Biblical Answer

The Relationship between Christian Faith and the Concept of 'Apocalypse'

The concept of apocalypse has a complex and multifaceted relationship with Christian faith. On one hand, the idea of apocalypse is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition, particularly in the New Testament book of Revelation. Kasemann's statement that apocalyptic is the "mother of Christian theology" highlights the significance of apocalyptic thought in the early Christian period. The imminent hope of Jesus' return, which was a central theme in the earliest Christian communities, is an apocalyptic concept that shaped the development of Christian theology.

However, the relationship between Christian faith and apocalypse is not a straightforward one. The concept of apocalypse has undergone significant changes and reinterpretations throughout history. The Enlightenment's emphasis on progress and improvement led to a decline in apocalyptic thought, and many Christians began to view it as a relic of a bygone era. In contrast, the book of Revelation, which is often classified as an apocalyptic text, presents a vision of justice and peace that is deeper and more long-lasting than any over-realized eschatology could offer. This suggests that the concept of apocalypse is not just about predicting the end of the world, but about envisioning a new creation that is rooted in God's sovereignty and justice.

In biblical Christianity, the concept of apocalypse is not a binary choice between over-realized and under-realized eschatology. Rather, it is a way of understanding the relationship between God's present activity and the ultimate fulfillment of God's purposes. The book of Revelation, in particular, presents a vision of the end times that is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, including the creation story, the exodus, and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This vision is not just about predicting the future, but about understanding the present in light of God's ultimate purposes. Ultimately, the relationship between Christian faith and the concept of apocalypse is one of complex interplay, where the concept of apocalypse is both shaped by and shapes Christian theology and practice. Divine sovereignty, justice, and peace are all integral to the concept of apocalypse in Christian theology.