Reveals the surprisingly contemporary relevance of the Book of the Apocalypse through a fascinating socio-historical reading of the text.

"Superb . . . Howard-Brook and Gwyther understand that the Book of Revelation is an exercise in ecclesiology: that is, how to be the Church in the face of a powerful and seductive empire."--Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary

"Speaks to us personally, politically, spiritually."--Paul Anderson, Yale University

Confused by "end of the world" readings or put off by the dense and mysterious imagery, many readers hesitate to explore the Book of Revelation. Unveiling Empire offers a new entree into this troubling and controversial book of the Bible by examining the roots and social purposes of apocalyptic literature and Revelation's own use of traditional imagery. In this way the authors provide readers with the tools for deciphering the text's message--and its urgent applications for Christians today living amidst a new kind of "empire."