Saint John and the Apocalypse

Catholics tend to shy from St. John’s Apocalypse (or “The Book of Revelation”), and understandably so: perhaps no other book of the Bible has been more abused by Protestants who claim to find in its mysterious symbols the basis for vain prophecies and false teachings. But, explains C.C. Martindale, SJ, there is a right way to read the Apocalypse, and a great reward for those who do: “[St. John himself] promises special blessings to those who ‘read it aloud’ and listen to and keep its words.…Moreover, it has been loved at all times by Catholic saints; it can be read and re-read with passionate thrilled interest by children; and unlimited consolation and encouragement can be drawn by all from its many passages of incomparable beauty, tenderness, and sublimity.” Although this brief but brilliant guide to the Apocalypse was first published in 1922, it remains the finest ever written for nonscholars. In six potent chapters, Father Martindale analyzes the book’s structure, explains its many symbols and various levels of meaning, and shows its immediate relevance for our everyday life. Some topics and themes:   The ultimate and most important lesson of the Apocalypse Why the Apocalypse, despite its terrors, is hopeful and encouraging Guidelines for studying the symbolism of St. John and avoiding mere conjecture The five levels of apocalyptic consciousness—and how they help guide our interpretation of meaning ? How we can be certain that the “John” who announces himself as the author of the Apocalypse is the same who wrote the Fourth Gospel The danger of trying to date the Apocalypse after events it seems to predict—and why scholars err in doing so How John’s Apocalypse is itself a fulfillment of the prophecy that the Messiah’s coming would be marked by a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit Why “prophecy” means more than just prediction of the future T