 This is a common viewpoint of modern Christian scholars such as Gregory Beale in his "New International Greek Testament Commentary" on the Book of Revelation.Some Idealist interpretations identify none of the book's symbols with particular historical events while some idealists like Beale take a more eclectic approach which see that the book portrays events throughout history while also predicting some future events such as the return of Christ.In this view, the beast from the sea is interpreted as the state or any human kingdom that is in opposition to God.