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Jewish Apocalytic Literature: Its Significance and Resiliency in Biblical Communities

Jewish Apocalyptic Literature: Its Significance and Resiliency in Biblical Communities

Roger CALLAWAY

Jewish apocalyptic literature shows a surprisingly resilient life in biblical communities. Yet, because the literature is often misunderstood or even misappropriated, its value for the modern church is sometimes overlooked. A key to understanding the phenomenon of “apocalypse” is to distinguish between apocalyptic as a state of mind, as a social movement, and as literature. As literature of the Old Testament, apocalypse is most readily identified with the Book of Daniel, but may also be found sporatically in other places. But beyond the Old Testament, apocalypse continued to develop and flourish in rabbinic and Jewish mystical circles. Charting the development of themes from canonical to non-canonical examples of apocalyse provides a way to understand the intent of biblical apocalypse (ie, apocalypse set within the context of the canon). This may also provide a way for the modern church to accept Jewish apocalypse into its life and ministries in healthy ways.

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Message from the Editor of Issue 48

Editor's Note: Wu Guojie Since the outbreak of the new coronavirus, the number of people infected worldwide has exceeded 250 million, and the number of deaths has exceeded 5 million. This number does not include poor third-world countries with weak testing capabilities and inability to determine the cause of death. Due to the epidemic, the lives, economy, and travel of people around the world have been affected to varying degrees; for example, people have to wear masks when going out, maintain social distance, the number of gatherings is limited, quarantine is required when entering the country, travel has been greatly reduced, related industries have laid off employees, and unemployment has Rates thus increase and so on. In this environment, church gatherings have also been affected to a considerable extent. During the period when the epidemic was severe and gatherings were restricted, physical church gatherings were suspended, and online live broadcasts and video conversations became necessary alternative modes; even if the epidemic eased and physical gatherings reopened, online Synchronization has also become the new normal. In the face of this disaster, which is called the "pandemic of the century," what resources does the Christian faith have that can help the church respond and turn the crisis into an opportunity? This issue of "Sandow Journal" takes "Epidemics and Disasters" as the theme, and brings together different scholars to discuss it from the perspectives of the two Testaments, doctrinal theology, and practical theology, hoping to enlighten modern Christians on how to deal with the challenges of this era. ...