Customer Reviews

Painting Revelation

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This was not at all what I thought it was going to be. I thought it was going to be a DVD of Debbie's paintings but instead it was a DVD of Debbie explaining Revelations through her one painting. I found it fascinating. The painting technique would probably be described as basic early folk art. The painting is one large picture comprised of smaller tableau's depicting different scenes from Revelations. Revelations is definitely a picture rather than a word view of the future. Debbie stands in front of the painting narrating the story of Revelations while the camera picks out the area of the painting that she is describing. It is a very effective way to teach a very difficult book of the Bible. She chooses common terms so that anyone watching the movie can understand the prophecy. Although it is obvious that she knows what she is talking about, she doesn't overwhelm the viewer with theory and technical divergence, she merely tells the story of Revelations. At the beginning of each section Debbie walks through the woods at her home explaining how she came to paint the story. The DVD also contains a bible study guide and leadership guide. It is an interesting and effective way to tell the story of Revelations. I think it is well worth while and would definitely recommend it.

Filled with abstract and often retributive iconography, the book of Revelation is one of the most difficult in scripture for the average Christian to understand. Reading it through without grounding in its content or possible meanings for the figures appearing in the apostle John's vision leaves many reeling in chaotic sensory overload. Just imagine how John must have felt.

Like many others, my name can be counted amongst those for whom biblical prophecy is a terrible, wild, and confusing no-man's land. The main thrust of materials developed to delve into the prophecies concerning the commonly termed "end-times" tends towards forecasts, timelines, drawing parallels (imagined or real) between current events and scripture; What In the World Is Going On? is a best-selling example of this approach. Fictional interpretations speculating on how Revelation might be played out in the future such as the Left Behind series have also been met with a torrent of consumer response. In the midst of all such projections I find myself wondering... if Jesus Himself stipulated that He neither knew the day or hour when He would return, how can we hope to do better?

It was with some caution that my family sat down to view Painting Revelation: A Visual Exploration of the Last Book of the Bible from artist and teacher Debby Topliff. Upon seeing the disc's brightly painted cover my husband declared that our six-year-old could do as well, my young children protested in anticipation of a boring documentary-style film, and I braced myself for the potential onslaught of anti-Christ/Middle East/oil crisis/terrorism imagery. Forty-five minutes later we emerged from a beautifully captivating, gentle, face-value presentation of the book of Revelation, our initial impressions having been proven utterly groundless and inaccurate.

The film's creatrix, Debby Toppliff, experienced the same confusion when confronted with the book of Revelation as a young Christian receiving her Masters degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois. Many years later she engaged in an intensive Precepts-based course of study and through charting, notes, and most importantly a pictorial timeline she drew that ordered the visual descriptions John shares from his vision, she began to make Revelation her own. It was this timeline that planted the first inkling of a large painting encompassing the visual imagery of Revelation on a single canvas. Encouraged by a friend and undaunted by her lack of professional training as an artist, she completed the task in a spirit of lighthearted love regardless of whether the final result resembled that of a seven-year-old. It is this painting - bright, bold, and yes, beautiful - that she uses to guide us through the confusing, tumultuous landscape so many of us find in the Bible's last book.

Topliff presents the book of Revelation in five interrelated segments of 7 - 12 minutes each: "An Open Door", "Opening the Scroll", "Behind the Scenes", "The Open Book of Life", and "Open Gates." Topliff begins each section with a personal reflection and sharing from her life; the meaning of certain passages to her personally and insight into her own Christian walk. Aided by her large 5' x 7' painting she gently guides viewers through the events of Revelation as they occur within the Bible itself, providing little commentary and without seeking to tie the narrative to current events. The letters to the seven churches are not pictorially represented nor addressed on the DVD; the focus remains upon the powerful images and symbolic events described by John.

It is difficult to express the beauty of what Topliff has created. When viewed on the whole her painting is stunning, though simple in execution. It is as though the spirit of God has anointed her work, and the glory shines through the painting, rather than drawing its aesthetic appeal through technical merit. Her verbal tour through her work is certain but never strident, both authentically honest and loving. While the reality of eternal punishment is never hidden, Topliff draws viewers into the recognition of the safety, joy, and eternal love that is found within the promise of Revelation for those who follow Jesus.

