The act of martyrdom in the worldview of the Apocalypse has been
considered to be an exemplification of non-violent resistance. Paul
Middleton argues here, however, that it is in fact a representation of
direct participation by Christians, through their martyrdom, in divine
violence against those the author of Revelation portrays as God's
enemies. Middleton shows that acceptance of martyrdom is to grasp the
invitation to participate in the Revelation's divine violence. Martyrs
follow the model laid down by the Lamb, who was not only slain, but
resurrected, glorified, and who executes judgement. The world created
by the Apocalypse encourages readers to conquer the Beast through
martyrdom, but also through the experience of resurrection and being
appointed judges. In this role, martyrs participate in the judgement
of the wicked by sharing the Lamb's power to judge. Different from
eschewing violence, the conceptual world of the Apocalypse portrays
God, the Lamb, and the martyrs as possessing more power, might, and
violent potential than the Emperor and his armies. Middleton believes
that martyrdom and violence are necessary components of the worldview
of Revelation.
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Martyrs as Agents of Divine Judgement in the Book of Revelation
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9780567467225
Publisert
2020
Utgave
1. utgave
Utgiver
Bloomsbury UK
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter