RELG 322 A History of the End of the World
The apocalyptic expectation of the cataclysmic end of the world is an ancient, enduring, adaptive concept that permeates our culture today. From the dire political rhetoric concerning foreign antagonists to the modern environmental controversy; from the popular and lucrative doomsday genre of film, TV and literature (Zombie Apocalypses) to deeply held religious beliefs, some of which have come to tragic ends (Waco) – the apocalyptic sentiment in our society is ubiquitous. This course explores the genesis of apocalyptic literature in late Second Temple Judaism (c. 250 B.C.E.) which gave rise to an articulated martyr theology, the concept of a War of Piety, the expectation of final judgment, the resurrection of the dead, eternal damnation, and ultimately the composition of the New Testament and the genre’s enduring legacy for our own day.
PRQ: RELG 207 or permission by instructor.
Scheduled: Spring, Yearly
Meets: O