complements Revelation's depiction of a millennial reign (Revelation 20). Recognizing these connections can provide deeper insights into the apocalyptic framework and eschatological expectations shared between these texts. By acknowledging the Enochic influences on Revelation, scholars and believers can develop a more comprehensive understanding of early Christian eschatology and the continuity of apocalyptic traditions. This, in turn, could lead to a more robust and nuanced interpretation of Revelation and its theological implications, enriching the doctrinal foundations of modern evangelicalism.
(ChatGPT with Stephen D Green, 2024)
