Summary of Part I

Summary

In this first part of our study, we have attempted to present as full a picture as is necessary for our purposes of both apocalyptic eschatology and apocalypticism in the historical time-frame of the gospel of Matthew. While noting that these terms are confusing and unsatisfactory, it was decided in the interests of avoiding further confusion to retain them. Apocalyptic eschatology is a religious perspective which can be found both within and without the apocalyptic genre. It emphasises dualism on a number of levels and a deterministic view of history, and concentrates on the eschatological reversal of present circumstances in the immediate future. Important eschatological characteristics of this perspective include the lead up to the end of this age, the arrival of a saviour figure, the final and universal judgement and the bestowal of magnificent and eternal rewards or terrible punishments. Apocalypticism is the socio-religious phenomenon which underlies this particular religious perspective. It is embraced by minority groups which are undergoing a situation of crisis, either real or perceived, and experiencing a sense of alienation from the wider, oppressive society. The crisis could take any number of forms and need not necessarily have been a major historical catastrophe. The adoption of apocalyptic eschatology and its alternative symbolic universe is in direct response to the perceived crisis. It legitimates the existence and peculiar nature of the group in question and offers an explanation of the present situation of crisis.