Magical Motifs in the Book of Revelation
Rodney Thomas addresses the question of whether the book of Revelation was written as an 'anti-magical' polemic and explores the concept and definition of 'magic' from both modern and first-century standpoints. Thomas presents the first century as a time dominated by belief in spiritual forces and magical activity which the author of Revelation sought to put into proper perspective.

This aim was achieved through a variety of highly creative literary techniques which Thomas examines in this book. At times it is possible to argue that unacceptable magical practices are condemned by being labelled as farmakeia. At other times such practices are carefully placed within the context of Israel's ancient enemies. In addition standard polemical material against magical practices Thomas asserts that it is also possible to identify instances where the author of Revelation wholly appropriates imagery commonly associated with 'magic' and recasts it into a new Christian context. As a result it is possible to view the magical motifs within Revelation as weighty polemic aimed against certain practices and beliefs in the first century.

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Magical Motifs in the Book of Revelation
Rodney Thomas addresses the question of whether the book of Revelation was written as an 'anti-magical' polemic and explores the concept and definition of 'magic' from both modern and first-century standpoints. Thomas presents the first century as a time dominated by belief in spiritual forces and magical activity which the author of Revelation sought to put into proper perspective.

This aim was achieved through a variety of highly creative literary techniques which Thomas examines in this book. At times it is possible to argue that unacceptable magical practices are condemned by being labelled as farmakeia. At other times such practices are carefully placed within the context of Israel's ancient enemies. In addition standard polemical material against magical practices Thomas asserts that it is also possible to identify instances where the author of Revelation wholly appropriates imagery commonly associated with 'magic' and recasts it into a new Christian context. As a result it is possible to view the magical motifs within Revelation as weighty polemic aimed against certain practices and beliefs in the first century.

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Magical Motifs in the Book of Revelation

Magical Motifs in the Book of Revelation

by Rodney Lawrence Thomas
Magical Motifs in the Book of Revelation

Magical Motifs in the Book of Revelation

by Rodney Lawrence Thomas

Hardcover

$220.00 
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Overview

Rodney Thomas addresses the question of whether the book of Revelation was written as an 'anti-magical' polemic and explores the concept and definition of 'magic' from both modern and first-century standpoints. Thomas presents the first century as a time dominated by belief in spiritual forces and magical activity which the author of Revelation sought to put into proper perspective.

This aim was achieved through a variety of highly creative literary techniques which Thomas examines in this book. At times it is possible to argue that unacceptable magical practices are condemned by being labelled as farmakeia. At other times such practices are carefully placed within the context of Israel's ancient enemies. In addition standard polemical material against magical practices Thomas asserts that it is also possible to identify instances where the author of Revelation wholly appropriates imagery commonly associated with 'magic' and recasts it into a new Christian context. As a result it is possible to view the magical motifs within Revelation as weighty polemic aimed against certain practices and beliefs in the first century.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780567226860
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date: 06/06/2010
Series: The Library of New Testament Studies , #416
Pages: 240
Product dimensions: 6.30(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Rodney Thomas serves as Operations Minister for the Broadway Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas. He also teaches as Adjunct Professor of Biblical Studies at Lubbock Christian University, Texas, USA

Table of Contents

1. Magical Motifs in the Book of Revelation
2. Sorcery Passages in the Revelation
3. The False Prophet in the Context of the Apocalypse
4. John's Beasts and Talking Statues: A Look at Revelation 13:15
5. 'Key' Passages
6. Passages That Use 'tachu'
7. Spirits Like Frogs
8. Seals
9. Beginning and End Passages
10. 'White Stone' Passages
11. Angel Standing in the Sun
12. Seven Thunders
13. Conclusion
Bibliography

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