RLG100Y1 Lecture : March 5.docx
Document Summary
Emerged around the 3rdc bce as major literary genre. Books of revelations characterized by vision format. Term: greek apokalypsis uncovering related to revelation, something that is disclosed (revealed, uncovered) Interpretation of symbolic vision as something obscure, requiring mediator or guide (angel). Pseudonymity: vision not published under it writer"s name, but set deep in the past, ascribed to ancient hero. The book of revelation isn"t under a pseudonym john isn"t trying to be the famous john he is just a regular john. Two general categories of content: eschatological (expectation of imminent end, judgment of wicked) and speculative (revelation of heavenly secrets). Spatial orientation: action takes place in heavenly as well as earthly realm; cosmology and cosmogony important here. Temporal orientation: chronological span of time, particular view of history. Final judgment and destruction of the wicked prophetic element, but future hopes belong to different realm in apocalyptic. Form cultural resistance, situation of persecution or perception of persecution.