A Theological Analysis of Revelation in Christian Imagination

This essay delves into the concept of revelation within the Christian imagination, drawing upon theological interpretations of the apocalypse and the end of the world. It examines how destruction is often viewed as a necessary precursor to creation and new beginnings, highlighting the cyclical nature of change throughout history. The essay further explores the relationship between humanity, divinity, and material existence, arguing that while spiritual connection is paramount, humans often rely on material symbols and icons. It also discusses the tension between religious belief and scientific understanding, particularly concerning humanity's relationship with the natural world and the potential for unchecked exploitation of resources in the absence of religious constraints. The essay concludes by advocating for a balance between faith and reason, urging individuals to work harmoniously towards a better future.

Running head: REVELATION IN CHRISTIAN IMAGINATION
REVELATION IN CHRISTIAN IMAGINATION
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1REVELATION IN CHRISTIAN IMAGINATION
Kortner in his “The end of the world: A theological interpretation” (1995) describes
about the end of the world and the various interpretation of the end of the world and apocalypse
in the theologies especially Bible. The theme of apocalypse is mainly based on the idea that the
world will come to an end with some destructive means. This is actually the theme with most of
the apocalyptic ideas in the various theologies. The author explains that because destruction
happens something new can be born, it is destruction that gives birth to a new beginning.
Whatever could be achieved by humanity till date or whatever is the situation of the world today
it is because there have been random changes, destructions and creations. The destruction and
then the creation of the new order, this is the system that has been followed for centuries and will
be followed so that the system is surviving.
The idea of negating the present situation because of a possibility of a future apocalypse
is one of the problematic situations that is faced by the humanity. The world is facing an acute
problem of scarcity of various resources and the humanity in general needs to utilize the idea of
apocalypse to solve the present problems and make lives and living conditions better rather than
destroying the situation further more and waiting for the day of apocalypse to come and take
over. This is the philosophy that has been propagated by this article.
Weil in his book Gravity and Grace (1997) takes the idea forward and talks about the idea
of idolatry and how it is actually the reflection of the various ideas of man and divinity. It is
closely connected to the previous article by the idea that what we take at the end is nothing but
the emotions and feelings, nothing material, which is why God can be approached with love.
However it is very necessary for human beings to be associated to immaterial things by material
icons and symbolism.

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Jenson in his article A Religion Against Itself (2009) has drawn forward the argument
and stated how man in the early days found the heavenly bodies such as the stars the best way to
be connected to the Supreme and how that was closest to what could bring them to near God and
farthest which could make them convinced about the presence of God. However in the future
developments by science, things changed and the heavenly bodies got explained but that meant a
situation where nothing now had to be there which could stop man from enjoying the resources
of the earth in whatever way they wanted. Therefore this is what apocalypse look like probably.
There is no limit, no restrictions because there is no God as everything could be explained.
Religion and Theology has been debated for long and there are always people who are
against it, however there must be a balance of belief and people must work in harmony towards a
better future.

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Reference:
Jenson, R. W. (2009). A Religion Against Itself. Wipf and Stock Publishers.
Körtner, U. H. (1995). The End of the World: A Theological Interpretation. Westminster John
Knox Press.
Weil, S. (1997). Gravity and grace. U of Nebraska Press.