The Apocalyptic Imagination: An Introduction to Jewish Apocalyptic Literature (The Biblical Resource Series) by John J. Collins (PDF)

Description

Apocalyptic literature evokes an imaginative world that is set in deliberate counterpoint to the experiential world of the present. Apocalypticism thrives especially in times of crisis, and it functions by offering a resolution of the relevant crisis, not in practical terms but in terms of imagination and faith.The Apocalyptic Imagination by John Collins is one of the most widely praised studies of Jewish apocalyptic literature ever written. And this second edition of Collins’s study represents a complete updating and rewriting of the original work. Especially noteworthy is the chapter on the Dead Sea Scrolls, which now takes into account all of the recently published texts. Other chapters discuss apocalypse as a literary genre, explore the phenomenon and function of apocalypticism in the ancient world, study a wide range of individual apocalyptic texts, and examine the apocalyptic character of early Christianity.

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: Review Journal of the American Academy of Religion “A very useful guide to the Jewish apocalypses and related literature… One will not find a better or more up-to-date survey of this material, which expresses a way of thinking that was so influential on formative Christianity, than in Collins’s book.”The Bible Today “This is a updated and rewritten edition of a highly acclaimed book that appeared in 1984. In it Collins expertly explains the apocalyptic genre and then examines the Enoch literature, Daniel, various oracles, testaments, and apocalypses, as well as the Qumran material. In the final chapter he addresses the presence of such thinking in early Christianity. Though this is primarily a study of literature, the various pieces are placed within their historical contexts in order to show how they are imaginative responses to events in history. Collins argues that apocalyptic material did not effect change in history, but offered a way to deal with it in a manner that is both courageous and faithful. The book provides important information about an important yet little known corpus of material. It is a valuable resource.” About the Author John J. Collins is Holmes Professor of Old Testament Criticism and Interpretation at Yale Divinity School. His many other books include The Apocalyptic Imagination: An Introduction to Jewish Apocalyptic Literature, Early Judaism: A Comprehensive Overview, and The Oxford Handbook of Apocalyptic Literature.

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐This is by far one of the most succinct and clear overviews on this subject that I have ever encountered. It provides great information on the significance of 1 Enoch and even dives into textual issues that are debated. Information is current and relevant for anyone that wants to study intertestamental literature and the New Testament.I recommend this book to people that are serious about jumping into texts that rose from Jewish apocalypticism. It literally helped me so much to begin to wade through it all. John J. Collins is one of the best scholars on the book of Daniel and he brings that knowledge to the table constantly throughout the book.

⭐I read this book some years ago (in the 80s or 90s, I think), and it was one of the most important books I have ever read for me personally. Reading the non-canonical apocalyptic literature (which Collins guided me through with The Apocalyptic Imagination and other of his works) that came from the time of the canonical apocalyptic passages (Daniel, Revelation, and others) enabled me to say that the canonical stuff was the same sort of thing as the non-canonical stuff and not something sui generis that should be interpreted in some special, non-historical way, as if it had dropped from heaven and had an origin entirely different from the non-canonical literature. In The Apocalyptic Imagination I felt I had a trustworthy guide through the entire tradition, canonical and non-canonical. I am using The Apocalyptic Imagination as one of two required textbooks for a course I am currently teaching at Northern Kentucky University entitled “Apocalyptic Visions and World Religions.”

⭐… standard introduction to modern scholarly takes on the genre of Jewish and Christian apocalyptic literature. I find Collins a bit “safe” in many of his conclusions, but Collins is the undisputed leader in the field.

⭐John Collins provides an excellent introduction of Jewish apocalyptic literature, vital to better understanding of Christian apocalyptic such as the book of Revelation. An intriguing read for anyone trying to deepen their understanding of New Testament apocalyptic literature.

⭐A very balanced presentation of the apocalyptic material. Collins handles the Jewish source materials in their original contexts and assesses them fairly for meaning and theological/eschatological intent. He is not afraid to handle the christian apocalypse of Revelation without either seeking to use it to critique its Jewish sources or using them to critique it. This book is not polemical and a great introduction to the apocalyptic corpus.

⭐Read this in my graduate seminar on Apocalyptic Literature. Fantastic read. Great resource for later work. Accessible without lacking academic rigor. I’ve returned to this book throughout my studies, especially as I prepare for my comprehensive exams in my doctoral work. Great resource for the money!

⭐great

⭐great

⭐Good book

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