apocalyptic
December 1, Advent 1A (Matthew 24:36–44; Romans 13:11–14)
It’s troubling to imagine the Son of man arriving with criminal intent.
How Crusades-era literature shaped the idea of the Christian West
Jay Rubinstein places himself in the apocalyptic mindset of authors like Joachim of Fiore.
Take & read: New books in theology
Theology lives in the space between apocalypticism and Christian Platonism.
selected by Benjamin Myers
The value of apocalypse
The postapocalyptic strength of the Amish
The crisis we ignore
What would it take for us to stop denying climate change—and to find reasons for hope?
Everyday theosis
Theosis is mission’s starting point. Believers are called to “become” the gospel through participation in the divine life.
by Greg Carey
A Political Theology of Climate Change, by Michael S. Northcott
Many Americans dismiss climate change reports as fear mongering. Michael Northcott sees the use of apocalyptic imagery differently.
reviewed by Rebecca Todd Peters
Touchdowns for Jesus and Other Signs of Apocalypse, by Marcia W. Mount Shoop
Grantland Rice compared the Notre Dame backfield to the four horsemen. Marcia Mount Shoop realigns football with apocalyptic thought—and makes a theological critique of the sport's systemic dysfunction.
reviewed by Joseph L. Price
In which Bob Dylan takes second billing
While my home church sang praises to King Jesus and also ran a food pantry, the Feast of the Reign of Christ boldly proclaims that the hungry won't be hungry forever. While others in the '60s juxtaposed sweet harmonies with earnestly social lyrics, Dylan conjured a complex vision of social upheaval—a vision both threatening and profoundly hopeful.
The zombie war
Whatever else zombies are, they're a parody of Christian hope for the resurrection of the body.
Apocalyptic visions
Elaine Pagels's book repeats a winning formula: contrast the canon's controversial parts with more appealing Gnostic selections.