Title: History & Mystery: The Complete Eschatological Encyclopedia of Prophecy, Apocalypticism, Mythos and Worldwide Dynamic Theology — Volume 1
Author: Bernie L. Calaway
Publisher: Authors Press
ISBN: 978-1-64314-458-0
Genre: Religious
Pages: 592
Reviewed by: Susan Brown
Pacific Book Review
Have you ever wondered what an Archangel is? Or the significance of the number seven in the Bible. How long a cubit is? Who was Balaam of Moab? What was the Ancient Order of Nobles and Mystics?
These are just a small sampling of the prodigious number of questions which come to light, and are answered, in this exhaustive tome that explains the many mysteries in the Bible. In this, the first segment of a five-volume set, author Calaway covers in 60 essays, theology that is primarily concerned with the doctrine of last things. As identified in the subtitle, this includes an incomparable amount of information about the historical activities and events recorded in the Bible.
This book is encyclopedic in form. At the start there is a detailed list of abbreviations used throughout the book, followed by background information on everything from the significance of numbers to symbolism to a list of feast days. Each subsequent essay is meticulously researched and at the end of every one is a bibliography that identifies further reading.
Author Bernie L. Calaway assures, “The writing is from the perspective of Biblical scholarship, not stupefying theology.” A welcome distinction. This book does not push any specific ideology, rather it simply explains. There are particulars about Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions, wisdom and lore. The author provides perspective on Jesus, the greatest prophet, on Revelation’s twin themes of judgment and virtue and the existence of heaven and hell. Bernie L. Calaway provides a discourse on the difference between cults and sects, identifies current and past secret societies, even showcases a list of media evangelists, and so much more.
Particularly timely is the final chapter that highlights warnings and predictions on what will be happening in the end times, leading up to Judgement Day. There is so much in this book, really more of a reference guide that you can jump in and out of, driven by your own Biblical interest levels. Any one of the essays can stand alone as a complete monograph. I found myself reading chapters by the handful with a break in between. And certainly, it is a book that is a great addition to the bookshelf of any student of the Bible.
Just in case you can’t wait to find out the answers to the beginning of this review, they are: a classification of the angelic beings aligned with the so-called “lower” powers; stands for perfection in almost every instance of use in which apocalyptic language is operative; 18 inches; a false prophet (Num. 22-24); and a quasi-Masonic order claiming to be an offshoot of the Illuminati but with aspects of the Order of the Rosy Cross.
History & Mystery: The Complete Eschatological Encyclopedia of Prophecy, Apocalypticism, Mythos and Worldwide Dynamic Theology — Volume 1 is comprehensive and consistent. I would recommend this book to all Christians, regardless of the denominational/non-denominational ties, to pick up this book to increase your spiritual journey.
