Abstract

GAITAN BRICENO, Tarcisio H  and  JAILLIER CASTRILLON, Catherine. Apocalypse: Faith and Resistance. Cuest. teol. [online]. 2014, vol.41, n.95, pp.97-131. ISSN 0120-131X.

The Apocalypse by John inherits a valuable literary and theological tradition which was originated in Israel and that, from the very beginning, aimed to provide a strong answer to the ruling political power without the need of using armed violence; on the contrary, its purpose was to encourage the readers to endure their oppressors. A study of the social and historical situation which surrounded the writing of the Apocalypse demands an analysis of the ideological strategies used by the Roman Empire as a means to penetrate the mind of their vassals and try to make of the population an obedient and controlled mass. The following paper, based on some of the modern techniques of political propaganda, reveals the means used by Rome to exercise an articulated and unified power, which was intended to be seen as ordered and beautiful; but that, actually, did not fear to execute those who were not obedient. Against that general background, the Apocalypse outlines a political theology of hope and resistance. Which follows is a serious proposal because it takes into account the victims and invites them to regard the slaughtered but standing lamb as the paradigm of the triumph of life.

Keywords : Biblical Theology; Apocalypse; Political Propaganda; Resistance; Hope.

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