Book Review on Apocalypse and Allegiance Worship Politics and Devotion in the Book of Revelation

Apocalypse and Fidelity

Worship, Politics, and Devotion in the Book of Revelation

• Format

  Paperback

  ISBN

  9781587432613

  Dimensions

  6 ten 9

  Pub. Date

  Apr 2010

  SRP

  $24.00

  Carton Quantity

  xxx

  Number of pages

  224

• Format

  E-Book

  ISBN

  9781441212559

  Pub. Engagement

  Apr 2010

  SRP

  $24.00

About

"A meticulously researched and beautifully written work. This book is a tool that can be used easily in university and seminary classrooms and in adult didactics groups in churches. The ancients wanted their literature to brainwash, persuade, and entertain. Kraybill ticks all of the boxes, seeming to know simply the right corporeality of information and challenge to bring to readers."--Pamela Thimmes, OSC, Catholic Biblical Quarterly

In this lively and attainable introduction, respected New Testament scholar J. Nelson Kraybill shows how the book of Revelation was understood past its original readers and how John's apocalypse is relevant to the spiritual life of believers today. Kraybill places Revelation in its showtime-century historical context, opening a window into the political, economic, and social realities of the early on church. When placed in this context, Revelation comes into focus as a summons to follow Jesus: just as Christians in the first century had to determine whether their loyalty was with Babylon/Rome or the New Jerusalem, followers of Jesus today must make costly choices of fidelity and beliefs when kingdoms come up into conflict.

Apocalypse and Allegiance offers a fresh interpretation of Revelation that highlights its liturgical structure. The book includes questions and illustrations that turn readers' attentions to twenty-first-century issues of empire, worship, and fidelity. It is illustrated throughout with images of aboriginal sites, artwork from the catacombs, and Roman coins and with stories of modern Christians who live out John'due south radical vision of a New Jerusalem. The book also includes maps, timelines, a glossary, and discussion questions that invite further personal or group reflection.

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Endorsements

"Nelson Kraybill has written a fresh, vigorous, imaginative, demanding exposition of the book of Revelation. He has seen how deeply political the book is and has washed superb homework on the Roman governance with which Revelation struggles. Only his shrewd historical assay keeps spilling over into our contemporary life--the life of a military machine chaplain in Texas, a health-care practise in Indiana, prison visitors in Nebraska, peacemakers in Palestine, a poet in Japan, the police force confounded in Southward Africa. This way of contemporaneity helps us engage this 'about dangerous book in the Bible.' Readers will exist grateful to Kraybill for his agility that continues to surprise and summon equally we read."--Walter Brueggemann, professor emeritus, Columbia Theological Seminary

"Few today would doubt the political perspective of the volume of Revelation, merely which perspective: that of fatalism or that of agile witness and resistance? Writing from the distinctive perspective of the Anabaptist tradition, Nelson Kraybill creatively juxtaposes ancient and gimmicky history to illuminate the way this remarkable vision both troubles the conceited and inspires resistance to conformity in the quest for a better world."--Christopher Rowland, Dean Republic of ireland Professor of the Exegesis of Holy Scripture, University of Oxford

"Though the written report and practice of Christian worship has long been deepened by the canticles of Revelation iv, 5, and seven, the remainder of the book is rarely engaged in many communities. This provocative volume confronts this neglect and helps us imagine the importance of worship practices that are prophetic, countercultural, and deeply aware of the cosmic significance of the merits that Jesus is Lord."--John D. Witvliet, director, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary

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The Author

1. 

   J. Nelson Kraybill

   J. Nelson Kraybill (PhD, Matrimony Theological Seminary in Virginia) has served as president of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary and has taught the book of Revelation for more than twenty years on four continents. He is the author of Imperial Cult and...

   Continue reading nearly J. Nelson Kraybill

Reviews

"This is an exceptionally fine and fresh study of the theology of the book of Revelation. . . . 1 of the striking features of the volume is that it weaves reflections throughout on our contemporary world, washed without stridency yet even so forceful. Series of reflection questions throughout the volume heighten its capacity for use as thoughtful spiritual reading or as a resource for what would surely exist a lively group Bible written report."--Donald Senior, CP, The Bible Today"A challenging but accessible interpretation of Revelation every bit a summons to true worship and appropriate allegiance. . . . What is distinctive most this volume . . . is the way Kraybill makes first-century regal realities come to life and then gently but consistently invites the reader to raise questions well-nigh and run into coordinating situations in our own context. In dissimilarity to some critics of empire, Kraybill accomplishes this without coming across as self-righteous or condescending. . . . Each chapter concludes with 2 features that are crucial to the book's purpose. The outset is a set of 3 reflection questions, many of which are quite provocative. . . . The second interesting feature at the cease of each chapter is a story of real-life Christians, from either the early or the mod church, who embodied the vision of the particular attribute of Christian fidelity discussed in that chapter. . . . These vignettes are 1 of the volume's greatest strengths. . . . Apocalypse and Fidelity is a volume that raises questions and presents perspectives that all pastors, other leaders of Christian communities, and people in the pews need to wrestle with."--Michael J. Gorman, Christian Century"This attractively produced book has many interesting illustrations, diagrams, a glossary, and virtually useful, a good index. Worship, pagan and Christian, is a dominant theme in the estimation of the Book of Revelation equally presented here. The contemporary references are many throughout, and the author stresses the political implications of his exegesis--even worship is political."--Ian Gibbs, thegoodbookstall.org.united kingdom of great britain and northern ireland

