Content

The Book of Revelation is a highly symbolic, political, and justice-oriented text that speaks to a range of ancient and contemporary issues. This unit offers a close exegetical study of Revelation in its historical and political setting. Particular attention will be given to the rhetorical, gendered, and imperial aspects of the text as well as the theological insights regarding evil and injustice. Students will sharpen exegetical skills and, through engagement with Revelation, deepen skills in interpreting complex texts.

Unit code: BN9130P

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: New Testament

Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Explain and articulate the characteristics of ancient Jewish and Christian apocalyptic literature with particular reference to Revelation

2.

Identify and describe the main theological motifs in Revelation

3.

Describe the socio-political setting of Revelation and analyze the use of images in promoting political and religious ideology

4.

Apply exegetical tools to critically interpret Revelation, attentive to the history of interpretation

5.

Apply research skills to synthesis and critically evaluate theological themes in Revelation and their relevance for the contemporary church and/or world

Unit sequence

At least 2 units (48 points) of biblical studies or permission of the lecturer

Pedagogy

Lectures, seminars, discussion

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bauckham, Richard, The Theology of the Book of Revelation, Cambridge: CUP, 1993. Carey, Greg, *Rereading Revelation: Theology, Ethics, and Resistance, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2025
  • deSilva, David, Seeing Things John’s Way: The Rhetoric of the Book of Revelation, Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2009.
  • Friesen, Steven J. Imperial Cults and the Apocalypse of John: Reading Revelation in the Ruins, Oxford; OUP, 2001.
  • Howard-Brook, Wes & Gwyther, Anthony Unveiling Empire. Reading Revelation Then and Now, Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 1999.
  • Huber, Lynn R. Wisdom Commentary: Revelation, Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2023.
  • Koester, Craig. Revelation: A New Translation and Commentary, New Haven: Yale University Press, 2014.
  • Lin, Yii-Jan, Immigration and Apocalypse: How the Book of Revelation Shaped American Immigration, New Haven: Yale, 2024.
  • Maier, Harry, Apocalypse Recalled: The Book of Revelation after Christendom, Minneapolis: Fortress, 2002.
  • Thompson, L. L. The book of Revelation. Apocalypse and Empire, NY/Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1990.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Written Examination - Exegesis & demonstration of close reading skills

This assessment task will be completed during class time in week 8 of semester. Students will be provided with a portion of biblical text, various translations, and critical notes in order to answer questions about the text. They will have 15 minutes reading time and 1.5 hours for the exegetical work. Assessment is based on demonstrating evidence of close reading / exegetical skills that are attentive to the historical context, literary style, and overall themes of Revelation.

1500 20.0
Portfolio - Portfolio

The Portfolio assessment is a stepped assessment that offers students some options. It includes a written portion (3500 words) and an oral presentation component (2000). Students may choose from:

  1. Thematic Essay + oral presentation and review
  2. Learning Resource + oral presentation and review
  3. Sermon Series + oral presentation and review Regardless of assessment type, all students must base their portfolio on a theme in Revelation and show evidence of engagement with secondary literature. Each student will present a 15 minute summary of their project during class (1000 words equivalent) and will have a 15 minute appointment for an oral 'defence' of the project upon submission of the project (1000 words equivalent).
5500 80.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 15 Aug, 2025

Unit record last updated: 2025-08-15 16:43:24 +1000