A startling exploration of the history of the most controversial book of the Bible, by the bestselling author of Beyond Belief. Through the bestselling books of Elaine Pagels, thousands of readers have come to know and treasure the suppressed biblical texts known as the Gnostic Gospels. As one of the world's foremost religion scholars, she has been a pioneer in interpreting these books and illuminating their place in the early history of Christianity. Her new book, however, tackles a text that is firmly, dramatically within the New Testament canon: The Book of Revelation, the surreal apocalyptic vision of the end of the world . . . or is it? In this startling and timely book, Pagels returns The Book of Revelation to its historical origin, written as its author John of Patmos took aim at the Roman Empire after what is now known as "the Jewish War," in 66 CE. Militant Jews in Jerusalem, fired with religious fervor, waged an all-out war against Rome's occupation of Judea and their defeat resulted in the desecration of Jerusalem and its Great Temple. Pagels persuasively interprets Revelation as a scathing attack on the decadence of Rome. Soon after, however, a new sect known as "Christians" seized on John's text as a weapon against heresy and infidels of all kinds-Jews, even Christians who dissented from their increasingly rigid doctrines and hierarchies. In a time when global religious violence surges, Revelations explores how often those in power throughout history have sought to force "God's enemies" to submit or be killed. It is sure to appeal to Pagels's committed readers and bring her a whole new audience who want to understand the roots of dissent, violence, and division in the world's religions, and to appreciate the lasting appeal of this extraordinary text.

In the period from 1881 to 1917 socialist movements flourished in every major centre of Russian Jewish life, but, despite common foundations, there was often profound and bitter disagreement between them. This book describes the formation and evolution of these movements, which were at once united by a powerful vision and sundered by the contradictions of practical politics.

A study of the prophetic tradition in medieval England brings out its influence on contemporary politics and the contemporary elite.

Power, Politics, and Prophecy is an examination of the view of prophetic experience and prophetic institutions by the writers of Deuteronomy and the Deuteronomistic History (Joshua—2 Kings). The thesis of the book is that the Deuteronomic writers consistently hold two different and competing views on prophecy in tension: § Prophecy is a valid and true means by which God communicates the divine will and intention to people. § Prophecy is a highly ambiguous and dangerous phenomenon and, because of its essential subjective nature, should be treated with a high degree of suspicion in all cases. These views are meticulously intertwined in the narratives about the character of Samuel and both are absolutely central for the meaning of the narrative and of its portrayal of the prophet. From beginning to end, Samuel is clearly understood by the writers as fulfilling the promise of Deuteronomy 18 as the Mosaic prophet, one who serves as the primary intermediary between the divine and human realms. Yet, unlike the sympathetic readings offered by some commentators, Samuel is obviously not an unambiguously positive character.

One myth from the history of every great civilization spoke of beings descending from heaven and using human and animal DNA to create giant offspring. Rabbinical authorities Septuagint translators and early church fathers understood this as a factual record of history. The phenomenon began with the Watchers who spawned Nephilim resulting in judgment from God. The ancients also knew Bible passages that predict the Nephilim will return when Iraq and Iran are invaded and destroyed. Is this prophecy about to be fulfilled Is man in his rush to play god through biological weapons biotechnology and genetic manipulation opening gateways to a supernatural unknown Nephilim Stargates and the Return of the Watchers is a glimpse into this past present and future phenomena with an eye on what sages and scientists believe and what futurists and prophets may fear.Thomas Horn is CEO of Raiders News Network a syndicated columnist and the bestselling author of The Ahriman Gate. He has written two other books as well as dozens of published editorials and magazine articles. His works have been referred to by writers of the LA Times Syndicate MSNBC Christianity Today Coast to Coast World Net Daily and White House Correspondents. Thomas resides outside Portland Oregon.