B9241A Apocalyptic Literature

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This course unit contributes towards a major in Biblical Studies. It provides a basic foundation in apocalyptic studies and introduces the student to significant apocalyptic literature. It examines the theological issues of the Book of Daniel and the Book of Revelation and other apocalyptic texts against the historical and literary background of the texts.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit, students will be able to:

1. explain the historical and literary background to the literary genre known as Apocalyptic
2. critically evaluate the key apocalyptic ideas and themes in the Old Testament, the Intertestamental Literature, and the New Testament
3. critically evaluate significant secondary literature in examining apocalyptic texts
4. display a well-developed ability to interpret apocalyptic literature, particularly the Book of Revelation, for the contemporary world
5. apply an understanding of apocalyptic to preaching and worship

During this course unit, students may acquire the following threshold concept. This concept is fundamental to a proper understanding of the unit or course. It is essential for further progress in the discipline.

Reading apocalyptic with a “religious imagination.” A religious imagination aids the student in seeing apocalyptic imagery as metaphorical language that is multifaceted and layered. By its nature, apocalyptic imagery is ambiguous and mysterious. Yet when it is encountered with a religious imagination, it is capable of revealing the reality of God’s presence in the world.

Weekly Topics

1. Introduction to the apocalyptic genre and literature; 1 Enoch: the Book of the Watchers
2. 1 Enoch: The Animal Apocalypse and Weeks
3. Daniel part 1: Historical context – Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic Era; the religious persecution under Antiochus IV; the Maccabean Revolt and the Hasmonean Dynasty; Literary setting and structure
4. Daniel part 2: A close reading of Chapter 2 for its apocalyptic imagery and themes
5. Daniel part 3: A close reading of Chapter 7 for its apocalyptic imagery and themes
6. 4 Ezra part 1: Historical background – the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple by the Romans in AD 70; authorship, authorial intention, structure, and major themes
7. 4 Ezra part 2: Revelatory dialogues and apocalyptic visions in 4 Ezra; Torah and Eschatology in 4 Ezra
8. 2 Baruch part 1: Relationship with 4 Ezra; structure, major themes and authorial intention
9. 2 Baruch part 2: Torah and Eschatology in 2 Baruch; The coming together of the Deuteronomic, prophetic, sapiential and apocalyptic traditions
10. Revelation part 1: Historical context, its place within the New Testament, and literary structure
11. Revelation part 2: Apocalyptic imagery, symbols and biblical exegesis
12. Revelation part 3: The message and theology of the Book of Revelation; its place in the tradition of Jewish Apocalypticism and early Christianity