There are plenty of wannabe Bible scholars out there. But bring up the book of Revelation with its dark imagery and apocalyptic themes, and you will quickly scare off the wannabes.

In an attempt to demystify the final book of the New Testament, a local church is holding weekly discussions on the subject.

Beginning Jan. 4, Maplesville Baptist Church will host the discussions at 5 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

“Every church I’ve ever attended has always been interested and fascinated by Revelation,” interim pastor Doug West said. “Most churches feel we are living in the last days.”

West, who will lead the discussions, indicated he wants to look at events prophesied in Revelation and related books of the Bible in light of current events.

“Israel’s invasion of Hamas is a good example,” he said. “People have a lot of questions, and the Bible has a lot to say about Israel and the role Iran plays in it, as well as Iraq and all the other nations that are mentioned in the 38th chapter of Ezekiel.”

West said people will have the opportunity to pose questions and make comments as the group journeys through each chapter of Revelation. Anyone is welcome to join in the discussion, he added.

“There’s a lot to be covered in the past, present and future, and Revelation speaks of all of it,” he said.

It is unknown how many weeks the discussion will last. This will depend on the number of questions and the length at which they are discussed. Either way, everyone will get a chance to share his or her thoughts openly.

“I think one person’s opinion is just as important as another’s,” West said.

He recommends that participants bring a Bible, notebook, pen and, if they wish, a tape recorder.