The Institute of St John presents “The Millennium in the Book of Revelation” with Br Alain-Marie de Lassus, csj, on Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th April at the Carmelite Church (41 Kensington Church St, London W8 4BB), from 7 – 9pm (talks from 7:30pm).

The first six verses of Chapter 20 of the Book of Revelation (aka the Apocalypse) speak of a mysterious reign of 1000 years. There has been a lot of speculation about it and there is no general agreement among biblical scholars about its interpretation. Is it a real reign or a purely symbolic one? Should we really expect the saints to reign on earth for 1000 years of peace during which the devil shall be kept into prison and hence incapable of causing havoc in the world? Will this reign happen before the coming of Christ, or after it? Or is it rather coextensive to the history of the Church?

Br Alain-Marie de Lassus, professor of biblical studies at the house of theological studies of the Brothers of St. John in Rimont (France), will guide us through the many intricacies of this enigmatic passage which has fascinated generations of Christians.

Monday’s talk will be dedicated first to the literal interpretation of Revelation 20 in its various forms, second to the interpretation of St. Augustine which has been very influential in the Catholic Church. Tuesday’s talk will try to present a consistent interpretation of Revelation 20 and explain the meaning of this mysterious text in the framework Apocalypse as a whole.

Suggested donation: £10 (£5 unwaged). Light refreshments will be provided.