The term apocalypse usually evokes images of mass destruction - burning buildings, nuclear fallout, the end of the world. Often our attempts to interpret the apocalyptic language and imagery of the Book of Revelation seem to carry us far away from our day-to-day, space-time existence. David Dark challenges this definition of apocalypse, calling us back to the root of the word, which is "revelation." Through sophisticated readings of Flannery O'Connor stories and savvy negotiations of The Matrix themes, Dark calls us to imagine the apocalypse as a more "watchful way of being" in the world. This insightful book will fascinate those interested in the pursuit of everyday spirituality. It will delight lovers of literature, popular music, and movies, as well as anyone concerned with a Christian response to popular culture.

The term "apocalypse" usually evokes images of mass destruction-burning buildings and nuclear fallout, or even rapture and tribulation. Often, our attempts to interpret the imagery of the book of Revelation seem to carry us far away from our day-to-day existence.

David Dark challenges this narrow understanding in Everyday Apocalypse, calling his readers back to the root of the word, which is "revelation." Through readings of Flannery O'Connor stories and savvy discussion of The Matrix themes, Dark calls us to imagine the apocalypse as a more watchful way of being in the world. He draws on the sometimes unlikely wisdom of popular culture-including The Simpsons and films like The Truman Show-to highlight how the imagination can expose our moral condition. Ultimately, Dark presents apocalypse as honest self-assessment and other-centeredness in the here and now.

This engaging book holds enormous appeal for readers interested in the pursuit of everyday spirituality. It will delight lovers of literature, popular music, and movies, as well as anyone concerned with a Christian response to popular culture.

David Dark has published articles and reviews in Prism magazine and Books & Culture. He teaches English at Christ Presbyterian Academy in Nashville.

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Reviewed by James Wilcox, February 24, 2006

Many of us have come to associate the term "apocalypse," with prophecies of the end times, or even catastrophic wars of a future age. In his insightful book, Everyday Apocalypse, author David Dark reminds us that the term simply means "revelation" or "revealing." Using this simple definition, Dark explores many contemporary works of art, including music (Radiohead), film (The Truman Show, The Matrix) and literature (Flannery O'Connor), which he considers apocalyptic insofar as they reveal God in unexpected ways. Dark notes that our ability to recognize expressions of the sacred in popular culture will help us to understand the un-churched community that surrounds us, and may help us to communicate the gospel with more clarity. Everyday Apocalypse holds enormous appeal for readers interested in the pursuit of everyday spirituality and will delight literary and film critics, as well as anyone seriously interested in popular culture.

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