Exegesis: Book of Revelation

This course introduces the students to methods of exegesis. These methods are then applied to selected texts drawn from the Book of Revelation. Course work is based on the Greek text. This course studies the theology of the Book of Revelation in its social, historical and religious context from the historical-critical point of view. Hereby, students are introduced to the literary genre of apocalyptic literature marked by distinctive features like visionary experiences or journeys to heaven, often involving vivid symbolism. A careful reading and study of the text is accompanied by a survey of the most influential interpretative approaches throughout history (histoicist, preterist, futurist, idealist) and followed by questions concerning a contemporary understanding of the writing.