"Fr. Feret has taken an enigmatic book of the Bible and explained it briefly, clearly and in a thoroughly scholarly fashion." -- Worship
St. John's Apocalypse, better known as the Book of Revelation, is perhaps the most profound, fascinating and frequently misinterpreted book in the Bible. All manner of heretics, pseudo-prophets and cultists have found in its mysterious symbols and prophecies the basis for their false teachings. Even the soberest Protestant studies -- which are numerous -- are infected by anti-Catholic errors and vain speculation.
Unfortunately, most Catholic studies of the Apocalypse have been aimed at specialists. An exception was this popular treatment by the eminent French theologian H.M. Feret, written in response to rising apocalyptic expectations during World War II, and later widely translated. Now back in print in its English version, it remains the definitive study for ordinary Catholics -- equally useful for laymen, clergy, seminarians, and homeschoolers studying Scripture with their children. Highlights and major themes:
Common misinterpretations of apocalyptic symbols and prophecies -- and why they're wrong (Fr. Feret cites traditional Church teaching, great theologians, and Scripture itself)
The important historical events that prompted St. John to write the Apocalypse (crucial to correct interpretation)
Jesus in the Apocalypse: quite different from -- and an important complement to -- his image in the Gospels
Important ways the Apocalypse modifies and enriches doctrines found elsewhere in the New Testament. How it supports Catholic dogmas denied by Protestants
The Apocalypse as true prophesy. One major prediction that has already come to pass
Major historical eras prophesied in the Apocalypse. Which one is ours?
The Christian view of history according to St. John. The role of the Church
How Protestants distort St. John's teachings about the Church, its divine mission, and its final destiny
The activity of Satan in history. His two chief weapons against the Church
The heavenly Jerusalem, and the End of Time
The true meaning of the Millennium
How St. John pictures Christ's spiritual kingdom, triumphant over the nations, as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophesy
How must the faithful cooperate with Christ in His victory over Satan? How St. John assures us that Christ's cause will triumph
In seven tightly-written chapters, Fr. Feret helps you understand the Apocalypse "in the Faith and under the direction of the holy Church." Briefly but thoroughly, he explains the book's historical context, symbols, prophecies and doctrinal implications, while also drawing out its "profound lessons ... for the religious soul."
PLUS, the true significance of these key apocalyptic symbols:
The Man on the White Horse * The Two Beasts * The Seven Seals * The Ten Kings * The Good and Evil Angels * The Identity of 666 * The 144,000 * The Seven Golden Candlesticks * The Two-Edged Sword * The Two Witnesses * The Trumpets * The Bowls * The Millennium * The Last Tribulations * The Final Battle with Satan * The Lamb of God * The New Jerusalem * And More