Towards applying canonical apocalyptic literature to postmodern culture

2015·7.3 MB·English

by  Boys, Ryan Michael

TOWARDS APPLYING CANONICALAPOCALYPTIC LITERATURE TO
POSTMODERN CULTURE
A THESIS-PROJECT
SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF
GORDON-CONWELL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FORTHE DEGREE
DOCTOR OF MINISTRY
BY
RYAN MICHAEL BOYS
MAY2015
Copyright © 2015 by Ryan Michael Boys. All Rights Reserved.
For Dr. Michael Boys,
my favorite preacher and theologian.
And Iheard a loud voice inheaven, saying, "Nowthe salvation andthe powerand the
kingdom ofour God and the authority ofhis Christhave come, for the accuser ofour
brothers has beenthrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.
Andthey have conquered him by the blood ofthe Lamb and by the word oftheir
testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death."
-Revelation 12:10-11
CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES
VlI
PREFACE V111
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS IX
LIST OFABBREVIATIONS Xl
ABSTRACT
XlI
THE PROBLEM OF PARATAXIS 1
Introduction 1
Articulations ofPostmodernism 2
Understanding Parataxis 27
Conclusion 31
BIBLICAL& THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS 33
Introduction 33
DefiningApocalyptic Literature 34
ATheology ofPreachingApocalyptic Literature 88
InterpretingApocalyptic Literature 101
ABiblicalTheology ofGod's Sovereignty inApocalyptic Literature 115
Conclusion 121
LITERATURE REVIEW 122
Introduction 122
Different Contexts: The World Has Changed 123
Applying CanonicalApocalyptic Literature to Contemporary Culture 126
v
The ProblemofaNon-Futuristic Hermeneutic 135
Conclusion 140
PROJECT DESIGN 142
Introduction 142
Non-canonicalApocalyptic Literature 143
CanonicalApocalyptic Literature 158
Applicationto Postmodern Culture 179
Conclusion 192
OUTCOMES 194
Introduction 194
Focus Group Observations 194
The Postmodern Challenge 199
Applicationto Preaching 203
Further Research 207
Conclusion 208
APPENDICES 210
A. PhilosopherTimeline 210
B. Sermons onRevelation 12:1-13:18 212
BIBLIOGRAPHY 231
VITA 243
VI
TABLES
Table I: Features ofApocalyptic Literature 40
VB
PREFACE
The ideacame for this thesis-project came from Richard Lischer's article "The
Limits ofStory" inInterpretation 38. As Lischerdescribed the loss ofstory and
parataxis in postmodem cultlure, I couldnothelp butthink about the meta-narrative
revealed inthe Bible. Iwas particularly drawn to the end ofthe story. Just like the
original recipients ofthe apocalyptic texts inthe Bible, postmodempeople struggleto
make sense oftheir lives. What intrigued me was thatthis storylessness was not limited
to those who had sufferedtragedy, butthat it was a symptom ofapostmodem
worldview.
The more Ithoughtaboutthe postmodem condition and the Biblical meta
narrative, it occurredto me thatcanonical apocalyptic literaturewas uniquely suitedto
meetthe need for story in postmodemculture. Perhaps the message ofthe most
neglected parts ofthe Bible is exactly whatpostmodempeople need. This projectis my
attempt to prove that suchisthe case.
Vlll
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thisthesis-projectwould have been impossible withoutthe daily, Christ-like
ministry ofmy wife, Lindsay. She notonly supported me through the entire process,
butmade the sacrifices thatenabledme to completethe work. Thankyoufor doctorate
Fridays, and for challenging me to finish in atimely manner. Ilove you more today
than I knew I could love.
I would also liketo thank the church body at GreenPond Bible Chapel. The
elders graciously granted me permissionto pursue this degree, and they have supported
me by praying for me, providing finances, holding me accountable, and encouraging
me. My co-laborers inthe gospel,Andy Brownand Mike Ruel, willingly helped bear
the pastoral work load which allowed me to focus onthis project. They also endured
many conversations regarding postmodemism and apocalyptic literature which I am
sure they were glad to forget. Finally, the church body at Green PondBible Chapel
patiently listenedto sermons onZechariah, Daniel, and Revelation overthe past four
years. May God blessyoufor yourperseverance!
I also need to thank the worldwide cloud ofwitnesses who prayed for and
encouraged me throughthe process. I know my extended family and friends prayed
often for this project. Iknow my momprayed for me as only a mom could. Thank you
to all ofyou.
Finally, Iwould like to thank Dr. Randal Pelton and Dr. JeffreyArthurs. These
men have been more than academic advisors for me, they are my mentors inthe gospel.
IX
Bothuse theiracademic gifts for God's glory, and bothhave a shepherd's heart. Thank
you bothfor critically engaging inthis work, and reminding me oftenthatthe purpose
was never scholarship for scholarship's sake. I countyou both as brothers and fellow
laborers in the gospel.
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