"[Kraybill] is an enthusiast nearly the last book of the New Attestation. His excitement and insight permeate every page of this book most Revelation. While Kraybill is an adept, he wears his learning lightly. This volume is readable and understandable for any serious Bible educatee. The frequent use of stories and photographs and the questions at the terminate of each chapter make this an infrequent Bible study resource. . . . Each chapter is embedded in the historical context. The visuals help readers sense how Scripture is not isolated from the full historical experience of the early church building. . . . This is rich Scripture study. It is a model of understanding what these texts meant to the offset-century church building and what they can mean for the 21st-century church. In a time of growing awareness of an American empire--and, more broadly, a dominating Western culture--reading Revelation through the eyes and insights of Nelson Kraybill is a spiritual tonic."--John A. Lapp, Mennonite Weekly Review

"An accessible written report of a book of the Bible that most Christians either ignore or interpret erroneously. . . . This would brand an excellent resource for a Lord's day school class."--The Mennonite

"Kraybill describes how the many seemingly hugger-mugger and mysterious passages of the book [of Revelation] would have helped the early Christians to navigate their lives. . . . Each chapter has recommended biblical readings and reflection questions, besides as a story, mostly of modern people who are giving their total allegiance to Jesus Christ in many different ways. It is a useful written report guide, total of illustrations and diagrams that help the reader sympathize the semiotic world of Revelation and retrieve well-nigh their allegiances."--Dave Rogalsky, Canadian Mennonite"Few books of the New Testament seem to attract such a various range of interpretations as does the book of Revelation, but fewer introductions accomplish such a fresh approach equally J. Nelson Kraybill'south Apocalypse and Allegiance. . . . [This book] stands out among introductions to the volume of Revelation for a number of reasons. Start, Kraybill presents a reading of Revelation that seriously attempts to interpret the bulletin in the context of the first century, but he also seeks to demonstrate how the bulletin of Revelation speaks to modern 24-hour interval Christians. He succeeds in blending scholarship and practical application. . . . Second, his near significant contribution is that he provides a wealth of knowledge concerning life in the Roman Empire and how it intersected Christian living. Third, Kraybill writes lucidly and leaves no uncertainty near what he believes. Even if one disagrees with his interpretations, it is insightful, informative, provocative, and it challenges readers to examine their allegiances."--Alan South. Swap, Southeastern Theological Review"Kraybill creates a refreshing structure that communicates what he believes is the essential bulletin of John's letter. His unique approach lends itself to Kraybill's purpose of identifying the fundamental political systems of emperor worship, the kingdom of God, and how they are influencing people in both John's day and ours. The author has struck a great residuum in his work. Kraybill'south cultural understanding of first century Rome will give any reader a clearer view of the political structure of John'south day. . . . This text is recommended. . . . The author's exegetical and cultural data on the Roman Empire is outstanding. This volume will lend itself to whatever educatee as an adjutant to understand the civilization of the New Testament in general. . . . Kraybill's insight into the employ of violence, its place and understanding in Scripture, and the proper Christian response are admirable."--Gary D. Almon, Southern Baptist Journal of Theology"In my view, this is one of the best books on Revelation available today. With plenty of photos, illustrations, vignettes of persons who take faithfully lived the vision in the past and today, a timeline, a glossary, and provocative finish-of-affiliate questions for reflection, I wish every Cosmic, individually or in parish groups, would read it."--Tobias Winright, National Catholic Reporter"Kraybill provides students of Revelation with a bright, historically grounded, and innovative introduction to the significant and ongoing significance of John's Apocalypse. . . . Each chapter abounds with vivid photographs of ancient coins, temples, altars, and cities in gild to illustrate the historical situation of John and the churches he addressed. . . . There is much to commend in this brief introduction. Kraybill's sketch of the historical background, based on primary sources, is unmatched for its relevance and accessibility. It is concise without being superficial. The text is eminently readable and easily holds the reader'south attention. The structure of the book innovatively highlights the historical background necessary for authentic interpretation. Finally, Kraybill is intensely practical throughout, calling God'due south people to faithful obedience, witness, and nearly of all, worship. He has produced a book that will turn a profit pastors, church members, beginning students, and seasoned scholars."--Alexander E. Stewart, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

