An Aural-Performance Analysis of Revelation 1 and 11 (Studies in Biblical Literature)

This book breaks fresh ground in the interpretation of the Apocalypse with an interdisciplinary methodology called aural-performance criticism that assesses how the first-century audience would have heard the Apocalypse. First-century media culture is probed by assessing the dynamics of literacy, orality, aurality, and performance in the Gospels, parts of the Pauline corpus, and also Jewish apocalyptic literature. The audience constructs of informed, minimal, and competent assist the interpreter to apply the methodology. Sound maps and an aural-performance commentary of Revelation 1 and 11 are developed that analyze aural markers, sound style, identity markers, repetition, themes, and the appropriation of the message by the audience. The book concludes by examining the sociological, theological, and communal aspects of aurality and performance and its implications for interpreting the Apocalypse. Cover Contents Editor’s Preface Preface Abbreviations Introduction and Procedure Chapter One: Literature Review and Methodology Introduction Literature Review Oral-Biblical Criticism and Oral Patterning Biblical Performance Criticism Sound Mapping Auditory NeuroScience The Auditory Process Methodology: An Aural-Performance Analysis Chapter Two: The Authorial Audience and the Culture in John’s World Introduction A Brief Introduction to the Hearing Community in Revelation An Audience-Oriented Approach Audience Constructs The Informed Audience The Minimal Audience The Competent Audience Audience Markers The Communicative Environment: A Rhetorical Culture The Oral-Auricular Setting Reader Recognition Chapter Three: Ancient Performances and the Audience Introduction The Signficance of Oral Performance The Influence of Greek Drama Revelation’s Liturgical Setting The Role of the Prophet-Performer The Role of Gesture Chapter Four: Aurality in the Ancient Literature Introduction The Importance of Hearing and Repetition Hearing the Gospel of Mark Hearing in Luke-Acts Hearing the Gospel of John Hearing Jewish Apocalyptic Literature The Apocalypse of Abraham Sound Map of "Apocalypse Abraham" 20 2 Baruch Hearing the Book of Revelation Conclusion Chapter Five: An Aural-Performance Analysis of Revelation 1:1–21 Introduction Sound Map of Revelation 1:1–20 Performance Translation Word and Aural Analysis Aural-Performance Commentary To the Seven Churches Coming with the Clouds The Prophet-Performer, the Author, Authority and Character The Day of the Visions The “One like the Son of Man” The Resurrected One The Significance of Numbers Conclusion Chapter Six: An Aural-Performance Analysis of Rev. 11:1–19 Introduction Sound Map of Rev. 11:1–19 Performance Translation Word and Aural Analysis Aural-Performance Commentary The Two Witnesses The Beast and the City The Seventh Trumpet Conclusion Chapter Seven: Summary and Implications of This Study Introduction Summary Aurality and Collective Identity Aural-Performance, Narrative and Collective Memory Performance as a Social Act Re-hearing Revelation Notes Bibliography Select Index of Authors Select Subject Index «This is a pioneering study in the emerging discipline of performance criticism. Kayle de Waal's explication of Revelation in conflict with the Roman Empire in the context of a predominantly oral society is informed by solid scholarship and generative thinking. The aural-performance commentary of Revelation 1 and 11 is an innovative analysis that demonstrates how the apocalypse reinforces, subverts, and transforms the worldview of audiences in first-century Asia Minor. A fine introduction to orality study of the New Testament.» (David Rhoads, Emeritus Professor of New Testament, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago) «In this stimulating and important work, Kayle de Waal articulates a new methodology for interpreting the Apocalypse of John, focusing not on its abstract meaning but rather on its social implications for group identity and direction. At the heart of this new methodology is a serious consideration of the oral media culture of Roman Asia Minor. Fully conversant with contemporary scholarship, de Waal guides us through a careful analysis of Revelation 1 and 11, exploring the rhetoric, oral patterning, sound mapping, performance theory, and the implications of auditory neuroscience. The discussion is clear, precise, and easily understood. You will not always agree with his interpretation, but you will always benefit from the conversation. Highly recommended.» (David L. Barr, Professor Emeritus, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio) Kayle B. De Waal. Includes Bibliographical References And Indexes.