readrevelation.org

I wrote this part of the course as art, in response to art. So I hope you will read it as art.

As I use the word, art has to do with sharing an artist’s view. Many of the books written and sermons preached about the Bible have to do with shaping an audience’s response rather than sharing an artist’s view. A preacher will often tell you what you should get out of a passage; an artist will show you what he or she sees in a passage. I think you don’t have to understand or agree with everything to see in it what will thrill you and fill an empty spot in your soul. That’s art.

Since the age of twelve, I have responded with both joy and puzzlement to the art with which the author of Revelation put together the material. Through the years of my immersion in the book in private hours, in public lectures, and in a masters thesis on the Book of Revelation, I continually find new thrill and filling in its art.

Although I suggest reading this book first as experience, I also invite the reader into analysis of its components. In each chapter I have included and blended in several different elements of the art.

For instance, rather than merely telling the reader that Revelation parallels Daniel, I have blended the scenes and themes of Daniel right in with those of Revelation to create the experience that the first century reader might have had as he or she heard the words of John while being reminded of the words of Daniel.

From the scenes I have distilled practical "how to" maxims for use in daily life today. From the themes I have extended spiritual laws, laws of recovery and healing for hurting hearts. These "how to" maxims and spiritual laws are present to be discovered in each chapter.

Further I have continued, little by little, chapter by chapter, to build the big picture. My hope is that somewhere in this course the reader will experience the "Aha!"; the sense of "Oh, that’s what it’s about!"; the moment when more puzzle pieces finally fit into place to hint at the brightness of the big picture.

In the interest of this art I have not tried to defend all I see. I have merely used it as colors for my paintbrush.

Please do read the Bible passages recommended at the beginning of each chapter. I may retell the scenes or I may not. I may retell them in a sort of surreal or parabolic way, so I will feel better if you will get the biblical sections in mind before reading my chapters.