![]() Apocalyptic Literature![]()
The term "Apocalyptic" is derived from the Greek "apocalypsis" ("apo-", "away from", and "kalupto", "I veil" - i.e. taking the veil away from, or revealing something). In the Bible the genre is represented by parts of Daniel in the Old Testament, and the "Revelation to St. John" (also known as "The Apocalypse") in the New Testament. Most apocalyptic literature is outside the Canon of Scripture, and was often written pseudonymously (the writer claiming to be some hero or patriarch of the Old Testament) and addressed to a select group or religious community (eg "the Apocalypse of Abraham, 1 & 2 Enoch, 2 & 3 Baruch) The main feature of apocalyptic literature is the revelation of secret visions and prophecies to the religious community, often citing angels as agents of the revelation, with a focus on eschatology (the End of Time) and the great Day of Judgment. Such literature was particularly popular at times of persecution, as a means of stressing that although evil seemed to be in the ascendancy in the world, there was actually another dimension, in the heavens, in which spiritual warfare was taking place, and which would eventually lead to victory and the vindication of the faithful minority. Apocalyptic writings can be divided into two main types, "historical" and "heavenly".
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