I Saw a New Earth: An Introduction to the Visions of the Apocalypse

From the Preface: There are indeed few books in the Bible where the modern student does not need deft guidance if reading is to prove profitable. In the case of the Book of Revelation that need becomes absolutely essential. When the average student takes up this book, almost without exception the going is tough, the language baffling, the sense of profit minimal. This situation represents a curious reversal, for in earlier centuries no other part of Scripture so greatly intrigued the imagination of Christendom or so greatly fascinated its painters and musicians . . . . The book at hand is designed to restore the Apocalypse to its rightful place in Christian thinking. The title asserts a continuing conviction: John as a prophet actually saw a new earth. The ordinary ways of perceiving reality had been radically altered by his faith in Christ.... Even moderns., in their traffic with "the earth," have accessible a greater diversity of visions than they suppose. The ancient prophet may still have power to enable us to see a new earth. Such at least is the premise that prompted the publication of this book.