BBL559 Revelation Fall 2015 Tuesday 6:20-9:10 P.M. Prof David L. Turner (office) (home)

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1 BBL559 Revelation Fall 2015 Tuesday 6:20-9:10 P.M. Prof David L. Turner (office) (home) Description An evaluation of the various approaches to the book, an interpretation of the English text, and an analysis of the book s structure. Objectives Upon successful completion of the course requirements students should be able to: 1. Handle apocalyptic literature knowledgeably in view of the unique hermeneutical challenges posed by its structure and symbolism. 2. Articulate the position of Revelation as canonical Scripture in light of non-canonical apocalyptic works. 3. Explain the overall structure of the book in view of the main approaches to it. 4. Deal more carefully and knowledgeably in the future with the main exegetical difficulties of the book. 5. Grasp the fundamental theological truths of the book. 6. Increasingly perceive the unity of the OT and NT, having seen the pervasive OT influence on Revelation, 7. Live and teach more effectively in the light of the transforming message of this book. Requirements 1. Copyright and academic integrity: Students are required to do original oral and written work for this class. Sources must be properly acknowledged when another person s ideas are incorporated into the student s work. Copyright violation and plagiarism (failure to acknowledge one s sources) have serious legal and ethical ramifications for GRTS students. Unauthorized copying or use of copyrighted materials, including downloaded files of various kinds, can result in criminal charges and fines. Plagiarizing another s words or ideas (passing them off as your own) can result in loss of grade, failure, or suspension. See further under Copyright Violation and Plagiarism in the Institutional Policies section of this syllabus. 2. Class Participation: Any iteration of learning community involves both teachers and learners actively engaging academic material in an atmosphere of mutuality, safety, and accountability. To this end students are expected to be punctual, regular, and alert in class attendance. Cell phone ringers should be turned off. Freelance individual web-surfing is inappropriate in any communal learning setting. Excessive absence will result in a lower grade. If a student arrives late or misses a class, it is the student s responsibility to catch up on the 1

2 material. Students should be prepared to discuss reading material and interact with class lectures. Moodle discussion forums will provide additional opportunities for virtual learning community. 3. Textbooks: Students are required to purchase Craig S. Keener, Revelation. NIVAC. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, These books will be read according to the dates specified in the tentative schedule. The best reading strategy might be to read Koester first for literary and theological synthesis, and then Keener for detailed discussion. The following are also recommended: R. Bauckham, The Theology of the Book of Revelation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, J. J. Collins, The Apocalyptic Imagination: An Introduction to Jewish Apocalyptic Literature. 2 nd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, R. Martin and P. Davids, eds. Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, J. Ramsey Michaels, Interpreting the Book of Revelation. Grand Rapids: Baker, C. Marvin Pate. gen. ed. Four Views on the Book of Revelation. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, C. Marvin Pate, ed. Reading Revelation: A Comparison of Four Interpretive Translations of the Apocalypse. Grand Rapids, Kregel, Sandy, D. B. Plowshares and Pruning Hooks: Rethinking the Language of Biblical Prophecy and Apocalyptic. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, Wilson, Mark. Charts on the Book of Revelation. Grand Rapids: Kregel, Reading: Students will turn in a comprehensive reading report on Oct 27 and Dec 15. This report should be formatted to show date, author, title, and pages read (with total at the bottom). It should include: Textbook readings Reading done for the research paper The second report should include a statement that the student has read through Revelation at one sitting on two separate occasions during the semester. The reading report should be submitted along wth the following journal assignment. 5. Life Impact Journal: Students will compile a weekly journal which chronicles important intellectual/applicational insights gained from the course. There should be at least one significant paragraph (at least 100 words) for each week of the class. The journal is due along with the reading report on Oct 27 and Dec Research Project: Students will write an original research paper of approximately 15 pages which models biblical theology methodology, careful research, solid content, clear organization, lucid style, and practical application. Sloppy formatting and misspellings will be penalized. Documentation may be shown by endnotes, footnotes, or parentheses. The paper is due Dec 1. Students may choose one of the following models for their papers: Exegetical Paper: Pick an exegetical problem in Revelation. Research commentaries, journals, etc. for various views. List, describe, and evaluate the views, adding your own insights and arguing for an approach which seems best to you. Biblical Theology Paper: Pick an innate theme from Revelation (not a current issue or a systematic theology term). Trace it through the book and explain its 2

