B9241 Apocalyptic Literature

Prerequisites, corequisites or exclusions

9 Biblical Studies credit points (i.e. Intro to NT or Intro to OT)

Academic Staff

Prof. Edith Humphrey Ph.D., McGill University; B.A., Victoria College, University of Toronto; A.R.C.T., Royal Conservatory of Toronto

Curriculum Objectives

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

Learning Outcomes

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

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

Content

The literary genre known as Apocalyptic: origin and development
Apocalyptic and the Old Testament
Selected texts for exegesis from Daniel and the Intertestamental Literature
Apocalyptic and the New Testament
The Book of Revelation: background, structure, and theology
Selected texts for exegesis from Revelation

UNIT WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Week 1	Introduction to the apocalyptic genre and literature; 1 Enoch: the Book of the Watchers
Week 2	1 Enoch: The Animal Apocalypse
Week 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
Week 4	Daniel part 2: A close reading of Chapter 2 for its apocalyptic imagery and themes
Week 5	Daniel part 3: A close reading of Chapter 7 for its apocalyptic imagery and themes
Week 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
Week 7	4 Ezra part 2: Revelatory dialogues and apocalyptic visions in 4 Ezra; Torah and Eschatology in 4 Ezra
Week 8	2 Baruch part 1: Relationship with 4 Ezra; structure, major themes and authorial intention
Week 9	2 Baruch part 2: Torah and Eschatology in 2 Baruch; The coming together of the Deuteronomic, prophetic, sapiential and apocalyptic traditions
Week 10	Revelation part 1: Historical context, its place within the New Testament, and literary structure
Week 11	Revelation part 2: Apocalyptic imagery, symbols and biblical exegesis
Week 12	Revelation part 3: The message and theology of the Book of Revelation; its place in the tradition of Jewish Apocalypticism and early Christianity