Walls of Babylon: An Alternative Reading of the Revelation to John

The Walls of Babylon is a reinterpretation of Revelation to John that challenges traditional religious paradigms by arguing that the motivating factor for the text was an internal dispute between gnostic and proto-orthodox factions within the early church. John sided with the persecuted outcasts, presenting a symbolic rebuke of proto-orthodox Christianity and challenging normative religious beliefs.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The Walls of Babylon is a groundbreaking interpretation of the Revelation to John, providing profound insights into the historical origins of Gnosticism, the social dynamics of early Christianity, and the devastating consequences of apocalyptic eschatology. Through meticulous analysis of the text, David Arthur contends that the driving force behind Revelation was not external Roman oppression, but rather a fierce internal conflict between gnostic and proto-orthodox factions within the early church. This controversy resulted in John taking a surprising stance, supporting the persecuted outcasts rather than siding with ecclesiastical authorities. Drawing inspiration from classical prophets, John emerges as a champion for the marginalized and oppressed, particularly the gnostic heretics. The book he has bequeathed us serves as a scorching symbolic indictment of proto-orthodox Christianity, challenging prevailing religious paradigms at every level of belief and practice.

The Walls of Babylon is a groundbreaking interpretation of the Revelation to John, providing profound insights into the historical origins of Gnosticism, the social dynamics of early Christianity, and the devastating consequences of apocalyptic eschatology. Through meticulous analysis of the text, David Arthur contends that the driving force behind Revelation was not external Roman oppression, but rather a fierce internal conflict between gnostic and proto-orthodox factions within the early church. This controversy resulted in John taking a surprising stance, supporting the persecuted outcasts rather than siding with ecclesiastical authorities. Drawing inspiration from classical prophets, John emerges as a champion for the marginalized and oppressed, particularly the gnostic heretics. The book he has bequeathed us serves as a scorching symbolic indictment of proto-orthodox Christianity, challenging prevailing religious paradigms at every level of belief and practice.

The Walls of Babylon is a groundbreaking interpretation of the Revelation to John, providing profound insights into the historical origins of Gnosticism, the social dynamics of early Christianity, and the devastating consequences of apocalyptic eschatology. Through meticulous analysis of the text, David Arthur contends that the driving force behind Revelation was not external Roman oppression, but rather a fierce internal conflict between gnostic and proto-orthodox factions within the early church. This controversy resulted in John taking a surprising stance, supporting the persecuted outcasts rather than siding with ecclesiastical authorities. Drawing inspiration from classical prophets, John emerges as a champion for the marginalized and oppressed, particularly the gnostic heretics. The book he has bequeathed us serves as a scorching symbolic indictment of proto-orthodox Christianity, challenging prevailing religious paradigms at every level of belief and practice.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978702516