Apocalypse of Empire, The
Book Description
In this groundbreaking exploration of early religious movements, Stephen J. Shoemaker reveals how apocalyptic visions shaped the emergence of Islam and transformed the ancient world. Drawing from the Qur'an's vivid depictions of the world's end and examining the urgent eschatological beliefs that motivated Muhammad and his followers, Shoemaker uncovers a fascinating connection between spiritual conviction and territorial expansion.
The author places early Islam within the rich tapestry of late antiquity, where Byzantine Christianity, Judaism, and Sasanian Zoroastrianism all wrestled with questions about divine destiny and earthly power. Rather than viewing apocalyptic thought as inherently opposed to empire, Shoemaker demonstrates how these spiritual traditions often intertwined beliefs about the end times with visions of universal dominion under divine guidance.
This scholarly yet accessible work challenges conventional assumptions about the relationship between spirituality and worldly ambition. By examining how religious communities understood their role in bringing about history's culmination, Shoemaker offers readers valuable insights into the complex ways faith communities have navigated questions of purpose, destiny, and divine will throughout history.
For those seeking to understand how spiritual movements develop and influence the world around them, this book provides a compelling case study in the power of eschatological belief to motivate profound historical change. Shoemaker's careful analysis illuminates how ancient communities balanced otherworldly hopes with this-world action.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)
📄 Length: 272 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Apocalyptic literature
- ✓ Explore History and criticism
- ✓ Explore Eschatology in rabbinical literature
- ✓ Explore Early church
- ✓ Explore Eschatology in literature
- ✓ Explore Spätantike
- ✓ Explore Eschatology
- ✓ Explore History of doctrines