"The Book of Revelation is an enigma for many Christians, neglected and bypassed by most preachers and ordinary Christians, exploited and sensationalized past others for personal profit. Nelson Kraybill'southward scholarly piece of work is a refreshing change. Rather than a poetry past verse commentary, Apocalypse and Allegiance provides a critical estimation, an analytical introduction to the major themes of the Book of Revelation. . . . The text of this provocative book is enlivened by a judicious use of photographs throughout. Glossary and index add value to the book as a possible written report text for higher classes and church building groups."--Roger E. Hedlund, Dharma Deepika"[An] excellent introduction to the terminal book of the New Testament. . . . The bully value of this volume, . . . and the thing that makes it an immensely useful resource for whatever modernistic-24-hour interval reader of Revelation, is Kraybill's extensive marshaling of the historic details that illuminate what the book'southward imagery and symbolism would accept meant to John of Patmos and to the outset-century provincial Roman subjects to whom and for whom he was writing. . . . Kraybill is an invaluable guide to readers of Revelation who want to acquire from history."--Fred Clark, slacktivist blog

"A compelling, thoroughly Anabaptist exposition of Revelation. Scholars, pastors, and teachers looking for profound new approaches to Revelation and church members who demand an culling to pop, vehement stop-times literature will find reassuring its message of nonviolent resistance. [It] is required reading for anybody wishing to understand Revelation from an Anabaptist perspective. . . . Apocalypse and Allegiance is sound biblical and historical scholarship. . . . Kraybill also provides helpful theological insights from Revelation. . . . Another positive feature of the book is that each chapter has helpful questions for reflection. . . . Kraybill's insightful work has stimulated my thinking. This is a helpful book that should be in the library of every student of Revelation and indeed every Anabaptist church member."--John R. Yeatts, Mennonite Quarterly Review"A readable and highly-seasoned introduction to the study of the Apocalypse. . . . What is fresh and original is Kraybill'due south thesis that worship shapes 'allegiance' and 'allegiance' is the dominant issue of John's day, the principal lens through which his long vision can exist understood. . . . Using carefully culled historical data, primary texts, and abundant illustrations, Kraybill provides practical and helpful guidance through the Roman world as a means for understanding John's foreign, puzzling, and troubling text. . . . A meticulously researched and beautifully written work. This book is a tool that can be used easily in university and seminary classrooms and in adult education groups in churches. The ancients wanted their literature to brainwash, persuade, and entertain. Kraybill ticks all of the boxes, seeming to know just the correct amount of information and challenge to bring to readers."--Pamela Thimmes, OSC, Catholic Biblical Quarterly"A provocative book placing Revelation in the context of first century emperor worship and drawing out contemporary applications."--Ray Van Neste, Preaching"The book thoughtfully employs elements of a non-violent or pacifist (Mennonite) reading to both Revelation and life in the world."--Gordon Campbell, Journal for the Study of the New Testament

"[Kraybill'southward] intimate familiarity with and passion for the Apocalypse are clearly axiomatic in this helpful exposition of Revelation. . . . The volume is . . . an insightful exploration of the major themes, with preeminence given to the importance of worship in the Apocalypse. The reliable theological and historical commentaries in each affiliate are augmented by features that will raise the value of the work for individual and grouping study. . . . [The book] superbly fulfill[south] the purpose for which it was written--to provide a well-informed, idea-provoking report guide on Revelation. Kraybill does an first-class job of bridging the cultural and chronological gap between first-century Asia Minor and the Western earth of the xx-first century. One great value of this book is that information technology will help people in the church realize that, contrary to popular understandings, Revelation is more about faithful living in the present than about predictions of the future."--Mitchell G. Crimson, Estimation"Apocalypse and Allegiance combines solid scholarship, an accessible style, theological depth, spiritual encouragement, and social critique. Kraybill packs an impressive amount of content in a relatively small space, addressing both general readers and scholars with a refreshing perspective on the book of Revelation. Kraybill's scholarly strength is his understanding of the historical setting for the book of Revelation and his item expertise in political and economic dynamics. . . . To the reader's do good, he does not simply describe a fascinating ancient document but as well makes perceptive applications to the present twenty-four hours. . . . [This volume] will work well in classroom and Bible written report contexts. . . . An first-class volume, making a nearly useful contribution to present-twenty-four hours Christian faithfulness to the way of Jesus."--Ted Grimsrud, Conrad Grebel Review

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