Demystifying the Book of Revelation

“The Book of Revelation has given rise to various discordant views of the end times. Franciscan Father William Burton, a biblical scholar, offers a detailed but very accessible explanation of the book, placing it in the context of apocalyptic literature, specifically the Book of Daniel, and showing that apocalyptic literature is directed at the society of the time of writing, not at some future audience. Burton (St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary) then moves on to a consideration of the Book of Revelation itself. The talking-head style is relieved by the insertion of appropriate illustrations and germane texts. Finally, Burton considers modern rapture literature, focusing on Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins’s ‘Left Behind’ series, arguing that the authors misinterpret the text and actually offer what he sees as a dangerous interpretation, for example, in terms of the role of the nation of Israel as it relates to the end times. VERDICT A scholarly yet reachable introduction to an often misunderstood text that will appeal to all who desire a critical examination of this most perplexing of biblical books.” —Augustine J. Curley, Newark Abbey, NJ, Library Journal

“In Demystifying the Book of Revelation, Fr. William Burton, OFM, accomplishes a difficult task: unpacking the complex symbolism of apocalyptic literature – and the Book of Revelation in particular – in a manner consistent with Catholic tradition while combating distorted interpretations that have come to dominate modern Christianity in recent decades. Through six video segments Fr. Burton carefully lays out the historical and literary background of the Book of Revelation. Significant time is spent discussing the genre of apocalyptic literature in Jewish tradition and making connections between the symbols employed by John of Patmos and the situation of the early Church under Roman rule. Fr. Burton also spends an entire segment debunking the popular ‘rapture’ theory popularized by fundamentalist Christians and the Left Behind series. The lecture by Fr. Burton is punctuated with artwork and video illustrations which, while not rising to the quality of other Catholic video series on the market, nevertheless serve the purpose of the material. The DVD comes packaged with a short discussion guide containing questions for small groups, making the videos easy to use in a parish formation or educational setting. Recommended for all libraries.” —Jonathan F. Sullivan, Catholic Library World