The message of Painting Revelation is one that reaches viewers no matter their age. In one chair our three-year-old was as equally captivated as her 43-year-old father. Topliff's delivery is always calm and reassuring so that even the most graphic events described in Revelation, when illustrated by simple figures with little detail, never created a sense of fear or alarm in our young ones. As easily as small viewers receive this orientation to Revelation, older individuals can dig in deep with the extensive study resources provided on the DVD-ROM for use on personal computers. These same resources are also available for download at the Painting Revelation website. With instructions for planning a study, discussion guides, worksheets, leaders guide, a visual key to the painting, and a JPEG of the entire work, adults can dig deep individually or in a small group setting. Repeated viewings will add further depth and understanding as well.

Oh, what a blessing Topliff's work will prove to be for so many. I was deeply moved by her simple, heartfelt, spirit-filled approach to the end of the story that God has written for our world. Painting Revelation will hold a treasured position in our family's home library for years to come.

Do visit the the Painting Revelation website to view a brief video trailer, see the entire painting, find additional ideas for using the DVD and more.

My husband and I have watched Debby Topliff's DVD on Revelation more than once and each time we were delighted with new details we picked up. Her interpretive imagery makes the book of Revelation come alive. That is a gift to those of us who need visual tools to enhance our understanding. We recently showed the DVD to our Small Group and they loved it! They were impressed with many things: Debby's passion for God's Word, her quiet spirit, and her sensitive ability to deliver an engaging explanation about a very difficult passage of Scripture, the complex simplicity and detail captured in the painting, and the message of the devastation, trials, beauty, and hope all wrapped up in one amazing presentation.

The AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION chose Painting Revelation as one of the TOP TEN religion videos for 2008 & 2009!!

"Debby is an extraordinary person--she lives with this profound sense that every moment matters, every conversation counts, and God might really be here with us, right here, right now. She reminds me that sometimes prophets use paintbrushes."
-- Rob Bell, author and founding pastor, Mars Hill

"In a thoughtful and artistic way, Debby allows us to hear the words of this mysterious book in a fresh way. This video, like the book of Revelation itself, carries with it its own blessing."
-- John Ortberg, author and teaching pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian

"Debby Topliff has a wonderful way of integrating Scripture, art, story, and prayer. She makes the Book of Revelation come alive both visually and spiritually. She provides a unique resource for churches, small groups, or even individual devotion."
-- Jim Wallis, Editor-in-Chief, Sojourners magazine

"This is an anointed project. The video focuses on a still painting, only made into "action" by the camera work. The whole thing draws you in as if it were the most intense action film of Hollywood. Debby Topliff delivers the Truth and the anointing of the Holy Spirit provides the magnetism to want to hear more and more of how the book of Revelation unfolds. I love it for adults to help them understand the story John detailed. I love it for children, because it is easy to follow the storyline and the visuals have impact. Production values are high. Musical score is perfect! This is truly a key ministry tool for adults, youth, and grade schoolers."

-- Carole Inman, Director of Ministry, AnGeL Ministries, Raleigh, NC

"This is an amazing production that I believe the Holy Spirit can greatly use to bring people into the reality of the message and truth of the Book of Revelation. Debby's passion comes through and the Holy Spirit really makes the book of Revelation come to life. "
-- Brad Long, author and executive director, PRMI

"This last book of the Bible really is a work of art, so what better way to approach it than through the visual art and wonderful words of Debby Topliff? I highly commend Painting Revelation for personal study, small groups, and even sermon illustration."
-- Tony Jones, author and national coordinator of Emergent Village

"It was helpful to hear Revelation taught from an artist's perspective - with room for metaphor, mystery, and looking at the whole instead of the parts. I have always had many questions about Revelation and tend to avoid it, but seeing it through a different lens made me much more at peace with it."
-- Kristen Bell, MA OT, founding partner of Mars Hill

