REL 57.07 Apocalyptic Imagination
Throughout the centuries individuals from vastly different cultures have sought to answer the question “what is the meaning of life?” through apocalyptic speculation. This survey of Jewish and Christian apocalyptic literature will explore the sociological significance of this tradition in the history of Western culture. This study will begin with biblical antecedents, cover several early Jewish examples, and treat some early Christian apocalypses. We will explore medieval Jewish, Christian and Islamic texts before turning our attention to modern apocalypticism. Open to all.