Silence and Praise: Rhetorical Cosmology and Political Theology in the Book of Revelation

by Ryan Leif Hansen (Editor)

Overview

Cosmology is a central focus in Johns Apocalypse, Ryan Leif Hansen argues, but not in the sense that John envisions a stable cosmos. Rather, John employs cosmological themes for persuasive purposes that include a critique of Roman imperial cultic discourse. Hansens argument requires a discussion of the apocalyptic genre and rhetoric, the ways in which apocalyptic literature makes meaning especially through the construction of symbolic worlds, and then a comparison of this means with cosmological themes in which eternal Rome lies at the center of the cosmos.

John seeks to persuade his hearers that the world, as governed and sustained by Caesar and the Roman gods and perpetuated through the Roman cult and economy, is a false order, passing away in order that Gods new creation, narrated by truthful worship and costly witness to the Lamb, can emerge as gift. The book concludes with suggestions for fruitful conversation with recent work in apocalyptic theology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781451484427
Publisher:	Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date:	05/01/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
File size:	451 KB

About the Author

Ryan Leif Hansen received a Ph.D. in New Testament from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. He teaches at Garrett-Evangelical and is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene in Chicago.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements vii

Introduction 1

1 "The Apocalyptic Technique": How John's Apocalypse Makes Meaning 13

2 The War of Worldcraft: John's Cosmic Rhetoric Against Roman Imperial Cult Discourse 49

3 The Three Cycles of Seven as Object of Interpretation 69

4 Silence: The Prayerful Endurance and Non-Participation of the Saints 83

5 Praise: Narrating the Emergence of God's Reign and the New Creation 107

6 Silence and Praise: Economic Non-Participation and Narrating the New Creation 133

7 Toward an Apocalyptic Political Theology 157

Bibliography 169

Index of Subjects and Names 181