Continuum History of Apocalypticism - Abridged by Bernard McGinn & John J Collins & Stephen Stein (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Apocalypticism has been the source of hope and courage for the oppressed, but has also given rise, on many occasions, to fanaticism and intolerance. The essays in this volume seek neither to apologize for the extravagance of apocalyptic thinkers nor to excuse the perverse actions of some of their followers. Rather, they strive to understand a powerful, perhaps even indispensable, element in the history of Western religions that has been the source of both good and evil, and still is yet today."The Editors

Book Synopsis

"Apocalypticism has been the source of hope and courage for the oppressed, but has also given rise, on many occasions, to fanaticism and intolerance. The essays in this volume seek neither to apologize for the extravagance of apocalyptic thinkers nor to excuse the perverse actions of some of their followers. Rather, they strive to understand a powerful, perhaps even indispensable, element in the history of Western religions that has been the source of both good and evil, and still is yet today."The Editors

The Continuum History of Apocalypticism is a 1-volume, select edition of the 3-vol. Encyclopedia of Apocalypticism first published in 1998. The main historical surveys that provided the spine of the Encyclopedia have been retained, while essays of a thematic nature, and a few whose subject matter is not central to the historical development, have been omitted. The work begins with 8 articles on "The Origins of Apocalypticism in the Ancient World," extending from ancient Near Eastern myth through the Old Testament to the Dead Sea Scrolls, Jesus, Paul, and the Book of Revelation. Next are 7 articles on "Apocalyptic Traditions from Late Antiquity to ca. 1800 C.E.," including early Christian theology, radical movements in the Middle Ages, and both Jewish and Islamic apocalypticism in the classic period. The final section, "Apocalypticism in the Modern Age," includes 10 articles on apocalypticism in the Americas, in Western and Eastern Europe, and, finally, in modern Judaism and modern Islam.

Review Quotes

"[A]n indispensable resource for anyone interested in studying the origin, development and continuing impact of apocalyptic thought and writing in Judaism, Christianity and Islam." -America

"A unique and affordable companion revealing the historical and social dynamics of apocalyptic thought, this is recommended for academic theological collections..."" -L Kriz, West Des Moines P.L., IA, 1/04

"Edited by first-rate scholars this work is certain to dominate its field for decades. It is rich, learned, fascinating and unsettling. I wish the authors were basically wrong. But I fear they re always nearly right/ Reading every essay is the three thick volumes, I am chastened, instructed, and in a strange way, moved and even inspired."-Judaism

"This multivolume set, a masterfully conceived work covering the vast historical literature of apocalypticism, will utterly delight the serious scholar .The articles are surprisingly readable for an academic text .Those truly interested in a comprehensive exposition of apocalypticism will find treasures in this great work." -Library Journal

"This splendid collection of essays explores religiously inspired conceptions of the end of history .Addressing critical aspects of Western apocalypticism, the authors identify and define their topics carefully, develop independent interpretations, and supply excellent supporting annotates bibliographies. This superb encyclopedia represents the best current scholarship; it richly deserves wide distribution."-Choice

This collection of essays have been selected and edited by three outstanding scholars from three different American universities. Their selections explore a rich history of religiously inspired ideas about the end of history The price of this volume at $75, although expensive, is entirely within the price range of similar volumes, if not below many of them For the religion major, graduate student, or religious scholar, this compendium is a necessary edition to their research library. 35th Annual American Reference Books Annual, 2004

"[A]n indispensable resource for anyone interested in studying the origin, development and continuing impact of apocalyptic thought and writing in Judaism, Christianity and Islam."

About the Author

Bernard McGinn is the Naomi Shenstone Donnelly Professor Historical Theology and the History of Christianity at the University of Chicago Divinity School. John J. Collins is Holmes Professor of Old Testament Criticism and Interpretation at Yale University Divinity School. Stephen J. Stein teaches Religious Studis at Indiana University.