The Value of Apocalyptic

Abstract

The article assesses the value of Jewish apocalyptic eschatology for its original authors, for Jesus, and for Christian theology in general. 1) The original apocalyptic authors were concerned with the problem of theodicy and offered a transcendent eschatology as a key to understanding the purposes of God. Criticism of their negative attitude to history is largely unjustified. 2) Jesus was not anti-apocalyptic, but believed that apocalyptic expectations had now entered a phase of decisive fulfilment. 3) The permanent significance of apocalyptic lies chiefly in its transcendent eschatology, its doctrine of judgment, its being the literature of the underdog in society. It provokes responsibility towards the world.