Joel M. Rothman, "The Cosmic Journey in the Book of Revelation: Apocalyptic Cosmology and the Experience of Story-Space" (T&T Clark, 2023)
Jan 28, 2025
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In this engaging discussion, Joel Rothman, a recent PhD graduate from the University of Divinity in Australia, delves into the intricate cosmology of the Book of Revelation. He shares insights from his book, explaining how cosmic imagery enriches the narrative. Rothman compares the transformative experiences within Revelation to immersive fantasy literature, inviting listeners to explore the contrast between the chaotic nature of the Roman Empire and the concept of hyper heaven. His critical reevaluation of traditional interpretations offers fresh perspectives on this apocalyptic text.
The Book of Revelation's unique four-layer cosmology encourages readers to reinterpret earthly existence and divine interaction within a spiritual narrative.
The concept of cosmic journeys challenges oppressive systems, allowing believers to engage with a transformative experience that fosters ethical living.
Deep dives
The Impact of Revelation's Cosmology
The Book of Revelation offers a unique cosmology that reflects the social, legal, and ideological realities of its time. This cosmological framework serves as a lens through which believers are called to interpret their existence and the world around them. It portrays a cosmos where the earth is central to divine interaction, emphasizing the significance of earthly elements as part of a larger spiritual narrative. By understanding this cosmology, readers can navigate the moral challenges posed by oppressive systems and are inspired to pursue ethical living in accordance with cosmic principles.
The Four-Layered Reality of Revelation
Contrary to the common three-layer cosmological view, Revelation presents a four-layered reality encompassing the earth, under the earth, the sky, and an elevated heaven. This distinction enables a deeper understanding of how these spaces interact and influence the experiences of humans and spiritual beings alike. The space just beneath the sky, described as a site of conflict, contrasts with the higher heaven, which embodies divine perfection and harmony. This structure allows for a reinterpretation of conflicts and resolutions within the narrative, offering readers a nuanced grasp of the cosmic order at play.
Cosmic Journeys and the Message of Revelation
The concept of a cosmic journey is central to the thematic and theological fabric of Revelation, allowing readers to experience a transformative narrative that transcends ordinary human perception. As the characters embark on these journeys, they encounter revelations that challenge the prevailing cosmology of the Roman Empire, positioning it as a chaotic force rather than a source of peace. This journey fosters an awareness of the empire's vulnerability and its ultimate dislocation from the divine order represented by the hyper heaven, a realm free from oppression. This deeper understanding aids believers in recognizing their role in rejecting oppressive practices and participating instead in a reality grounded in divine harmony.
Cosmology and cosmic journeys play a significant role in biblical and extra-biblical texts, especially in apocalyptic narratives. What about for the book of Revelation? The answer is yes.