The Book of Revelation and other ancient apocalypses portray visions and prophecies that spoke to the moment of their times. The language and imagery depict the divine power that promises to deliver audiences from the powerful, often imperial, oppression that they endured. These apocalypses are both violent and hopeful—violent for the oppressors and hopeful for the oppressed. Our guest today, Harvard Divinity School professor Giovanni Bazzana, helps us to understand this dynamic at a deeper level, but he also discusses later activations of apocalypses, including those of today. What happens to this complex ancient literature? Do the oppressed become the oppressors, and do the powerful convince themselves that they are persecuted? And what is lost over the ages when we see the spectacle and theatricality of apocalyptic imagery in popular culture? Professor Bazzana unpacks this rich cultural dynamic, and also muses about the place of spirit possession in the study of ancient Christianity.

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