Revelations
Visions, Prophecy, and Politics in the Book of Revelation
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3.8 • 144 Ratings
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
A profound exploration of the Bible's most controversial book—from the bestselling author of Beyond Belief and The Gnostic Gospels
The strangest book of the New Testament, filled with visions of the Rapture, the whore of Babylon, and apocalyptic writing of the end of times, the Book of Revelation has fascinated readers for more than two thousand years, but where did it come from? And what are the meanings of its surreal images of dragons, monsters, angels, and cosmic war?
Elaine Pagels, New York Times bestselling author and "the preeminent voice of biblical scholarship to the American public" (The Philadelphia Inquirer), elucidates the true history of this controversial book, uncovering its origins and the roots of dissent, violence, and division in the world's religions. Brilliantly weaving scholarship with a deep understanding of the human needs to which religion speaks, Pagels has written what may be the masterwork of her unique career.
Customer Reviews
History and the Intended message of Revelations
Throughout the centuries stories changed according to the perspectives of the times. Elaine Pagels takes on the evolution of Revelations and shares the possible real intent of its message. The treatise is well documented and provides a logical evolution of its message according to the reader. Jewish traditions of caring for others is reflected in the book itself as Christians were being persecuted. Politics would get in the way, internal and external. There is a book after this that needs to be written. I can see Ms. Pagels taking that task as no one could.
Great insight
I love history. Putting the book of Revelations in a historical view was stunning.