[rating:4.0]
(Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale Publishers 2008)
401 pgs
I admit that this is the first book on “end times” theology I have read. That being said, I am not quite sure this book is actually about the end times (applying every part of Revelation to modern events) as it is about explaining the relationship of Ezekiel’s chapters 38-39 to contemporary politics and world power’s. Perhaps I don’t fully understand what “end times” prophecy is all about, but regardless, the contents of this book were somewhat riveting if not intriguing when viewed from “the third lens” of the Bible. Whereas Rosenberg’s other books are fictional accounts based on Bible prophecy, The Epicenter is non-fiction dealing with specifically Ezekiel’s prophesy.
A quick internet search of Rosenberg indicates, “Joel C. Rosenberg (born 1967) is an American communications strategist, author of the Last Jihad series, and founder of The Joshua Fund. An Evangelical Christian, he has written five novels about terrorism and how he says it relates to Bible Prophecy, including Gold Medallion Book Award winner The Ezekiel Option, along with two nonfiction books, Epicenter and Inside the Revolution, on the alleged resemblance of biblical prophecies and current events.” Rosenberg is a controversial figure in the Christian community because of his various eschatological positions, and he is a controversial figure in society because of his exposure of Islamic goals and strategies. He has been interviewed by CNN as well as other major news agencies, spoken to military leaders at the Pentagon as well as government leaders over the years in an advisory capacity.
The reason I read the book primarily is because it is outside my normal genre of reading, and I had a desire to understand more of where such writers are coming from. I have to say I enjoyed reading accounts of conversations, news articles, and historical events as they pertain to the Bible (according to Rosenberg). The book is chalk full of information including primary accounts of conversations with international leaders and quotes from well-known political leaders. I particularly enjoyed learning about the Temple Mount, current plans for recreating the Temple and temple articles that are already fashioned to be consecrated for use in a Third Temple.
I particularly enjoyed learning about both Jewish and Muslim perspectives on the past and the future and what a Christian response should be. Rosenberg makes many assertions and connections to modern Middle East policy and activity with the prophecy God gave to Ezekiel (38-39) which, to me, seem plausible and believable. That being said, I am well aware of the myriad of prophetic writings that have come and gone over the last century without fruition.
It would be easy to get bogged down in the many transcripts and recollections of speeches, or the long explanations of historical events, but the book did have a flow to it that allowed me to read it in basically two sittings. Having not before read anything like this, my thinking has changed and my senses will be looking for continued activity from Russia and Iran in particular after having read this book. I am not a conspiracy theorist in any shape or form, however, I am also not blind to the reality of politics and international intrigues having lived overseas for extended periods of time and travelled now in 40 countries.
Because this book was last printed in 2008, it is somewhat dated, but does relate information up to many of the recent international events pertaining to Israel and the Middle East including Iran’s insatiable desire to gain nuclear weapons, which may already have now occurred. However, the imminence with which it suggests serious international clashes to occur are now going on 5 years. No timelines were given and not guarantees offered as to when future events would unfold.
What Rosenberg ends with is God’s ultimate control over world affairs and His will that will be accomplished regardless of what decisions are made by mankind. In other words, we are not the determiners of our destiny, God is. But Christians should be aware of the signs of the times and “be about our Father’s business” in the meantime. Intriguing book, well written, well researched, and God-centered.
by Tom Blackaby