Description

The apocalyptic Jesus speaks directly to the crises of our time, Carl E. Braaten contends. Yet few modern theologians have come to terms with this aspect of Jesus' message. In these brief and provocative essays, Braaten reappraises theology and society from the point of view of apocalypticism. The author points out the relevance for contemporary Christians of the dualities found in apocalyptic thought: Christ and Counter--Christ, freedom and slavery, the present realm and future kingdom. People in today's counterculture are even seen to possess a vision of freedom similar to that in the apocalyptic sections of the Bible. The reader will discover that apocalypticism opens up fascinating new dimensions of such issues as ecology, revolution, and secular Christianity. Each chapter displays a double emphasis on theological concerns and on concrete problems facing Christians today. Those who read in the fields of religion, ethics, or American culture will find this book intriguing. The breezy style and careful thinking will appeal to everyone from college student to systematic theologian.