Abstract
Designed as a guide for students at the upper undergraduate or graduate levels, Taylor’s guide is divided into six chapters: (1) What is Apocalyptic Literature; (2) Major Themes in Apocalyptic Literature; (3) Preparing for Interpretation of Apocalyptic Literature; (4) Interpreting Apocalyptic Literature; (5) Proclaiming Apocalyptic Literature; and, (6) Sample Texts from Apocalyptic Literature.
In addition to Daniel 7–12, 4 Ezra, and those texts among the Dead Sea Scrolls and Jewish Pseudepigrapha usually identified as apocalypses, Taylor also notes apocalyptic themes in OT literature such as Isa. 24–27, Joel 2, Ezekiel, Zephaniah, and the second half of Zechariah. While these latter writing contain apocalyptic themes, Taylor recognizes they are not apocalypses per se. Nevertheless, he proposes that interpretive methods employed for understanding the apocalyptic mindset are essential for properly interpreting both apocalyptic themes in prophetic works, as well as for understanding apocalypses themselves.
Likewise, Taylor asserts the importance of understanding the apocalyptic genre. While he does not tax introductory students with all the complexities of the debate about apocalyptic genre, including questions about whether such a genre existed, he provides some very helpful guidance for beginners. He notes the nuances between the terms ‘apocalyptic eschatology,’ and ‘proto-apocalyptic’ (p. 30), which is helpful for neophytes trying to grasp the complexity of the genre. He also cites the Semeia 14 definition (p. 31), along with the refinements of that definition in Semeia 36 (pp. 32–3). Yet, Taylor also notes lists ‘characteristic themes’ and ‘major themes’ of apocalyptic literature (pp. 65–85), drawn from earlier scholarship, such as the works of D. S. Russell and K. Koch, whose approaches the authors of Semeia 14 and Semeia 36 sought to supersede. The result is a certain methodological confusion.
Several chapters of the book also contain annotated bibliographies as resources to assist the readers as they further their study of apocalyptic literature. These resources, however, are almost exclusively restricted to linguistic and/or historical analyses. No mention is made of feminist, post-colonial, or liberationist perspectives. This lacuna is most unfortunate in light of current research, and restricts the value of Taylor’s work. Thus, while there is some material in the book that is beneficial, the focus of the book, along with some of its eccentricities, mean that its usefulness will, ultimately, be limited.