Worlds At War, Nations In Song [Hardcover]

Rather than representing the book of Revelation as a single apocalyptic genre, Kendra Haloviak Valentine demonstrates that the work in fact reflects several genres--apocalyptic, prophetic and liturgical--within the overall framework of an epistle. This study focuses on the sixteen hymns, a largely neglected part of the literary construction of the work. Responding to the insight of Mikhail Bakhtin that literary genres carry ways of thinking about the world, this important study calls attention to the multiple voices within the text that need to be heard--voices that soften the book's transcendent, future focus so that it is not allowed complete dominance. Hymns, as the sites of colliding and collaborating genres, engage the reader. Worlds at War, Nations in Song explores the role of these liturgical elements within the moral enterprise to suggest that the book of Revelation provides readers with a moral vision linking the future with the present. Readers are called to respond in worship and witness. By calling attention to the multiple voices within Revelation, Haloviak Valentine demonstrates the invalidity of seeking one correct interpretation. Recognizing this dialogic approach may help prevent the misinterpretations that led to such tragedies as Waco and Jonestown. Kendra Haloviak Valentine directs the reader to look around the worshipping assembly of John's heavenly liturgies and witness how the gathered community symbolizes the common hope of an eschaton saturated in righteousness. . . . This book is a great resource for preachers who want to give voice in earthly liturgies to the heavenly visions of John's worshipping communities. Preachers who read this commentary will, like the voices in the visions, also be able to lead worship and preach with multiple voices. --Maury D. Jackson, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry, HMS Richards Divinity School, La Sierra University, Riverside, CA The Book of Revelation may touch off delusion--or moral paló#