The Apocalyptic Imagination Course

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Course Description:

Is this the end of the world?  We live in challenging and stressful times and it does make one wonder.  Yet, every generation has faced some form of catastrophe that has led them to look up to the heavens and ask, “is this the Apocalypse?”  In this course we shall examine the origins of the apocalyptic imagination by reading a selection of early Christian and Jewish apocalyptic texts.  We will seek to understand the ancient social and historical contexts that gave rise to “end of the world” thinking. Questions to be considered: What are the common features of early apocalyptic texts and what do apocalyptic movements have in common?  How did the apocalyptic imagination influence the theology of the Christian Church?  How have these texts been “used and abused” by various sects of Christianity? Is there anything to be gained or learned from reading these texts in our modern context?

Format:  In light of restrictions on social gatherings, this course will be offered virtually. Short recorded lectures (posted on the course website which can be viewed at the participants’ convenience ) OR lecture notes will be offered.  Zoom seminars with a maximum of eight people (to facilitate ease of conversation) will be offered in several time slots over the week.  IF restrictions on social gatherings are relaxed, there MAY be an opportunity for a small, physically distanced weekly seminar, as well.


Course Schedule:

Week 1 - Introduction
An introduction to the genre of apocalyptic literature, definition of key terms, sociological concepts, preconceived notions.
Week 2 - Daniel 7:12
Week 3 - 1 Enoch 1-36, “The Book of the Watchers”
Week 4 - 1 Enoch 81-91, Enoch's Journey and Return, “The Animal Apocalypse” & 1 Enoch 93, “The Apocalypse of Weeks”
Week 5 - l Enoch 37-71, The Similitudes of Enoch
Week 6 - The Book of Revelation
Week 7 - Other New Testament Apocalyptic Strands: The “Little Apocalypses” of the Synoptic Gospels, and the Apocalyptic Paul
Week 8 - After the Fall of Jerusalem: 4 Ezra, 2 Baruch

Links to Texts: 


Links to Lecture Notes:

Session 4 - 1 Enoch (continued) (Transitions, The Animal Apocalypse, the Apocalypse of Weeks)
Session 8 - After the Fall of Jerusalem (4 Ezra, 2 Baruch)

Secondary Literature:



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