Youth of the Apocalypse: And the Last True Rebellion

by John Marler

In the darkening world of contemporary unbelief, where the impending storm clouds of destruction have indeed almost drowned out the light, this distress is most intensely felt by the still-tender souls of the youth. YOUTH OF THE APOCALYPSE AND THE LAST TRUE REBELLION is a ray of light cutting through the dark clouds of hypocritical, worldly pseudo-religion. It presents the realities of Orthodox Truth without any apologies. This book is a virtual manifesto for the despairing children of the eleventh hour, addressing the issues and problems that are literally tearing apart the fabric of innocence. It deals with suicide, insanity, drugs, violence, art, the occult, the apocalypse, and finally with our salvation, suffering and resurrection out of the depths of the contemporary nihilistic wasteland. "Humanity had thought itself sufficient, and even now we think we can escape our destiny by our own efforts. Escape!--that is our only thought. To escape from the insanity, the hell of modern life is all we wish. But we cannot escape!!! We must go through this hell, and accept it, knowing it is the love of God that causes our suffering. What terrible anguish!--to suffer so, not knowing why, indeed thinking there is no reason. The reason is God's love--do we see it blazing in the darkness?--we are blind." --Fr. Seraphim Rose YOUTH OF THE APOCALYPSE was torn from the hearts of two young monks in Alaska, who themselves have been raised out of the darkness of contemporary nihilism in its most extreme form. It has already brought suicidal young souls, despairing Orthodox young people, and other Christian youth into the ranks of God

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Theology, Christianity, Philosophy, Christian, History

200 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1995

Reviews

[Daniel]

When I first read this book back in the spring of 2008, it was pretty clear to me that its authors hadn't been professional writers. There is, however, a moving conviction and passion to their work. I appreciate the fact that they don't sugar-coat their evaluation of contemporary life, and I'm inclined to think that this perspective is more accurate than we'd like to believe. It's a shame that this book has run out of print, though I'm sure that it's available through some seller on the internet. It's worth the time and cash.

Also be sure to check out:

www.deathtotheworld.com

[posh pen]

The punk to AOCC pipeline. Beautifully authentic book. The lives of the Saints section is a favorite. Spray the funkiest perfume you own and soak into this book. Lord hear our prayers.

[Afonso]

Quando cresces numa pequena cidade e tens um espírito de rebelião contra tudo à tua volta. Sabes que algo está de errado, mas não sabes exatamente o quê e nada parece ter significado. Uns tomam drogas, outros automutilam-se, mais uns quantos procuram sexo que na realidade é meramente masturbação glorificada. E, no fim, culmina tudo em violência contra o teu vizinho, o qual devias tratar como te tratas a ti mesmo. Este é o problema quando esta rebelião é canalizada para tudo menos para atingir a Verdade.

Mentiras, há muitas, mas Verdade, só há uma. A última verdadeira rebelião.

[Charles]

Commonly called "Punks to Monks" as this book started a movement of punks into the Eastern Orthodox Church. A critique on modern philosophy and an introduction to the alternative.

[Navel]

Are you a disaffected youth? Does nihilism consume your life? Are you frequently consumed by thoughts of suicide and self destruction seeking an escape from the modern world of chaos?

READ THIS BOOK

[LB]

The beginning of this book provides a truly moving and powerful depiction of the suffering so prevalent in modern day society. Beautiful prose interlinks with graphic imagery and stories that paints the picture that we are living in the end of days. I would say most can relate to the feelings of decadence described in these passages. However, if you are not all that religious, the latter half of the book may not be for you. While the first half focuses on describing a bleak world, the second describes the fix for this by stating that we should follow God. I did not expect some argument on why we should follow, but I can’t say that I wasn’t slightly disappointed that there was no reason given other than “You should have faith because that’s just what you should do.” I guess I was looking for more persuasion out of the author. I wanted to see him beckon those looking for a way out of this hell, rather than speak to those who already aim to follow Christ. Other than that, I feel that the book is raw and full of not only emotion, but pure conviction.

[Jack Mort]

Even though I'm in my 60's this book was relevant to me. Some of the issues today started when I was young. The section on prayer is especially helpful. I highly recommend this book

[Mihajlo Curcic]

It reads as a condensed manifesto for the Christian rebellion against “the old man”, short, but packed, very much to the point. I really liked the part with few short lives of the saints of recent times.

[Jeremy J. Freeman]

Straight to the point, quick read. No fillers. There are however, a few things mentioned here that the Buddha also said. (i.e. all life is suffering, for example, live in this world but not be OF this world, live in the present, don't get tied to the past) - and the Buddha lived some 5-600 years before Christ.

I skipped over the entire section about the saints. I didn't want to read another "revelation" of someone's conversion and then their interpretation of the Bible or what God is or isn't or whatever - in other words, through the lens of human experience and stories. Probably going to get flack for saying that, but I have struggled with believing any ONE religion for a very, very, very long time - especially those in any religion or faith journey/spiritual quest who "claim" or have "claimed" to know the mind of God. This is how cults start.

[Falshiv Geroi]

What is man's pur­pose in life? What lies beyond the grave? The driving lust of greed has pushed the Pagan-Roman ideal of pleasure-seeking into the arena of the mass-media. In 4th-century Rome, Augus­tine wrote, "All men are united by one purpose-temporal happiness on earth, and all they do is aimed at this goal, although in the endless variety of their struggles to attain it they pitch and toss like the waves of the sea."

[c c]

Youth of the Apocalypse was really good! What I enjoyed about this book is that the author was able to relate Orthodox Christianity to the modern reader. I think that this book is good for inquirers or catechumans especially teenagers and young adults. I espeicially enjoyed his writing on sin! 5 stars all around

[JongtaeSymptoms]

The first half of the book was extremely captivating. It was dark, sad but filled with truth. I didn't want to put it down.

The second half I found very inspirational. Reading about the different Saints gave me a totally new perspective on orthodoxy and impacted my personal faith and walk with God.

Amazing book.

[David Boatwright]

This book is an anthem to this lost generation and speaks to the reader on many different levels, some full of joy, some dark and full of despair. Nihilism is the enemy, and this book does a great job of laying out why.

[Eduard Karpoev]

I want to finish this, but I let someone borrow this since I'm a slow reader and they insisted they're fast. This was like 10 months ago and they never returned it, & and I haven't seen bro since like April smh.

[Seraphim]

Breddy gud tbh

[Robin Levy]

Not for beginners.

[Elise]

Remains just as relevant as when it was first published 30 years ago.

[Ivan]

I could've read this forever

[Ursu Alexandru]

foarte mistouri, am aflat niște lucruri foarte interesant si noi de reflectat asupra lor

[Micaela Martinez]

Absolutely loved this book. A very raw and real look into orthodox christianity as well as real world issues that the youth of today are experiencing.

[Claudia]

An explanation of white drives the younger generation to seek a timeless classic religion. I would have liked this book to be more memoir but it was fascinating and a quick read.

[Aaron Stevens]

A valuable Lenten companion for the struggling layperson.

[jade brodie]

This book is great for anyone coming into Orthodoxy in the modern age. Coming from a punk background I feel a connection to Justin Marler, and previously knew him from the band Sleep before coming to Orthodoxy. This book is a really easy read but such a great resource for comparing the modern age and the risk that comes with it. Reminding us the need for Christ and the need for the church.

[Samuel]

modern-midieval

[J]

although the level of writing is not that great, there are a lot of insights in this book that are valuable. i especially enjoyed the lives of saints, including the new martyr Nestor.