Waiting for the “End of the World” as We Know it

Dr. James Tabor wrote a very interesting blog about apocalyptic beliefs in the Jesus movement.

“The adjective “apocalyptic,” refers to the notion that the hidden realities of the unseen world are being revealed in an imminent and unfolding manner at the “end of the age.” It is not the “end of the world,” but rather a dramatic reversal and transformation of life as it is lived on planet earth.

The “apocalypse” (literally “the revealing”) is good news and bad news, depending on ones stake in the present and ones attitude toward the new future–a future that ushers in the “kingdom of God.” This reign of God involves a complete reversal of the failed and flawed “rule” of humanity over the planet. The Hebrew Prophets picture it as an ideal time of peace, in which justice and righteousness fills the earth, and evil no longer holds sway. It is well summed up by the urgent plea in the Lord’s Prayer:

Let your kingdom come! Let your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven!

I am convinced that the Jesus movement is utterly and thoroughly apocalyptic to the core.”

Read Tabor’s complete blog at -- http://jamestabor.com/2012/07/05/waiting-for-the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it/

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