"Debby's simple style of painting is perfect to capture the various emotions of Revelation in a way that allows us to complete our own images of John's vision. I especially appreciated the simplicity of the video so that her Scripture reading is enhanced, but not overpowered by the graphics. For our visual age we need more expressions of God's Word like this."
-- Timothy R. Botts, Senior Art Director, Tyndale House Publishers

"Debby's work provides the church with a wonderful and creative resource for exploring God's story. Painting Revelation is a great tool for small groups or education classes wanting to visualize and study an often requested but also misunderstood book of the Bible."
-- Peter G. Osborn, Ph.D. Assistant Professor & Dean of Graduate Student Services, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary

"Debby has a wonderful gift of blending her artistic and teaching skills into one in order to share God's message to us."
-- Anthony Randall, chaplain (CPT), Iraq

"My congregation loved having Painting Revelation as part of the sermon series on Revelation...I strongly encourage pastors--no matter what denomination--to step outside the box and incorporate this creative and engaging tool into your preaching schedule."
-- Mark Kleinheksel, pastor, S. Blendon Reformed Church

"I had a chance to view Debby's work and I thought it was tremendous. I love how she has captured the essence of John's purpose, the message, and also I just love her spirit of simplicity, humility, and also the artwork."
-- Denis Beausejour, Senior Pastor, Mariemont Community Church, Cincinnati

"As I viewed Painting Revelation for the first time, I immediately saw how well it would fit in with the worship music we had planned for the very next Sunday morning. So I took the DVD with me to church and shared my idea with our music director. When the computer person was able to show the exact clip I wanted, I was thrilled. The visual added so much to the meaning of Revelation 5:11-13, where all of heaven sings out, "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" Thank you for worshiping the Lord through your painting and sharing it with us through your DVD. May the Lord bless His Word as He promised."
-- Linda Masopust, reading teacher and worship planner

"Discover a new way to enter into a complex text and be surprised by the richness within symbols and images."
-- Jaco Hamman, author and associate professor, Western Theological Seminary

"Debby's honest and gracious self-disclosure is present in not just what she paints, but in how she paints and edifies. Not surprising, it's this very sort of self-disclosure that the Spirit gives to John, that John gives to us, and now which debby imitates as a salient invitation for us to experience and obey the book."
-- Joseph E. Gorra, managing editor of Philosophia Christi

"The video is lovely and moving. Debby speaks with obvious love and sincerity."
-- Erin McGraw, author and professor of English, Ohio State University

"I am captivated by Debby's charm and have a new grasp of Revelation."
-- Jane Willard, marriage and family therapist

"My women's Bible study group was entranced by the DVD presentation. The discussion questions were great--and I don't say that lightly."
-- Linda Hoff-Hagensick, psychotherapist

"After watching Painting Revelation, our Bible study group engaged in a very rewarding discussion and was impressed and amazed with how Debby consolidated and made sense of this challenging subject."
-- James B. Brennan, DDS

"Revelation is the single most difficult book for me to understand, so when Debby started to capture it visually--combined with her gentle narrative--I was moved almost to tears because I actually felt close to God."
-- Michael Ranville, senior marketing director

"A true teacher is one who can take a complex subject and make it simple and enjoyable--and Debby does that so well. The experience on video is so soothing and relaxing - it is like a retreat for your eyes and ears."
-- Mike Cook, associate marketing director

"Debby weaves together her personal story, philosophy, and the stories contained in Revelation, and communicates it as if she were speaking to each listener (and viewer) alone."
-- John Bloner Jr, communications specialist

"Debby has gone for the heart of Revelation: the Lamb is King."
-- Bob Hartig, copy manager

"Painting Revelation is to me what Joseph was to Pharaoh...explaining a mystery that until now seemed to be locked in obscurity. Debby Topliff opens up the complex imageries and inexplicable prophetic visions with a spectacular array of colorfully rendered scenes. She gives us a window into the unknown making the mysterious understandable. Painting Revelation can be used by individuals like me who truly want to better understand God's revelation into the end times or it can be used by study groups."
-- Shelia King, Vision Video

