The anti-apocalyptic Markan community

Type :

Theses

Pages :

7 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

05/31/2009

Category :

Philosophy & literature

Sub category :

Humanities/philosophy

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Summary :

Introduction
The return of Jesus as the son of man
Jesus the revelator
Ethical exhortation through revelation
Conclusion
Bibliography

Abstract

apocalyptic literature often is ignored when constructing theology and ethics. Theologians and ethicists ignore scriptural images of otherworldly beasts and supernatural beings. Prophesy of cosmic suffering and references to apocalyptic literature are not calculated in the work of most theologians who would seek to make the gospel relevant to contemporary realities instead of understanding reality in light of gospel narrative. Christological ethics need to reclaim understanding of the apocalyptic nature of Jesus to make sense of his claims in the little apocalypse of Mark. In the little apocalypse, times of trial and suffering include cosmic imbalance. Not only will those in Judea experience suffering, but also the sun and moon will darken, and the stars will fall from the heaven. Cosmic suffering and imbalance of this nature will only be resolved through the Son of Man coming in his glory. With this arrival of the Son of Man, final judgment will happen separating the elect from the unrighteous (Mark 13:14-27).The markan community anticipated the return of Jesus as the Son of Man, as referenced in Mark 13:26. The Son of Man was a term loaded with apocalyptic meaning, referenced in Daniel, as well as pseudepigraphal apocalyptic literature such as the Similitudes of Enoch as a stock savior image subservient to the Ancient of Days. The figure was a cosmic power that would restore justice to the world. Jesus is the apocalyptic revelator and the means of salvation in this narrative. He foretells both the coming doom and the welcome sanctuary after suffering. These images make sense in the light of the apocalyptic cure of eschatological judgment restoring creation Not only will suffering happen, and happen quickly as foretold by Jesus, but the suffering will rock the heavens as well as earth. It is only through the eschatological end point of the Son of Man coming in glory that will right the injustice of the present world. The horrors of the moment are bad, but they will be worse before they will get better, providing therapeutic solace to the audience of Mark as well as exhorting them to keep their faith.