Jesus Vs. McDonald's Advertising

From "Inherit the Mirth"

Stay Away from the Sides

 

A comic from the book What's That Funny Look on Your Faith? by Inherit the Mirth

Book Review, Graphic Novel: THE BOOK OF REVELATION

I have read the Book of Revelation more times than any other book in the Bible; I’ve read it over thirty times. Even though it is a book I am quite familiar, much of the text remains as enigmatic as the first time I read it; prophecy can be rather ambiguous. Therefore, when I had the opportunity to read this graphic novel adaptation of the Book of Revelation, I couldn’t pass it up.

This book, THE BOOK OF REVELATION is an adaptation by Matt Dorff of an original translation by the Greek Orthodox priests Father Mark Arey & Philemon Sevastiades. The illustrations are done by Chris Koelle. The text is taken directly from the translation done by Fathers Arey & Sevastiades. Unlike some Bibles, this is an actual translation of the original work and not a modern translation (e.g. The Message). Each chapter and verse of Revelation can be found in this book. In fact, the chapters in THE BOOK OF REVELATION are divided according to the actual chapters in the Bible. The verses aren’t numbered like the chapters, but they are there. As the illustrator, Chris Koelle, points out in his note at the end of the book, he made his images based upon the perspective of the Apostle John. The images that are seen are representations of what John might have seen as he was transposing the original text. There can be disagreement over the interpretation of certain passages of text, but the translator, adapter, and illustrator have remained faithful to the text.

Like much of the Bible, there is a great deal in THE BOOK OF REVELATION that is violent and explicit. Koelle doesn’t shy away from this in his illustrations. However, he does refrain from making them over-the-top or campy. Destruction is wrought, blood flows, and people die, but it’s shown as the Bible says. Younger children might be frightened by some of the images and rightly so. However, I don’t think that’s enough to prevent a young reader from reading this book. Caution should be used, but it should be according to the maturity of each child.

Revelation is one of the books from the Bible that have inspired artists for several centuries and some of the images and phrases from the book are a part of the common lexicon (e.g. Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Armageddon, etc.). Even if you are not a Christian, one cannot deny that the book has had an impact and influence upon our culture. THE BOOK OF REVELATION provides a visual reference outside one’s mind’s eye that can illuminate Revelation for both believer and nonbeliever, child and adult alike.

Cecil B. DeMille on the Bible

"After more than sixty years of almost daily reading of the Bible, I never fail to find it always new and marvelously in tune with the changing needs of every day."  --Cecil B. DeMille

At the Walls of Jericho

Crossing the Jordan River

Doubting Thomas Tag Cloud

A tag cloud about the apostle Thomas

On New Year's Resolutions

Each New Year in the U.S. brings about a flurry of resolutions. People resolve to eat better, to read the Bible more, to give up smoking, to lose weight, to not get angry as much, to pray more, to learn a new language, to be a better person, to watch less tv, etc. At the start of New Year’s Day, we will “resolve” to do just about anything. A new year is full of the savory aroma of hope and brings the opportunity for a fresh start.

However, the majority of New Year’s resolutions (around 88%) ultimately fail. Though we have good intentions, we make resolutions as though they are fanciful dreams and whimsical wishes. Resolutions aren’t like that. They are not wispy wonders that can be imagined but never realized. They are, instead, like large pieces of granite driven into the Earth for all to see. They are not something to be taken lightly. When we resolve to do something, it is a serious matter.


In the NIV Bible, the word “resolve” can only be found four times (2 Chronicles 20:3, Daniel 1:8, Malachi 2:2, 1 Cor. 2:2). When you examine those verses, you’ll find that the only time someone resolves to do something is in matters of great importance. For instance, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of God when Judah was completely surrounded by her enemies and while staying with the Corinthians, Paul resolved to only know Jesus Christ.

Therefore, as another year begins, let us bask in the glow of hope and promise that comes with it, but let’s refrain from making any hasty resolutions. Let’s keep our resolutions for the times when we really need them.
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The above is a short essay I wrote for the January 2012 monthly newsletter, The Christian Messenger, of the Christian Church of Litchfield.