A Jelenések könyvének üzenete annak műfaja alapján
The Message of Revelation According to Its Genre
Author(s): János SimonSubject(s): Theology and Religion, Biblical studies
Published by: Erdélyi Református Egyházkerület
Keywords: Revelation; rhetorical approach; genre; motif; Apocalypse; war, victory
Summary/Abstract: The rhetorical approach perceives the Book of Revelation like any other text, as a work of purposive communication. While the content can take many different forms, when we try to understand the purpose, form should not be neglected. What could be the rhetorical intention of the writer when choosing the apocalyptic genre? Following the footsteps of E. P. Sanders and A. Y. Collins, we propose an eclectic view for the function of genre: Revelation is the literature of the oppressed written “to point out a crisis that many of them did not perceive.” Apocalypse is, however, not a genre that concentrates on the future or the past but above all on the present offering consolation for the oppressed, inviting readers to repentance. In the book, Christian life is presented as a war against the forces of evil, and contrary to what is visible, it assures its readers of a victorious outcome. Using the motifs of war and victory, we aim to present a view on how these motifs help the rhetorical intention to develop and the readers to acquire a new identity.
Journal: Református Szemle
- Issue Year: 106/2013
- Issue No: 5
- Page Range: 472-485
- Page Count: 14
- Language: Hungarian