The Stars Will Fall from Heaven - (Library of New Testament Studies) by Edward Adams (Hardcover)

About the Book

Examines the Jewish and Christian concept of the 'end of the world' as portrayed in the Bible.

Book Synopsis

The aim of this book is to establish and explore New Testament belief in the end of the world through an investigation of texts which - on the face of it - contain 'end of the world' language. It engages with recent discussion on how Jewish and early Christian 'end of the world' was meant to be understood, and interacts especially with N.T. Wright's proposals. The first part of the book is given over to background and focuses on the Old Testament, Jewish apocalyptic and related literature and Graeco-Roman sources. The latter have seldom been brought into play in previous discussion. The author shows that the Stoic material is especially relevant. The second part of the book concentrates on the New Testament evidence and explores in detail all the key texts. The pertinent texts are analyzed in terms of the kind of the 'end of the world' language they use - language of cosmic cessation, of catastrophe and conflagration. The main aim of the exegesis is to establish the extent to which the language is meant objectively, but there is further exploration of issues arising from the notions of the end of the world where they are deemed to be present, including whether the idea of the world's dissolution implies a rejection of the created order. The conclusion explores the implications of the theme of the end of the world for Christian theology and ethics, and discusses especially, the ramifications for environmental ethics.

Review Quotes

"This is an important book on an important - and surprisingly neglected - subject: the cosmic catastrophe language that forms part of the New Testament's eschatology. Through a detailed and scholarly examination of the relevant texts and traditions, Jewish, Greco-Roman, and New Testament, Edward Adams argues, in critical dialogue with N.T. Wright in particular, that the New Testament writers, in varied ways, did envisage an impending destruction of the physical cosmos, followed by its re-creation. The findings and arguments of this book are significant not only for our understanding of early Christian eschatology in its historical context, but also for any attempt to use the biblical material in articulating contemporary Christian eschatology or environmental responsibility. Adams' book will be an essential point of reference for all such discussion." --David G. Horrell, Reader in New Testament Studies, University of Exeter, UK.

"This book is much needed. Considerable confusion has been sown recently in interpretation of the New Testament by the view that the passages that appear to speak of a catastrophic end to the present world are actually about the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple. Such a view seems attractive because it provides an easy solution to questions about the accuracy of Jesus' and the NT writers' predictions of the future. In this patient, lucid and thorough study Adams makes a first-rate job of clearing the confusion. Through examination of Jewish apocalyptic literature, Stoic writings and the major NT passages and in debate with N. T. Wright, its major popularizer, Adams shows convincingly why a purely socio-political interpretation of the NT's cosmic eschatological language is implausible and why taking it to refer to a real end of the world does not have the disastrous theological implications that have been alleged. His study should be required reading for students of NT eschatology and for those who wrestle with its contemporary relevance." --Andrew T. Lincoln, Portland Professor of New Testament, University of Gloucestershire

""carefullly argued and meticolous survey" Journal for the study of the New Testament, 30 May 2008" --Simon Woodman

""I have a great deal of simpathy for the perspective ofv this book" "this is certainly an interesting study...For anyone who is interested in the development of the debate around the views of N.T. Wright, is is certainly worth the read" ANVIL Vol.25 No.2 2008" --Andy Angel

"This is a first-rate study" --Paul Foster, pastoral review, the

About the Author

Edward Adams is Lecturer in New Testament Studies, King's College, London. He is also the author of 'Constructing the World: A Study in Paul's Cosmological Language' (2000, T&T Clark) and has co-authored 'Christianity at Corinth: The Quest for the Pauline Church'.