AmaZing Grace Biblical Seminary Bethel Building, Kadalavila, Nellikunnam P. O Kottarakara. Kollam District. Kerala State India. Pin-691520 Ph.8547473926, 8281663926, 9656113335 Web: www.agmi2020.org ************************************************************************************* APOCALYPTIC LITERATURE COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is an introductory one to understand the apocalypse of Jewish and Christian people with special reference to the canonical books of the Scriptures. It is a study based on the canonical books such as Book of Daniel and Book of Revelation. Moreover, for analyzing the apocalyptic environment of Jews selected books from apocryphal and pseudepigrapahal category, other OT and NT books are also taken for reference. The unique contextual message of apocalypse in the crisis period is analyzed here as a prophetic message to cover up the tensed situation and for developing a hope Christology and eschatology. Searching for the relevant and contextual meanings of the apocalypse for the crisis situations of the church and society is the main goal of this course. COURSE OBJECTIVES: 1. To enable the students to discuss about the philosophical trends in Apocalypse 2. To encourage the students to discuss about the different views on the formation of the Apocalyptic writings (canonical and others). 3. To enable the students to understand the important issues and themes in the Apocalyptic literature and their contemporary application 4. To encourage the students to develop contextual meanings of apocalypse for the constructive mission in and outside the church CONTENTS OF THE COURSE I. Define the term 'Apocalyptic' 1. A type of Literature (Apocalypse) 2. A kind of Eschatology (Apocalyptic Eschatology) 3. A historical Movement (Apocalypticism) II. Origins of Apocalypticism 1. Mesopotomian Apocalypticism 2. Biblical Apocalypticism III. The Setting of Apocalypticism IV. Types of Apocalypses 1. Historical 2. Mystical V. Major Apocalyptic Writings 1. Daniel, other OT writings and Revelation, other NT writings or Little apocalypse in the gospels (the Jewish and Christian canon) 2. 2 Esdras (Apocrypha) 3. Ethiopic Enoch, Syriac Apocalypse of Baruch, the Book of Jubilees (Pseudepigrapha) 4. War Scroll (Dead Sea Scrolls) 5. Others: the Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs, the Jewish sybilline Oracles, the Ascension of Moses, IV Esdras, Testament of Abraham, Testament of Levi, Apocalypse of Zephaniah VI. Characteristics of Apocalypticism 1. Temporal dualism of the two ages 2. Cosmological dualism (Good and Evil or God and Satan) 3. Primeval battle between Leviathan and Yahweh 4. Original Sin 5. Messianic Expectation (New Revelation) 6. The Eschatological Antagonist 7. The Re-creation or Transformation of the cosmos VI. Prophecy and Apocalypticism VII. Eschatology and Apocalypticism VIII. Wisdom and Apocalypticism IX. Gnostic Apocalypticism X. Jewish Apocalypticism (from Early Jewish Religion) XI. Jesus and Apocalypticism XII. Apocalypticism's influence on Christianity XIII. The Significance of Apocalypticism Today TEACHING METHOD 1. Class lecturing 2. Seminar presentation and discussion 3. Reading Reports 4. Assignment papers REQUIRED READING Rowley, H.H. The Relevance of the Apocalyptic, London: Lutterworth Press, 1944. Russel, D.S. The Method and Message of Jewish Apocalyptic 200 B.C.-A.D.I00, London: SCM, 1964. FOR FURTHER REFERENCE Clowney, Edmund. The Unfolding Mystery. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1988. Clowney, Edmund. The Unfolding Mystery. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1988. Dumbrell, William. The End of the Beginning. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1985. E.W. Nicholson, Apocalyptic in Tradition and Interpretations, Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1979. Hanson, P. D. The Dawn of the Apocalyptic, Fortress Press, 1976. J.J. Collins, Daniel. With an Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature, Grand Rapids: K. Koch, The Rediscovery of the Apocalyptic, London: SCM, 1970. L.F. Hartmann & A. A. Di Leila, The Book of Daniel, New York: Doubleday, 1978. N.W. Porteous, Daniel: A Commentary. :London: SCM, 1965. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1975. Peterson, Eugene. The Message. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2002. R.A. Anderson. Daniel: Signs and Wonders, Edinburgh: Handsell Press, 1984. R.R. Danoes, Daniel: Old Testament Guide, Sheffield: JSOT Press, 1985. Rapids: Baker Book House, 2002. Schmithals, Walter. The Apocalyptic Movement: Introduction and Interpretation, Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1984.