Though the book of Revelation often is presented—by both those who like it and those who don’t—as a book that underwrites violence and judgment from God. There is a vigorous and growing body of scholarship and more popular exposition, though, that presents Revelation as a book that presents a basis for peacemaking and compassion. In a short article, I give a quick summary of how Revelation’s content actually points towards peace.

This article, “Victory over the powers of death and evil,” was first published in 2001. It presents a sketch for a reading strategy that counters the Revelation-underwriting-violence approaches.