Apocalyptic Literature: A Reader

by Mitchell G. Reddish (Editor)

The world of apocalyptic literature can be both vast and confusing. To journey successfully through its complexities, it is best to have an experienced tour guide to direct you to the sites most representative of that world. In this way the new traveler can avoid dead ends, skip the fruitless excursions, and instead enjoy the ride. Reddish's introductions to the otherworldly writings of Judaism - including the War Scroll from Qumran and books such as 1 Enoch from the so-called Old Testament Pseudepigrapha - as well as to the apocalyptic documents of Christianity, including the noncanonical apocalypses of Peter, Paul and James, and related works such as the Sibylline Oracles, are simply superb. Those wanting a more informed understanding of these centuries-old writings of hope and despair will not be disappointed.

Genres: Biblical Studies, Religion

352 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1995

Reviews

[Matthew Rawlings · Rating 3 out of 5]

An edited collection of Jewish and Christian apocalyptic literature with introductions by Reddish. The editor is a mainstream liberal scholar. Of note is how many of these writings were obviously influenced by Revelation, which, IMO, kicks the date of its authorship back before Domitian.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reddish offers a helpful collection of noncanonical writings from the early Christian period.

[Mathew Griggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Faithful translations of the extra-biblical apocalyptic literature, but riddled with unnecessary speculation and unsubstantiated claims (usually to take the view that undermines Biblical authority).

[w gall · Rating 3 out of 5]

My curiosity is satisfied. The various writings of this genre in this collection, for a Christian, are not canonical scriptures. The depictions of the last days and the afterlife amount to speculation. That there will be abundant blessings for the holy and disaster and torment for the unholy sum up the content of these writings. It became monotonous, but I endured to the end, so to speak. From what I have gathered, Dr. Reddish has provided the only manageable collection of apocalyptic literature written in English. It is useful to read a few of them, if only as a contrast to similar writings in the Holy Scriptures. But for the most part their value consists in being historical literature for scholars to analyze. But one can rate the content here or the value of familiarity with these writings. I'll go with the latter.

[Jennifer]

I didn't actually finish it, but I am not going to. It was apocalypses. The summary upfront of each was helpful.