The Physical Basis of Apocalypticism

Progress in research in the psychology of religious behavior suggests the application of similar methods in the realm of apocalyptic, which has so long been regarded as essentially mysterious in its nature. Recent progress in psychological research in the special field of emotional behavior, to whic...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Riddle, Donald W. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: University of Chicago Press 1924
In: The journal of religion
Year: 1924, Volume: 4, Issue: 2, Pages: 174-191
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Summary:Progress in research in the psychology of religious behavior suggests the application of similar methods in the realm of apocalyptic, which has so long been regarded as essentially mysterious in its nature. Recent progress in psychological research in the special field of emotional behavior, to which category apocalyptic belongs, affords a starting-point for investigation. Applying the materials thus available, reference to the sources shows that apocalyptic behavior is the result of emotional seizures of fear, sorrow, and pain. Analysis of these seizures shows that there is a definitely determinable physical accompaniment in the emotional expressions, so that the application of psychological method finds a physical basis of apocalyptic. The historical data of the rise of the literature, and general considerations of its literary and social backgrounds support these findings. Jewish apocalyptic was not without parallel in the Hellenistic world, and here, too, the definitely physical basis of the similar behavior is determinable.
ISSN:1549-6538
Contains:Enthalten in: The journal of religion
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1086/480421