ENGLIT 0597 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Apocalyptic Literature, Patmos, Preterism
Document Summary
Four horsemen of the apocalypse: popular theme in art from revelations (war, famine, death) Traditionally attributed to john the apostle, jesus" disciple. Written by someone who is more familiar with aramaic/hebrew not greek. C. 95 ce largely agreed upon from early church to present. Familiar with seven major churches of asia minor. Presumably has authority to speak to them the way he does. Similar messages stay truth to the faith. Revelation of a divine/spiritual world and/or the future. Preterism events described in revelation have already happened. John is writing to an audience in the late first century that share the visions he"s having. Apocalyptic writers addressing crises and events of their times. Symbolism in revelation applies to situation in christian churches in asia minor in late 1 st c. ce. Great beast and whore of babylon = symbols of rome. 666 = perhaps numerical value of the name of the roman emperor nero or caligula.