3 contribution to the book as a whole. Research commentaries, biblical theologies, journals, etc. for various details and views. Briefly correlate the theme with OT and NT intertextuality, especially in Johannine literature. Symbolism Paper: Pick a symbolic expression from Revelation and trace it throughout the book. Research commentaries, journals, etc. for the various views. Survey its use and argue for an interpretation. Defend your view against alternative approaches. Students are welcome to suggest other paper topics which may not neatly fit into the above three categories. Papers in Bible and Theology courses should be formatted and sources documented according to the GRTS Guidelines for Papers and Theses (see sample footnotes and bibliography on p ). This guideline is based on the Turabian/Chicago Manual of Style and the SBL Handbook of Style. Please consult the GRTS Guidelines at Fall%202014%29.pdf Grading 1. Grade letters are interpreted as follows: A = Exceptional performance, clearly beyond the expected standards. Student exhibits comprehensive knowledge, cogent oral and written communication, independent application of course material, interaction with scholarly theory, correct spelling, grammar, and formatting. B = Expected standards have been met. Student grasps goals of assignments, communicates with few errors, organizes and develops thoughts clearly, shows awareness of relevant scholarship. C = Expected standards have not been met in many areas. Basic understanding has been achieved but organization of ideas is weak, interaction with scholarship is inadequate, and communication is hindered by significant grammar and spelling errors. D = Expected standards have not been met. Work is marginally acceptable for credit. Serious misunderstanding of basic conceptual framework of course exists. Extreme weakness in analysis and communication of ideas is revealed. F = Failure. Fragmentary understanding of basic principles and materials of the course, inability to communicate ideas, cheating or plagiarism. 2. The following scale will be utilized in determining final grades: = A = B = C = D = F = A = B = C = D = B = C- 3. The course assignments will be weighted as follows: Research Paper % Life Impact Journal % Class Participation % Reading Report % 3

4 Tentative Schedule Sep 15 Introduction to the Course Introduction to Revelation Keener 15-17, 21-52; Koester xi-xii, Tough Issues: The Genre, Structure, and Symbolism of the Apocalypse Review Keener 21-27, 31-35, 29 Revelation 1-3: The Son of Man and the Churches Keener ; Koester Oct 6 Revelation 4-5: The Throne and the Lamb Keener ; Koester Revelation 6-7: Seven-sealed book is opened Keener ; Koester Revelation 8-10: Seven trumpets are blown Keener ; Koester Rev 11-12: The Woman and the Dragon Keener ; Koester First Reading Report Due Life Impact Journal Due Nov 3 Revelation 13-14: The saints and the beasts Keener ; Koester Revelation 15-16: Seven bowls are poured out Keener ; Koester Rev 17-19: Babylon the great is fallen Keener ; Koester Rev 20:1-21:8: A thousand years and afterwards Keener ; Koester Dec 1 Rev 21:9-22:21: New Jerusalem, new heavens, new earth Keener ; Koester Research Paper Due 8 Retrospect and Prospect: Have we finally found what we re looking for? 15 Research paper presentations and discussions Second Reading Report Due Life Impact Journal Due 4

