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Elusive Apocalypse
Studies in American Biblical Hermeneutics 15
by Greg Carey
Elusive Apocalypse examines how the Book of Revelation constructs narrative and religious authority through "John," its ever-present narrative voice. Tensions within Revelation's construction of narrative and religious authority fuel conflicts over its interpretation. Analysis of popular and scholarly reading of the Apocalypse, complemented by autobiographical reflection, reveals that authority is a critical issue for contemporary interpreters. As John articulates his own authority, he must also silence competing voices from the Empire, the larger society, local Jewish communities, and even some members of his audience.
Elusive Apocalypse proposes narrative ethos as a model for evaluating John's rhetoric. Taken together, the resources of classical rhetoric, modern literary analysis, and postcolonial criticisms elucidate how ancient apocalyptic visionaries like John legitimated their radical claims.
Revelation stands in liminal territory. It embodies resistance to oppressive structures on the basis of an egalitarian vision, calling all "servants" of God to join John in his resistance. To share with John, however, means to subordinate oneself to his vision. Somewhere between partnership and domination the readers of the Apocalypse also stand. They must decide whether and how to respond to this extraordinary vision.
Greg Carey is assistant professor of religious studies at Winthrop University. He earned degrees from Rhodes College and Vanderbilt University.
Title of related interest
The Streets of Heaven
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