Definition

1. Noun:
   • A theologian holding a specific interpretive view of biblical prophecy: A preterist is a person, specifically a theologian, who believes that the major prophecies found in the Book of Revelation (the Apocalypse) and other eschatological scriptures were fulfilled in the past, typically in events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD or the early history of the Church, rather than awaiting future fulfillment.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • As a preterist, she argues that the Beast described in Revelation symbolized the Roman Empire.
  • The debate between the preterist and the futurist scholars centered on the timing of prophetic events.

Advanced Usage

• "Full preterist" vs. "Partial preterist": These are subcategories within preterist theology. A believes many but not all biblical prophecies are fulfilled, often still anticipating a future Second Coming. A (or consistent preterist) believes all prophecy, including the Second Coming and the Resurrection, has already been fulfilled in a spiritual sense.
  • His views evolved from partial preterism to full preterism.

Variants and Related Words

• Preterism (n): The theological system or doctrine associated with the preterist viewpoint.
  • Preterism offers a historical interpretation of apocalyptic literature.

Synonyms

• Historical interpreter (in the specific context of biblical prophecy).
• Fulfillment theologian (contrasted with futurist or dispensationalist theologians).

Related Terms (Contrast)

• Futurist (n): A theologian who believes most biblical prophecies are yet to be fulfilled in the future.
• Idealist (n): A theologian who interprets apocalyptic prophecy as symbolic of the ongoing struggle between good and evil throughout history, not tied to specific past or future events.

Noun

1. a theologian who believes that the Scripture prophecies of the Apocalypse (the Book of Revelation) have already been fulfilled