The Alter-Imperial Paradigm: Empire Studies & the Book of Revelation

By Shane J Wood and Shane J. Wood

Many assume the book of Revelation is merely an "anti-imperial" attack on the Roman Empire. Yet, Shane J. Wood argues this conclusion over-exaggerates Rome's significance and, thus, misses Revelation's true target--the construction of the alter-empire through the destruction of the preeminent adversary: Satan. Applying insights from Postcolonial criticism and 'Examinations of Dominance, ' this monograph challenges trajectories of New Testament Empire Studies by developing an Alter-Imperial paradigm that appreciates the complexities between the sovereign(s) and subject(s) of a society--beyond simply rebellion or acquiescence. Shane J. Wood analyses Roman propaganda, Jewish interaction with the Flavians, and Domitianic persecution to interpret Satan's release (Rev 20:1-10) as the climax of God's triumphal procession. Thus, Rome provides the imagery; Eden provides the target.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9004308024
• ISBN13: 9789004308022
• Release Date: October 2015
• Publisher: Brill
• Length: 314 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.4"