5 Select Bibliography The following comprehensive guide should prove helpful for general research tools: Glynn, J. Commentary & Reference Survey. 9 th ed. Grand Rapids: Kregel, The literature on the Apocalypse is enormous; there are many fine commentaries, monographs, and periodical articles on Revelation. See C. Keener s selection in NIVAC Revelation, pp The following representative studies should be especially helpful. For additional resources, especially periodicals, students are encouraged to use the FirstSearch access to the ATLA Religion database on the CU library webpage. Commentaries Aune, D. E. Revelation. 3 vols. WBC. Nashville: Nelson, Beale, G. K. The Book of Revelation. NIGTC Grand Rapids: Eerdmans,1999 Beasley-Murray, G. R. The Book of Revelation. NCB. London: Oliphants, Beckwith, I. T. The Apocalypse of John. London: Macmillan, Blount, B. K. Revelation: A Commentary. New Testament Library. Westminster John Knox, Boring, M. E. Revelation. Interpretation Commentaries. Louisville: Knox, Bratcher, R. G. A Translator s Guide to the Revelation of John. New York: UBS, Ian Boxall. The Revelation of St. John. Black s New Testament Commentary. Peabody: Hendrickson, Caird, G.B. A Commentary on the Revelation of St. John the Divine. HNTC. New York: Harper, Charles, R. H. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Revelation of St. John. 2 vols. Edinburgh: Clark, Fiorenza, E. S. Revelation. Vision of a Just World. Proclamation Commentaries. Minneapolis: Fortress, Ford, J.M. Revelation. AB. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, Gregg, Steve. Revelation: Four Views: A Parallel Commentary. Nelson, Harrington, W. J. Revelation. Sacra Pagina. Collegeville: Liturgical,1993. Hemer, C.J. The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia in Their Local Setting. Sheffield: JSOT, Hendriksen, W. More Than Conquerors. Grand Rapids: Baker, Johnson, A. Revelation in The Expositors Bible Commentary. vol. 12. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Johnson, D. E. Triumph of the Lamb: A Commentary on Revelation. Phillipsburg: P & R, Koester, C. R. Revelation and the End of All Things. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Krodel, G. A. Revelation. Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament Minneapolis: Augsburg, Ladd, G.E. A Commentary on the Revelation of John. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Mangina, J. L. Revelation. Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible. Brazos, Michaels, J. R. Revelation. IVPNTC. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, Morris, L. The Revelation of St. John. TNTC. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Mounce, R. H. The Book of Revelation. rev. ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Osborne, G. Revelation. BECNT. Grand Rapids: Baker, Reddish, M. G. Revelation. Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary. Macon: Smyth & Helwys,

6 Resseguie, J. The Revelation of John: A Narrative Commentary. Grand Rapids: Baker, Revelation Unsealed: A Narrative Critical Approach to St. John s Apocalypse. Leiden: Brill, Roloff, Jürgen. Revelation. Continental Commentary. Minneapolis: Fortress, Rowland, C. C. "The Book of Revelation." In The New Interpreter's Bible. Vol. XII. Nashville: Abingdon, 1998, pp Scott, W. Exposition of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. London: Pickering, Seiss, J.A. The Apocalypse. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Smalley, S. S. The Revelation to John: A Commentary on the Greek Text of the Apocalypse. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, Swete, H.B. The Apocalypse of St. John. London: MacMillan, Talbert, C. H. The Apocalypse. A Reading of the Revelation of John. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, Thompson, L. L. Revelation. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries. Nashville: Abingdon, Wall, R. W. Revelation. New International Biblical Commentary. Peabody: Hendrickson, Walvoord, J. F. The Revelation of Jesus Christ. Chicago: Moody, Weinrich, W. C. ed. Revelation. Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, Wilcock, M. I Saw Heaven Opened. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, Witherington, Ben III. Revelation. The New Cambridge Bible Commentary. Cambridge: University Press, Topical Studies Aune, D. Prophecy in Early Christianity and the Ancient Mediterranean World. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Bauckham, R. J. The Climax of Prophecy: Studies in the Book of Revelation. Edinburgh: Clark, The Theology of the Book of Revelation. Cambridge: University Press, Barr, D. L. ed. Reading the Book of Revelation: A Resource for Students. Atlanta: SBL, Beale, G. John s Use of the Old Testament in Revelation. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic, Blevins, J. Revelation as Drama. Nashville: B&H, Boring, M. E. The Theology of Revelation, Interpretation 40(1986): Carnegie, D. Worthy is the Lamb : The Hymns in Revelation. in H. H. Rowdon, ed. Christ the Lord: Studies Presented to Donald Guthrie. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, Collins, A. Y. The Combat Myth in the Book of Revelation. Missoula: Scholars, Crisis and Catharsis: The Power of the Apocalypse. Philadelphia: Westminster, Reading the Book of Revelation in the Twenthieth Century." Interpretation 40(1986): J. J. Collins, The Apocalyptic Imagination: An Introduction to Jewish Apocalyptic Literature. 2 nd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, ed. The Encyclopedia of Apocalypticism. New York: Continuum,

