A Postmodern Revelation: Signs of Astrology and the Apocalypse

Richard C. Smith is a professor in the Department of Classics,
University of Alberta.

Although the title might imply millennial revelations or even biblical
support for astrological predictions, the focus of this lengthy study is
quite different. The author’s theme is that the New Testament
Apocalypse by John embodies a symbolic presentation of the Christian
Lord and God as superior to all pagan divination, particularly that
based on the stars.

Chevalier first makes it clear that his study concentrates not on any
prophetic or moral relevance in the work, but rather on the dialogue of
John with the culture of his own day, a culture in which astrology
played a major role. He then traces the rise and fall of astrology from
ancient times through the 18th century and the development of the
theological interpretation of Revelation from the early church fathers
to the present mode, a product of humanistic scholarship (the
genealogical paradigm).

Except for a postscript in which Chevalier discusses the interpretation
of Revelation in Carl Jung’s Answer to Job, the rest of the volume is
devoted to tracing the possible mythological and astrological symbolism
to be found in the first 12 chapters of Revelation. Babylonian, Greek,
and other myths are cited as parallels that are buried within John’s
images. The background of the Old Testament books of Ezekiel and Daniel
is also explored in the context of the revolving constellations and the
astral journey of the sun from the heights of summer, through a fall and
winter death, to a vernal resurrection (a major theme).

While biblical scholars will find the scriptural references often less
than adequate (and occasionally in error, as in the citing of
“Ecclesiastes” for “Ecclesiasticus”), and Near Eastern experts
will wonder at statements that Osiris is a sun god, that Nergal is the
Sumerian counterpart of Tammuz, or that the Sphinx of Egypt has a
woman’s head, anyone interested in exploring a wealth of possible
allusions to astrology and myth in Revelation will find a useful
beginning here.