God and History in the Book of Revelation: New Testament Studies in Dialogue with Pannenberg and Moltmann

Description

This is an interdisciplinary study which constructs a dialogue between biblical interpretation and systematic theology. It examines how far a reading of the Book of Revelation might either support or question the work of leading theologians Wolfhart Pannenberg and Jurgen Moltmann on the theology of history, exploring the way in which the author of Revelation uses the dimensions of space and time to make theological points about the relationship between God and history. The book argues that Revelation sets the present earthly experience of the reader in the context of God's ultimate purposes, by disclosing hidden dimensions of reality, both spatial - embracing heaven and earth - and temporal - extending into the ultimate future. Dr Gilbertson offers a detailed assessment of the theologies of history developed by Pannenberg and Moltmann, including their views on the nature of the historical process, and the use of apocalyptic ideas in eschatology.

'Gilbertson ... has worked out and defended his theoretical framework clearly and convincingly. His dialogue with Pannenberg and Moltmann is a stimulating exercise.' Neostamentica 'This is a creative contribution of high quality that seeks to engage both with New Testament studies and with systematic theology. We need such interdisciplinary work ... Dr Gilbertson provides a careful and reliable exposition of themes in the Book of Revelation, and an accurate, judicious understanding of the eschatology and theological frameworks of Pannenberg and Moltmann... this is a splendid volume. The author writes with excellent scholarship with an incisive mind.' ANVIL 'Gilbertson provides a rare interdisciplinary dialogue between New Testament studies and systematic theology. This is a significant study which provides a wonderful example of how the study of scripture and systematic theology can work together in a fruitful dynamic relationship. It will enlighten both the student who wants to explore this field for the first time and the scholar who wishes a specialist study of Pannenberg, Moltmann, Revelation and eschatology.' Journal for the Study of the New Testament 'Gilbertson approach is sensible; he neither diminishes the concerns for the historical contingencies which has been the emphasis of biblical studies nor downplays the role of theological construction within the social, cultural and philosophical circumstances in which we find ourselves. ... the book is worth every penny of its heavy price tag ...' European Journal of Theology