7 desilva, D. A. Seeing Things John s Way: The Rhetoric of the Book of Revelation. Philadelphia: Westminster John Knox, Desrosiers, G. An Introduction to Revelation. New York: Continuum, Faley, Roland J. Apocalypse Then & Now. A Companion to the Book of Revelation. Mahwah: Paulist, Farrer, A. The Rebirth of Images: The Making of St. John s Apocalypse. London: Black, Fiorenza, E. S. The Book of Revelation. Justice and Judgment. 2nd ed. Minneapolis: Fortress, Friesen, S. Imperial Cults and the Apocalypse of John. Oxford: Oxford University Press, Guthrie, D. "The Christology of Revelation." In Jesus of Nazareth, Lord and Christ. eds. J. B. Green and M. Turner. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Pp Hemer, C. J. The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Interpretation 40.3(July 1986) and 63.1(Jan 2009). Issues devoted to the Apocalypse. Kraybill, J. N. Apocalypse and Allegiance: Worship, Politics, and Devotion in the Book of Revelation. Brazos, Metzger, B. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation. Nashville: Abingdon, Michaels, J. R. Interpreting the Book of Revelation. Grand Rapids: Baker, Morris, L. Apocalyptic. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1972 Pate, C. Marvin. gen. ed. Four Views on the Book of Revelation. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Reddish, M. G. ed. Apocalyptic Literature: A Reader. Nashville: Abingdon, Rhoads, David, ed. From Every People and Nation. The Book of Revelation in Intercultural Perspective. Minneapolis: Fortress, Sandy, D. B. Plowshares and Pruning Hooks: Rethinking the Language of Biblical Prophecy and Apocalyptic. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, Tenney, M.C. Interpreting Revelation. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, Thompson, L. L. The Book of Revelation: Apocalypse and Empire. Oxford University Press, Turner, D. L. "The New Jerusalem in Rev 21:1-22:5: Consummation of a Biblical Continuum," in Dispensationalism, Israel and the Church: The Search for Definition, ed. C. A. Blaising and D. R. Bock Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Van der Meer, F. Apocalypse: Visions from the Book of Revelation in Western Art. London: Thames & Hudson, Wainwright, A. W. Mysterious Apocalypse. Interpreting the Book of Revelation. Nashville: Abingdon, Wilson, M. Charts on the Book of Revelation. Grand Rapids: Kregel, Homiletical and Pastoral Blount, B. K. Can I Get a Witness? Reading Revelation through African American Culture. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, Charry, E. T. "A Sharp Two-Edged Sword. Pastoral Implications of Apocalyptic." Interpretation 53(1999): Craddock, F. B. "Preaching the Book of Revelation." Interpretation 40(1986):

