Catastrophes that threaten life and health have characterized the history of humankind from the very beginning, as has the search for meaning. The descriptions of end-time catastrophes in apocalyptic literature are also concerned with their meaning for the present. In the New Testament, the book of Revelation belongs to this kind of literature. It does not provide a roadmap for the end of the world; the horror images of a subversive narrative aim at understanding the current reality. Using the example of the so-called "damage cycles" (Rev 6:1-17; 8:2-11:19; 15:1-16:21), it will be argued that these texts aim at a theological interpretation that consoles and admonishes its readers by creating narrative spaces for the transience of the seemingly unchangeable Roman rule.

Enthalten in:
Evangelische Theologie; 2021/5 Zweimonatsschrift (2021)

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Serie / Reihe: Evangelische Theologie

Personen: Labahn, Michael

Schlagwörter: Katastrophe Apokalyptik Offenbarung des Johannes