Open Theology 2024; 10: 20220242
Regular Article Bohdan Kuryliak*, Ihor Kuryliak
Daniel and Revelation: Blasphemy in the Cosmic Conflict https://doi.org/10.1515/opth-2022-0242 received November 20, 2023; accepted December 18, 2023
Abstract: Studies of blasphemy in the book of Revelation are usually discussed in isolation from the book of Daniel, which provides an incomplete picture of this topic. This article investigates the meaning of blasphemy in the books of Daniel and Revelation. We argue that these apocalyptic books often describe the actions of the forces of evil in the Cosmic Conflict as blasphemy. The human dimension of blasphemy is expressed in the actions of kings and people (Dan. 1-6; Rev. 2:9; 16:9, 11; 21), while the eschatological dimension of blasphemy is expressed in the actions of the Antichrist (Dan. 7-12; Rev. 13:1, 5, 6; 17:3). We argue that the book of Revelation repeats and furthers the theme of blasphemy articulated in the book of Daniel. Keywords: blasphemy, cosmic conflict, Antichrist, book of Daniel, book of Revelation
1 Introduction The cosmic conflict between good and evil1 is one of the less-explored Biblical themes/topics.2 The book of Daniel depicts this spiritual struggle going on behind the scenes of the earthly kingdoms (Dan. 10).3 The historical part (Dan. 1–6) traces the confrontation between Yahweh and the Babylonian gods (Dan. 1:2; 2, 3, 5, 6). Daniel 3 and Dan. 6 show the conflict between the Jews and the kings of empires. In the prophetic part (Dan. 7–12), the anti-God force behind which stands the fallen cherub (Is. 14:12–14; Ezek. 28:12–19) wages war against God and His followers. In the last book of the New Testament, the theme of cosmic conflict plays a key role.4 Richard A. Sabuin admits that “The book of Revelation is rich in war motif.”5 The frequent use of the military terminology πόλεμος and πολεμέω confirms this and indicates the author’s desire to reveal eschatological prophecies in the context of a cosmic conflict.6 John writes about the war between Michael/Jesus and
1 There are different terms for the transcendent all-encompassing struggle between good and evil: cosmic conflict, great controversy, and divine war. In this study, we will use the term “cosmic conflict.” 2 For the theme of the struggle between good and evil in the Bible, see Peckham, Theodicy of Love; Pfandl, The Great Controversy. 3 Doukhan, Secrets of Daniel, 163, 166. 4 Rice, Revelation; Collins, Combat Myth; Grabiner, Revelation’s Hymns; Grabiner, “The Cosmic Conflict,” 38–56; Frey, “Apocalyptic Dualism,” 271–94; Tonstad, Saving God’s Reputation. 5 Sabuin, “The Alpha-Omega,” 85. 6 Ibid., Sabuin gives statistics on the use of these words in the book of Revelation: “Of the eighteen occurrences of the word polemos ‘war, battle, strife, conflict’ in the New Testament, nine are in Revelation (9:7, 9; 11:7; 12:7, 17; 13:7; 16:14; 19:19; 20:8). The cognate verb polemeō ‘wage, war, fight’ occurs six times in Revelation (2:16; 12:7 [2×]; 13:4; 17:14; 19:11) out of ten times in the New Testament.”
* Corresponding author: Bohdan Kuryliak, The Faculty of Theology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland, e-mail: bohdan.kuryliak@uzh.ch Ihor Kuryliak: The Faculty of Theology, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland Open Access. © 2024 the author(s), published by De Gruyter. International License.
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