Millennialism From The Hebrew Bible To The Present

The concept of millennialism—of a looming End of Days that will usher in salvation and a new world—is prevalent in Jewish history and culture and also serves as a cornerstone for a number of Christian faiths. Millennialism has also sprung up among certain disenfranchised, marginalized, or conquered peoples at different times and places throughout history. From the coming of the Jewish Messiah to the 1890 Native American Ghost Dance to modern Cargo Cults of the Pacific Islands to recent prophecies concerning the dawn of the third millennium, people have anticipated, feared, and built their lives around a transformation of their world marked by a significant calendar moment or momentous event. The twelve contributors to this volume examine the concept of the End of Days in Judaic history and culture as well as other important manifestations in the past and present. Topics include the dynamics and process of millennialism; the role of children in millennial religions; the enduring messianic significance of Jerusalem; the influence of ancient Judaic millennialism on current sensibilities; a comparison of the roots and meanings of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian calendars; the roots of the Christian antichrist in Jewish traditions of evil; differing rabbinical interpretations of the End of Days; the impact of millennialism on the Franciscan mission to New Spain; millennialism as a process of cultural mourning and rebirth; the appropriation and reinterpretation of the Book of Revelation by new religious movements; the significance and influence of apocalyptic movies; and the emergence of millennialism in popular culture in such television shows as The X-Files.

This collection of 16 articles represents a selection of the papers delivered in the course of a seminar (1995-1996) at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton and its concluding joint symposium held at the Institute and Princeton University. Wide-ranging in scope, the volume covers messianic expectations from biblical times up to modern and contemporaneous adaptations, whereby the focus lies on the messianic concept within Judaism: diversity and variety of messianic expectations in antiquity; messianic movements at the time of the Crusades and around the fifth millennium (1240); the 'Pseudo'-Messiah Sabbatai Avi in the early modern period; the philosophers Hermann Cohen, Franz Rosenzweig and Walter Benjamin with respect to their thinking about messianism as well as the Lubavitch movement. Also included are investigations on pagan Graeco-Roman writings and messianic strands in the medieval and baroque Christian context. The section on the modern period contains contributions dealing with the Ahmaddiyya movement in India, messianic currents in the socio-political culture of the Weimar Republic as well as certain messianic aspects in the very recent so-called Branch Davidian community in Waco, Texas. The broad spectrum of stimulating analyses provides a fresh re-evaluation of an apparently timeless phenomenon.

This volume is a collection of essays on prophecy and apocalyptic, and is compiled in honour of Anthony Gelston. The theme has been chosen to coincide with the dawn of the new millennium in the year 2000. The essays examine the following: Balaam's oracles in Numbers, Philo and the Aramaic Targums; the future in the Books of Chronicles; Job 19:25; the shape of the Psalter; Isaiah 11:6-9; Isaiah 51:6; the value of human life in Ezekiel; Calvin, Pusey and Robertson Smith's commentaries on Hosea; Qoheleth, Hosea and attribution in biblical literature; the social background of Malachi; apocalyptic and early Jewish wisdom literature; Judith, Tobit, Ahiqar and History; 1 Corinthians 15:54; Revelation 4-5; the writings of Aphrahat, Šubḥalmaran, George Stanley Faber and Cotton Mather.

Everyone is looking for a miracle. Families devastated by a faltering economy. A college student facing the horrific diagnosis of cancer. Corporately, whole nations are teetering on the brink of despair and chaos. The Miracle of Israel is a stunning examination of the millennia-old love that God has for His people that: Clearly conveys the promise God gave to AbrahamExamines the ancient prophecies regarding Israel that have happened and are unfolding even todayProvides an easy-to-read timeline of miracle after miracle related to the nation of Israel Tracing the history of the Jewish people to the present day, the authors look at prophecy after prophecy that clearly attest to the Lord’s miraculous promises. From historical records to personal, dramatic stories, the Miracle of Israel shows us that in keeping epic promises to the nation of Israel, God’s provision for each of us is sure, perfect, and on time, every time.

Part of the Studies in Antiquity series, these 21 essays feature interpretations of the Hebrew Bible using the comprehensive, interpretive methodology developed by Rolf P. Knierim.

Jesus' promise that "the end" draws near has spawned an expectation of that grand event across various religious groups. This volume examines the abiding social issues that surround the continued presence of apocalyptic anticipation by setting them in historical, present-day, and future manifestations. Approaching this fervent expectation from a broad perspective, Gribben and Newport explore the contemporary movements with insightful analysis that provokes discussion and even self-reflection.

The final book of the Bible, Revelation prophesies the ultimate judgement of mankind in a series of allegorical visions, grisly images and numerological predictions. According to these, empires will fall, the "Beast" will be destroyed and Christ will rule a new Jerusalem. With an introduction by Will Self.