Research subject Apocalypticism

While apocalypticism today gives associations to cataclysmic doomsday scenarios, the Greek term apokálypsis means “revelation” and refers to a genre of visionary religious texts that were widespread in late-antiquity.

The Book of Revelation belongs to this genre, but it also encompasses Jewish, Gnostic, and later Islamic materials, with parallels in and influences on many other religious traditions. Apocalyptic revelations are typically framed as a visionary unveiling of the origins of the world, humanity’s place in the unfolding cosmic drama, and the end and rebirth of the world. The study of apocalypticism includes the emergence of this specific text genre, its influences on religious and political currents, and its vast reception history.