"I have always been intrigued with Revelation, yet at the same time frightened. This straightforward approach takes away the fear and provides a view from the mountaintop as to the overall purpose and message of the book. We watched the DVD with our four children who were engaged immediately. Introducing art into the learning process for Revelation is revolutionary! From our oldest (11) to our youngest (6), the painting drew them into the mysteries of the book, but Debby's teaching made it simple to understand."
-- Mary Cook, homemaker and interior designer

"Bible or topical study groups, adult or children's Sunday School--everyone can benefit from this video."
-- Audrey Rabelais, quilter

"This DVD a masterpiece! I was inspired as I learned new things about the book of Revelation, and excited at the reminder that God wins."
-- Nate Ritter, YWAM student

"I received the DVD, poster and note card. Thanks so much for the excellent service. I viewed part of the DVD - oh my goodness, it is very good. I look forward to viewing it again and again. And I can't wait to share it with others. It must have been an amazing experience making the DVD. I thank God for your gifts and for opening His Word to greater understanding and hope."
-- Jacqueline Young, Nebraska

"The sessions are divided and introduced in such a way as to make them ideal for retreats and spiritual workshops."
-- Clare Shoemyen, retired psychiatric occupational therapist

Last night we showed the DVD to our Small Group and they loved it! We had planned to stop for a "treat" break between sessions, but they wanted to keep going. They were impressed with many things: Debby's passion for God's Word, her quiet spirit, and her sensitive ability to deliver an engaging explanation about a very difficult passage of Scripture, the complex simplicity and detail captured in the painting, and the message of the devastation, trials, beauty, and hope all wrapped up in one terrific presentation. My husband and I enjoyed it just as much last night as the first time we watched it. He had just finished reading Revelation and this DVD put images in his mind making the book come alive to him. What a gift you have given to those of us who need that visual learning tool.
-- Laura Round, executive assistant

"Revelation is perhaps the most mysterious and misunderstood book of the Bible. Artist and teacher Debby Topliff introduces and discusses this last book of the New Testament while standing in front of a large painting depicting 29 scenes from Revelation in beautifully vibrant colors. Topliff walks viewers through the painting, explaining how the various images relate to the book of Revelation as the camera pans specific images on the canvas. The artist is at ease and clearly well versed in Bible studies. Particularly pleasing are short introductions to each segment, filmed in the woods surrounding Topliff's home. This presentation helps viewers understand the Bible as seen through an artist's palette. Extras include a study guide, charts, and worksheets. For Bible study groups and personal viewing."
-- Joan Kindig, Booklist, April 15, 2008

"Debby Topliff does a remarkable job of explaining and illustrating the Book of Revelation, putting it in the context of the whole biblical story. She does not avoid the difficult passages, but handles them with sensitivity and compassion. She keeps the viewer moving toward the grand conclusion - Jesus' victory and the renewal of all things."
-- Dave Van Der Wiele, CRC pastor

"Revelation is such a visual and aural book that the DVD--with its focus on parts of the picture and additional sound effects as the story is retold--is very helpful. Debby Topliff's calm, steady, soothing voice helps quiet the notes of wrathful vengeance until we see hope triumphing in the end. The 6-session course fits the attention span of 21st-century adults. I hope more and more church groups will use it to help teach Revelation, a very important culmination of Holy Scripture."
-- Judy Parr, Adult Education Chairperson, Hope Church, Holland, MI

"Debby Topliff's Painting Revelation is an astounding presentation, both the art and the message. As stated in The New Oxford Annotated Bible, `The Revelation to John', or Apocalypse, `...is a fitting close of the Holy Scriptures, for its final chapters depict the consummation toward which the whole biblical message of redemption is focused. It may be described as an inspired picture book...that makes a powerful appeal to the reader's imagination...' Topliff's Painting Revelation presents the consummation of the biblical message of redemption by telling the story and expressing it with her unique art, art that appeals to both adults and children."
-- Eloise Sexton, Graduate of the University of Florida College of Religion