I Saw the World End: An Introduction to the Bible's Apocalyptic Literature

After the turn of the millennium, with all its fears concerning Y2K, the end of the world, war, attack, etc., many parishioners were curious as to how we, as Catholics, approach and understand the Book of Revelation. Many were more aware of the literal, Evangelical approach to apocalyptic writings, particularly how they were spelled out in the popular series "Left Behind." Fr. William Nicholas, who has had extensive experience in parish adult education, offered a class on biblical apocalyptic literature that was very well received. This book is the result. His modus operandi has been to present this part of our scriptural tradition in ordinary language for ordinary people. He discusses the history of apocalyptic literature and then explores the apocalyptic elements of Scripture, with special attention to the Books of Daniel and Revelation.