Cosmology and Eschatology in Jewish and Christian Apocalypticism

摘要: Cosmology and Eschatology in Jewish Christian Apocalypticism, by Adela Yarbro Collins. JSJSup 50. Leiden/New York/Cologne: Brill, 1996. Pp. xii + 261. $99.50. Collins's new book Apocalypticism is an at-times fascinating collection of studies on several key aspects apocalyptic literature. In the course book, Collins presents us with array close primary-source studies, and, as one might expect, displays extensive erudition issues she takes up. But work suffers from something identity crisis: it not at all clear that has any single focus or even a guiding perspective would serve to unify its desultory observations. Instead, text reads like series essays conceived quite independently another. The first chapter addresses question historiography hermeneutics connection ancient literature concludes-apparently intending refute ahistorical tendencies "postmodern" hermeneutical approaches-that material best understood terms originary cultural matrix. Chapter 2 discusses background presentations heavens stratified, particularly threefold sevenfold (primarily Babylonian, unrelated planetary enumerations). 3 deals numerology general argues numerical patterns derived everyday life (e.g., seven being number days week, four cardinal points, ten basis for decimal arithmetic operations, so on) were applied fabric time universe whole primarily order reassuringly assert fundamental orderliness comprehensibility universe. Chapters 4 5 are more closely linked each other than sections book: former origins "Son Man" title thought, while latter term's meaning degree conceptual development Revelation John. conclusions which arrives here worth noting: believes-following Bultmann's venerable views-- terminology came into tradition via Jesus himself, who used term designate angelic supernatural figure himself. NT Apocalypse bears testimony stage concept intermediate Jesus, hand, developed titular notion Q, other. sixth stance active but nonviolent opposition Roman state, while, finally, 7 proposes baptism can be found apocalyptically oriented ablutions John which, argues, continued practice Jesus. Both Rabbinic practices baptism, maintains, have their ultimate roots purificatory washings Leviticus. no consolidated introduction conclusion. There grounds calling many advanced book. …