Apocalypticism / Apocalyptic Literature

[MorphRC]

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[b][font="Times"]Caelum defendet militem, Caelum exercet militem, Caelum docet militem. Amen. Amen.[/font][/b]
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[b][font="Times"][color=gray]Apocalypticism / Apocalyptic Literature[/color][/font][/b]
[b]Simple, Basic Teaching of Apocalypticism[/b]

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[b]Sections:[/b]

[b]1.[/b] Meaning
[b]2.[/b] Origins
[b]3.[/b] Language & Symbolism

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[b][font="Times"]1. Meaning[/font][/b]

[i]Apocalypticism[/i] is the official terminology for literature that begun around the 2 cent. BC and continued until around 100AD. [i]apocalypticism[/i] comes from the term [i]apocalypse[/i]. The language of the word [i]apocalypse[/i] is Greek and translates as "revelation." Hence St. John's "The Book of Revelation."
The general term for [i]apocalypticism[/i] is apocalyptic literature, or writings.

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[b][font="Times"]2. Origins[/font][/b]

The first writing of apocalyptic literature was written by Daniel around 166-164BC, the time of Antiochus IV, the King of Syria, who persecuted the Jews and eventually defiled the Temple of Jerusalem. When he captured Jerusalem he prohibited Judaism, and tried to establish the worship and veneration of Greek gods.
Apocalyptic literature originated during times of persecution and was designed and written to help the persecuted to survive, retain their courage and stay loyal to their Lord.

[b]Apocalyptic Literature includes the following:[/b]

[b][color=gray]Canonical Books[/color][/b]

- Daniel
- Joel
- Malachi
- Haggai
- Isaiah 24-27
- Second Isaiah ([i]Deutro-Isaiah[/i]) - Isa 40-45
- Third Isaiah ([i]Deutro-Isaiah[/i]) - Isa 56-66
- Zechariah
- Zechariah 9-14
- Ezekiel 40-48
- Revelation, Book of

[b][color=gray]Non-Canonical Books[/color][/b]

- 1 Enoch - [i]Ethopic Enoch[/i]

Jews and Christians both used [i]apocalypticism[/i] during times of persecution. The most famous of apocalyptic literature is 'The Book of Apocalypse or Revelation'. Written around Emperor Domitian (81-96AD) time.

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[b][font="Times"]3. Language & Symbolism[/font][/b]

Symbolism is often incorporated into apocalyptic literature. The Book of Apocalypse, written by St. John is filled with symbolism throughout the book. Language with symbolic messages are throughout Apocalypse, for example with the number 12; this number can represent the twelve tribes of Israel, but also represent the twelve apostles. The number four is another symbolic numeral, standing for '[i]the whole world[/i]'; North, South, East & West. Symbolism in apocalyptic literature isnt assigned to numbers alone, but to animals, strange creatures, enemies of God, especially Rome and Babylon and tribes.

[b]Examples of Apocalypticism:[/b]

[font="Times"][b]Book of Isaiah: Chapter 24[/b][/font]

[b][i]IV: APOCALYPSE OF ISAIAH[/i][/b]

[b]Devastation of the World: A Remnant Saved[/b]

[b]1[/b] Lo, the LORD empties the land and lays it waste; he turns it upside down, scattering its inhabitants: [b]2[/b] Layman and priest alike, servant and master, The maid as her mistress, the buyer as the seller, The lender as the borrower, the creditor as the debtor. [b]3[/b] The earth is utterly laid waste, utterly stripped, for the LORD has decreed this thing. [b]4[/b] The earth mourns and fades, the world languishes and fades; both heaven and earth languish.
[b]5[/b] The earth is polluted because of its inhabitants, who have transgressed laws, violated statutes, broken the ancient covenant. [b]6[/b] Therefore a curse devours the earth, and its inhabitants pay for their guilt; Therefore they who dwell on earth turn pale, and few men are left. [b]7[/b] The wine mourns, the vine languishes, all the merry-hearted groan. [b]8[/b] Stilled are the cheerful timbrels, ended the shouts of the jubilant, stilled is the cheerful harp.
[b]9[/b] They cannot sing and drink wine; strong drink is bitter to those who partake of it. [b]10[/b] Broken down is the city of chaos, shut against entry, every house. [b]11[/b] In the streets they cry out for lack of wine; all joy has disappeared and cheer has left the land. [b]12[/b] In the city nothing remains but ruin; its gates are battered and desolate. [b]13[/b] Thus it is within the land, and among the peoples, As with an olive tree after it is beaten, as with a gleaning when the vintage is done.
[b]14[/b] These lift up their voice in acclaim; from the sea they proclaim the majesty of the LORD: [b]15[/b] "For this, in the coastlands, give glory to the LORD! In the coastlands of the sea, to the name of the LORD, the God of Israel!" [b]16[/b] From the end of the earth we hear songs: "Splendor to the Just One!" But I said, "I am wasted, wasted away. Woe is me! The traitors betray: with treachery have the traitors betrayed! [b]17[/b] Terror, pit, and trap are upon you, inhabitant of the earth; [b]18 [/b]He who flees at the sound of terror will fall into the pit; He who climbs out of the pit will be caught in the trap. For the windows on high will be opened and the foundations of the earth will shake. [b]19[/b] The earth will burst asunder, the earth will be shaken apart, the earth will be convulsed. [b]20[/b] The earth will reel like a drunkard, and it will sway like a hut; Its rebellion will weigh it down, until it falls, never to rise again."
[b]21[/b] On that day the LORD will punish the host of the heavens in the heavens, and the kings of the earth on the earth. [b]22[/b] They will be gathered together like prisoners into a pit; They will be shut up in a dungeon, and after many days they will be punished. [b]23[/b] Then the moon will blush and the sun grow pale, For the LORD of hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, glorious in the sight of his elders. [i]Book of Isaiah: Chapter 24:1-23[/i]

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Edited August 27, 2004 by MorphRC

[phatcatholic]

just some constructive criticism....

i thought that a fundamental component of apocalyptic literature was its look at the end times, but this is nowhere mentioned. that's kinda wierd

also, under meaning you have "literature that begun around the 2 cent. BC and continued until around 100AD." everything written during this time is apocalyptic? that seems doubtful, but i could be wrong.

what do u think?

[MorphRC]

Apocalyptic is not end-time that is Eschatology. Apocalypticism deals with present times, but also may include Eschatological parts.

And the dates 200BC-100AD is correct. Verified by the NJBC, 2nd, 'A Catholics Guide to the Bible', [i]Catholic Home Study[/i]

[phatcatholic]

[quote name='MorphRC' date='Aug 27 2004, 12:02 PM'] Apocalyptic is not end-time that is Eschatology. Apocalypticism deals with present times, but also may include Eschatological parts. [/quote]
ahh, good call

[quote]And the dates 200BC-100AD is correct. Verified by the NJBC, 2nd, 'A Catholics Guide to the Bible', [i]Catholic Home Study[/i][/quote]
but is [i]everything[/i] written during this time frame apocalyptic?

[MorphRC]

Everything we have is. Canonical and or Non-Canonical, for example, First Book of Enoch, Ethiopian. But you can write out a apocalyptic writing now about terrorism, etc, and it would be classified under that title.

[StColette]

wow I learn something new everyday!! I was a little confused thanks for clearing that up Morph

[MorphRC]

np