The odd images and vivid visions that combine to make up the book of Revelation's three-tiered proclamation of judgments (using seals, trumpets and bowls) have made it a love-hate favorite. Depending upon one's denominational heritage, psychological disposition, and dispensational worldview, the book of Revelation has been used as a window to view the future, a rearview mirror for fatalistic excuses and explanations, or a mirror when immersed in personal turmoil and/or social tribulation.

Within the old mainline traditions in the late 20th century, however, the book of Revelation has been the favorite New Testament book to ignore. Biblical critics have wrestled with how to deal seriously with a recitation that declares itself to be a vision of the end times. At best the best scholars are …