Apocalypse and Allegiance: Worship, Politics, and Devotion in the Book of Revelation (Spire Books) [Paperback]

J. Nelson Kraybill (Author)

Book Description

Series: Spire Books | Publication Date: April 1, 2010

In this lively introduction, J. Nelson Kraybill shows how the book of Revelation was understood by its original readers and what it means for Christians today. Kraybill places Revelation in its first-century context, opening a window into the political, economic, and social realities of the early church. His fresh interpretation highlights Revelation's liturgical structure and directs readers' attentions to twenty-first-century issues of empire, worship, and allegiance, showing how John's apocalypse is relevant to the spiritual life of believers today. The book includes maps, timelines, photos, a glossary, discussion questions, and stories of modern Christians who live out John's vision of a New Jerusalem.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"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 done superb homework on the Roman governance with which Revelation struggles. But his shrewd historical analysis keeps spilling over into our contemporary life--the life of a military chaplain in Texas, a health-care practice in Indiana, a prison visitor in Nebraska, peacemakers in Palestine, a poet in Japan, the police confounded in South Africa. This way of contemporaneity helps us engage this 'most dangerous book in the Bible.' Readers will be grateful to Kraybill for his agility that continues to surprise and summon as we read."--Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary

"Few today would doubt the political perspective of the book of Revelation, but which perspective: that of fatalism, or that of active witness and resistance? Writing from the distinctive perspective of the Anabaptist tradition, Nelson Kraybill creatively juxtaposes ancient and contemporary history to illuminate the way this remarkable vision both troubles the complacent and inspires resistance to conformity in the quest for a better world."--Christopher Rowland, University of Oxford

"Though the study and practice of Christian worship has long been deepened by the canticles of Revelation 4, 5, and 7, the rest 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 claim that Jesus is Lord."--John D. Witvliet, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary

About the Author

J. Nelson Kraybill (PhD, Union 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 Commerce in John's Apocalypse and frequently speaks in ecclesial and academic settings on biblical themes of discipleship, peacemaking, leadership, and mission. Kraybill lives in Elkhart, Indiana.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Brazos Press (April 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587432617
• ISBN-13: 978-1587432613
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #190,784 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

J. Nelson Kraybill (PhD, New Testament) is Lead Pastor at Prairie Street Mennonite Church in Elkhart, Indiana. He is President Emeritus of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Indiana (having served 1997-2009) and was Programme Director at the London Mennonite Centre in England (1991-1996). He has lectured or preached for diverse audiences in England, Ireland, Spain, Canada, United States, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, Korea and Japan. Contact info: 26103 Vista Lane, Elkhart, IN 46517 USA.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Revelation Finally Revealed., June 29, 2010

By 

S. W. Horn (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Apocalypse and Allegiance: Worship, Politics, and Devotion in the Book of Revelation (Spire Books) (Paperback)

As both a minister and preacher, this is a book I've been waiting for. Finally a book that helps unravel the language and symbols of the last book of the Christian Bible. If you are looking for a traditional commentary that covers the Revelation of John, this is NOT the book for you. But, if you are looking for a book that will help open up the world that John was writing to and help explain how and why he composed his apocalypse the way he did...then this IS the book for you. And, it is the perfect companion to any commentary you might be using.

With his years of experience as both educator and minister, Dr. Kraybill offers the Church an excellent aid in understanding what the historical book of Revelation might offer the contemporary Church. In a kind, but clear, manner, Kraybill seeks to lead the reader away from fear based theologies of Revelation like those found in the Left Behind series and guide them towards a reading that offers the hope in God that John intended.

In addition to the excellent writing, this volume is also filled with excellent pictures and sidebars that help show the reader what Kraybill is trying to explain.

If you are interested in understanding the message of the Revelation of John...this a great place to start.

Wes Horn
Minister
Orient Street Church of Christ

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Apocalypse and Allegiance: Worship, Politics, and Devotion in the Book of Revelation, July 23, 2010

By 

Kenneth Cain (Scottsdale, AZ, US) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Apocalypse and Allegiance: Worship, Politics, and Devotion in the Book of Revelation (Spire Books) (Paperback)

Dr Kraybill has written a masterful and informative work. The book is filled with historical research, especially of the first and second centuries of the Christian era. These historical references lend credibility to his exegetical treatment of Revelation. Dr Kraybill's pacifist agenda is evident but not overpowering. The book is worth the price for the history review alone.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Revelation for the 1st Century, August 9, 2010

By 

MasterAP (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Apocalypse and Allegiance: Worship, Politics, and Devotion in the Book of Revelation (Spire Books) (Paperback)

Apocalypse and Allegiance provides the context of First Century life to aid in understanding the symbols and icons that we read about in the last book of the New Testament.

Kraybill throws his hat in with the crowd who believes that John wrote this Revelation for his audience and not people living 2,000 into the future.

Each segment that some Christians believe refer to today, actually had their true meaning found with the Roman emperors who considered themselves to be divine.

You'll read how John took the words used to worship the gods and emperors of Rome and twisted them to point to the worship of Jesus and Yahweh.

Filled with illustrations and images of the items he refers to, Kraybill's book is for anyone who wants a challenge with how to read Revelation.

It is a great introductory book for the every-man.


This book was provided for review by Brazos Press.