8 Jeske, R. L. "The Book of Revelation in the Parish." Word & World 15(1995): Jacobsen, D. S. Preaching in the New Creation. The Promise of New Testament Apocalyptic Texts. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, Jones, L. P. and J. L. Sumney. Preaching Apocalyptic Texts. St. Louis: Chalice, Rogers, C. R. and J. R. Jeter, Eds. Preaching Through the Apocalypse. St. Louis: Chalice, Websites Art, Images, Music, and Materials related to the Book of Revelation Links to Revelation, Apocalyptic, and Millennial Websites and Materials Annotated translation of the Bible with brief exegetical notes Links to numerous commentaries, books, and articles, as well as a chapter-by-chapter listing of patristic comments on Revelation. Vernard Eller, The Most Revealing Book of the Bible. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, A list of helpful websites and e-lists on the book of Revelation Resources for the academic study of the Book of Revelation (Scroll down to Topics on the right side of the page.) Bibliographies on the Book of Revelation McGinn, Sheila E., and Aaron M. Gale, eds. The Book of Revelation. Bibliographies for Biblical Research, 21. Lewiston: Mellen, Muse, Robert L. The Book of Revelation: An Annotated Bibliography. New York/London: Garland, Sandy, D. Brent, and Daniel M. O Hare, eds. Prophecy and Apocalyptic: An Annotated Bibliography. IBR Bibliographies, vol. 4. Grand Rapids: Baker, Institutional Policies 1. Communication. is the official means for communication with every enrolled student. Students are expected to receive and read those communications in a timely fashion. Since the seminary will send official communications to enrolled students by using their Cornerstone University addresses (i.e., first.last@cornerstone.edu), students are expected to check their official addresses on a frequent and consistent basis to remain informed of seminary communications. Students can access their Cornerstone University account as follows: o Go to gmail.cornerstone.edu o Enter CU username (e.g., n ) and password Students can forward or IMAP to a preferred address as follows: o Log into CU o Select Settings in the upper right hand corner o Select Forwarding and POP/IMAP o Follow the on-screen instructions 8

9 Students are responsible for any consequences resulting from their failure to check their on a regular basis for official seminary communications. 2. Confidentiality and Disclosure. Students may request that information shared with a faculty or staff member in individual settings will remain confidential, except under the following conditions: There has been serious harm or threat of harm to self or others. There is reasonable suspicion of abuse of a child, elder or vulnerable person. There is a court order mandating disclosure of information. There is a dispute between a student and faculty/staff member and disclosure is necessary for resolution The faculty or staff member seeks appropriate consultation with CU faculty and/or administration. 3. Student Course Evaluation. In the last week of each resident course, all students are expected to complete a course evaluation (IDEA Form). This paper-based assessment form will be distributed and completed in class. In Ministry Residency, an evaluation form specific to the course will be distributed during the last session. For Counseling Practicum and Counseling Internships, students complete evaluation forms which can be found on Portal. For all online courses, student evaluations will be completed within Moodle. These assessments provide an opportunity for students to offer feedback to professors on the quality of the learning experience, feedback that informs future offerings of the course. More information about these evaluation processes will be provided late in the given semester. 4. Inclusive Language. As noted in the GRTS academic catalog, writing and discussion should reflect the GRTS policy on inclusive language when referring to other people, regardless of their gender, nationality, culture, social class or religion. 5. Copyright Violation and Plagiarism. Copyright violation and plagiarism have serious ramifications for Cornerstone/GRTS students, both legally and ethically. Unauthorized copying or use of copyrighted materials, including downloaded files of various kinds, can result in criminal charges and fines. Plagiarizing another s words or ideas (passing them off as your own) can result in loss of grade or failure. For a fuller explanation of these issues or of CU s copyright policy, see Miller Library s website (under Library Tools menu) Copyright, Fair Use, & Plagiarism : 6. Disability accommodation. The University will make reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and with the Americans with Disabilities Act of The purpose of accommodation is to provide equal access to educational opportunities to students affected by disabilities, and the university does not intend that the standards be altered, nor that the essential elements of programs or courses be changed. Students having documented disabilities may apply for accommodations through Student Disability Services (SDS), which is part of the Cornerstone University Learning Center located in Miller Hall on the main campus. In the event that students have questions regarding whether they are eligible for accommodations, how they might provide appropriate documentation of disabilities, or how they might handle a disagreement with a professor over questions of accommodation, the Director of Academic Support should be contacted immediately at (616) or via at learning.center@cornerstone.edu. Further information about applying for and utilizing accommodations is provided in the Student Handbook and on the university s website. 9