The term apocalypse usually evokes images of mass destruction. Our attempts to interpret the apocalyptic language and imagery of the Book of Revelation often take us far afield from our day-to-day existence.

David Dark challenges this removed definition of apocalypse, calling his readers back to the root of the word, which is "revelation." Dark calls us to imagine apocalypse as a more "watchful way of being" in the world. Focusing on the epiphanic quality of apocalyptic insight, Dark draws on the wisdom of popular culture–including The Simpsons, Beck, and Coen brothers’ films–to expose the "moral bankruptcy of our imaginations." Ultimately, Dark leads us toward the apocalypse as an affirming yet honest estimation of ourselves and a call to other-centeredness in the here and now.

This engaging book 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.

David Dark’s key insight in this book is that the apocalyptic vision doesn’t heed our usual distinctions between "high" and "pop" culture; he therefore follows the trail of apocalypse wherever it leads–through movies, TV, music, and fiction–and he does so with flair, aplomb, and a determination to consider the whole of human culture in light of the enigmatic and overwhelming Jesus of John’s own Apocalypse. Everyday Apocalypse is a fine ride.-Alan Jacobs, author of A Visit to Vanity Fair

Apocalyptic is not religious fantasy about the future, but a window on the present, in the light of the future. David Dark has turned it into a powerful tool for cultural criticism. Literary history and contemporary media are used to throw light on one another. Not many authors can successfully put Beck and John Donne together in the same sentence. Above all, significant examples of contemporary literature, television, music, and film are reviewed, not to show how morally bad they are, but to allow them to show us our reality, if we are willing to be shown it. Highly recommended.-Rt. Reverend Graham Cray