DESCRIPTION:

An Internet-based, detailed study of the Book of Revelation (English text) and of the way it employs epistolary, prophetic, and apocalyptic perspectives to convey its message. Attention is given to the text and to its theology first in its presumed original setting, then to its relevance for the Church in other settings.

Like other biblical texts, as both human word and Holy Scripture, Revelation presents the divine perspective on creation, human society, their fate and their future. But because of its nature as a first-century apocalypse, Revelation has been often misunderstood and misused. The course takes up relevant issues of its interpretation in ways consonant with its first-century context and appropriate for the Church--and the world--since then.

Students successfully completing NE567 "Revelation" will have demonstrated (1) knowledge and understanding of the Book of Revelation; (2) ability to interpret this particular book, apocalyptic literature, and the Bible generally, through reading and critical interaction in community, using historical, socio-cultural, literary and other methods; (3) and skill in reading the Bible theologically in view of diverse contexts.

Conducted online, the ten weekly lessons align with Fuller's academic calendar. The course involves reading, writing, research, and weekly interactive discussion with other students and the instructor.

Two rapid readings of Revelation, at least one in the NRSV or the TNIV [c. 40 pp.].

The book of Daniel and portions of 4 Ezra [c. 35 pp.].

Boxall, I. The Revelation of Saint John. Black's New Testament Commentary. Hendrickson, 2006 [320 pp.]. ISBN-13: 978-1598564587; $24.95.

González, J. For the Healing of the Nations: The Book of Revelation in an Age of Cultural Conflict. Orbis, 1999 [117 pp.]. ISBN-10: 1570752737; $15.00.

Gorman, Michael J. Reading Revelation Responsibly: Uncivil Worship and Witness: Following the Lamb into the New Creation. Cascade: 2011 [xviii + 211 pp.]. ISBN-13: 978-1-60608-560-8; $25.00.

Mounce, R. H. The Book of Revelation. Rev. ed. NICNT. Eerdmans, 1997 [439 pp.]. ISBN-10: 0802825370; $50.00.

1. Initial Essay, due Week 1:

2. Read entirely through Revelation and Daniel, each rapidly, each in one sitting (ca. two hours each). Use either the NRSV or the TNIV for these readings.

3. Read 4 Ezra 3:1-5:20; 9:38-13:58 (c. one hour), and any further portions you wish (this Jewish apocalyptic text is also known as 2 Esdras; see syllabus).

4. Write a maximum 1000-word reflective essay on your sense of (a) the message of Revelation and (b) its relation to Daniel and 4 Ezra. The essay is due the end of Week 1 (10%).

5. Write "Interpretive Assignments" on any three of eight selected texts; the two best Interpretive Assignments will count toward the course grade (20%).

6. Participate in online forums on (a) close readings of selected texts, (b) theological interpretations of those texts, and (c) discussions of assigned textbooks (30%).

7. Read rapidly through Revelation again, at one sitting after Week 8 and before the end of Week 9. Describe in a maximum 750-word essay how your impressions of Revelation in this second reading differ from and resemble those from your first reading. This second essay is due at the end of Week 9 (10%).

8. Final maximum 3000-word research paper, due at the end of Week 10, giving a theological interpretation of the book of Revelation, or of a selected text from it (30%).