Reversed Thunder: The Revelation of John and the Praying Imagination

“Revelation makes it clear that everything is subject to God’s creative judgment. When any of the great elements of creation get between us and God, becoming idols, judgment topples them and restores us to simple trust and adoration. Every misplaced trust and every mistaken devotion is called into question.” – from Reversed Thunder.St. John wrote Revelation as a prophet, conveying God’s message to his fellow believers. He wrote it as a pastor concerned with the wellbeing of his congregations, his brothers and sisters in Christ. The truths imparted through his poetic word pictures have also held meaning for the church throughout the ages. As such, it is a book that is meaningful for all Christians, at all times, in their everyday lives. Peterson’s book reminds us of this fact. How can I meaningfully apply the words of Revelation to my life today? By grasping hold of the present … the now. “There are, to be sure, references to the past and implications for the future, but the predominate emphasis of the prophetic word is on the now.” – from Reversed Thunder.I recommend Reversed Thunder without reservation.

If you are looking for a detailed commentary on Revelation, this is not it. But if you are looking for a deep and prayerful meditation on Revelation, get your hands on this book. Peterson thoughtfully and graciously moves through the Apocalypse in a way that extols the beauty of Christ, makes the reader slow down and see their place between the Creation and the New Creation, and does so in a fatherly way. I wish I would have read this earlier but am thankful I finally did. Peterson doesn’t shy away from theological issues and controversy, but he doesn’t make them the main thing. If you follow along with him, you finish the book feeling like you walked with Jesus, the Apostle John, and Eugene Peterson on a trail of history awaiting its awaited climax...or new beginning.

I have been on Eugene Peterson kick recently. The more books that I read from him, the more I am drawn to his writing. He is wise, earthy, and poetic, a wonderful combination. Reversed Thunder: The Revelation of John and the Praying Imagination (1988) was the most recent.In Reversed Thunder, Peterson explores the creative and imaginative language of St. John in the last book of the Bible. In my experience, many books about the Revelation of John attempt to provide a key to the events of the book as a type of apocalyptic road map. In other words, many books claim to have found the key to the end times and are eager to share their findings. This book is refreshingly different.In the introduction, Peterson wrote, "I do not read the Revelation to get additional information about the life of faith in Christ. I have read it all before in law and prophet, in gospel and epistle. Everything in the book of Revelation can be found in the previous 65 books of the Bible...I read the Revelation not to get more information, but to revive imagination." Later: " I have taken the position that this book does not primarily call for decipherment, as if it were written in code, but that it evokes wonder, releasing metaphors that resonate meanings and refract insights in the praying imagination."To be honest, this is the first thing I have read about the book of Revelation that I have actually benefited from, actually enjoyed. Peterson, a poet in his own write, writing about the poetry of St John is a lovely gift. If you are someone who has been confused by the book of Revelation, I would commend Reversed Thunder to you. It is well worth the time.

Peterson doesn't disappoint. If you are interested in reading a "commentary" on the book of Revelation that is not filled with "end of the world," doomsday fear and predictions then pick this up and read it. It provides a wonderful teaching on Revelation that is practical for seeing the book as relevant for today...not the end of the world!Some simple realities this book presents is the true interpretation of apocalypse as "uncovering" as opposed to the doomsday meanings it are usually heard in interpreting and discussing the book of Revelation. Also, the understanding of Armagedon is being understood as "the valley of Megido" again not world-ending-death and destruction - but an actual location with significant history and application for Biblical understanding and life-application!If your tired of the "left behind" conversation, or are just looking to consider other options, this is a great place to start!

I am enjoying the book Reversed Thunder immensely and finding a new level of comfort in the book of Revelation.

I have grown up studying the book of Revelation but never have I learned as much as I have with this gem by Eugene Peterson. This book is deep and powerful to change your understanding of Jesus Christ and the future that we live into each day.

My husband's Bible Study group used this for their study of the Book of Revelation. He speaks of things learned and things written in the book.

I read my Message Bible everyday. This author also wrote the Message Bible. He puts Revelation in perspective. Revelation is not a dooms day calendar but a wrap up and final words on the previous Bible chapters and it is all explained so nicely in this book.

St John’s poetic imagery finds itself in great expositional hands, as Peterson’s poetic prose artfully guides us through the book of Revelation.It takes a poet to understand a poet. And I firmly believe that Peterson’s *Reversed Thunder* is a must read for anyone who is wanting to get to grips with one of the most complex and layered biblical books. Seriously, if you want to delve into Revelation, and although this isn’t a “commentary” as such, make sure you have this by your side.So why I have only given this three stars?I don’t know, maybe I’m just feeling a little off because of the bad stomach I currently have. But there are times here when I found Peterson meandering a little too much. I really do love Peterson’s beautiful descriptions and allegorical flair, and he does bring this text across in a relevant, insightful way. However, I found some passages difficult to follow: “How did we get here from the text?” and “Where are we going now?”, were questions I asked a few times.But hey, I stand by what I said: This is a must read and it’ll be something I will definitely make reference too.—Tristan Sherwin, author of *Love: Expressed*

Brilliant! For any who already know Peterson's work as author this is a worthy addition. He deals with the intricacies of this tricky book in a masterly way without becoming bogged down in the detail and stangeness of the vision.

A superb commentary on Revelation that I would recommend to anyone wanting to get to grips with this Bible book

A great guide through Revelation although I did need a dictionary for some words he uses. Given the foregoing it still gives clarity.

Typical Peterson, a book in every paragraph.