Apocalypse: A Catholic Perspective on the Book of Revelation

I've heard several different interpretations of the book of Revelation in the Bible, but this one breaks the book down into its respective chapters/verses. It's easy to get caught up in all the "fear and dread" that seems to come from many sources and it's great to read something that is more direct. The author doesn't claim to have complete understanding, but does clarify some of the mystical language and symbolism. This book will be a wonderful resource for our religious education classes.

Father Doyle, a biblical scholar, admits to having been uncomfortable with the Book of Revelation at one time. In fact, he found it confusing, disturbing, discouraging, and even frightening. His reaction was complicated by the tendency of some to view Revelation as a crystal ball through which God revealed the future. Doyle's way out of the confusion, which is the basis for this book, is a means of interpreting God's word introduced by Pius XII in 1943 and confirmed by the Second Vatican Council 20 years later. The key rests in three specific directives: return to the author's original language, discover what the human author intended, and determine the literary form the author was using to convey God's message. After explaining these steps, Doyle applies them to Revelation, presenting passages in sequence over 55 chapters consisting of the reading; an analysis of the language, intention, and form; and a reflection. Addressing Rev. 12: 7-12, for example, Doyle posts the heading "The Mother of all Wars" to indicate the heavenly war in which Michael and his angels triumph over "the great dragon," Satan. Doyle reminds us that Revelation was written for a "beleaguered, confused, despairing" people who felt they were being conquered by the power of darkness and needed the heavenly vision "to give them hope in their own struggle." We are then pointed to references from the gospels of Luke and John proclaiming victory for Jesus and the Father over darkness, demons, and Satan. We know for certain, Doyle reaffirms, that even as forces of evil continue, "with Jesus, we are on the winning side and we won't have to harbor an anxiety bordering on despair." Individuals and groups interested in learning more about the Book of Revelation would be wise to start with "Apocalypse." Though book is packed with information, the explanations are clear and the chapters are short enough to be absorbed and integrated at a comfortable pace.