expository writing - assignment 1.2 revisions

7/27/2019 Expository Writing - Assignment 1.2 Revisions

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Lani Chung

The Ethics of the ApocalypseNora Lambrecht

Writing Assignment 1.2September 10, 2013

Writing Assignment 1.2

Revelation is the last book of the Bibles New T estament narrated by John and is a

descriptive account of the apocalyptic vision he is given by God. After John sends Jesus

warnings of the apocalypse to the seven churches of Asia, he is invited by a voice from Heaven

to see what is set to happen at the end of days. Once in the throne room o f Heaven, a creature

called the Lamb agrees to open the seven seals o f a scroll, causing devastation for the inhabitants

of earth. Angels then sound seven trumpets that unleash deadly plagues, thus helping to makea

way for the kingdom of God by destroying those who destroy the earth.(Rev. 11.18).Later in

Johns vision, a beast rises out of the s ea and receives the worship and following of the whole

earth, while a second beast rises to encourage allegiance to the first through the performance of

miraculous signs. In response, angels receive a command to release the seven bowls of Gods

wrath, causing further cataclysm on earth after which a voice from the throne exclaims, It is

done! (Rev. 16.17).John hears heaven rejoicing in what haisbeendone, and sees a celebration

for the marriage of the Lamb (Rev. 19.7), which illuminated the union between God and Jesus.

Soon after, heaven opens to reveal a rider on a white horse who is backed by an army. Satan and

his beasts, along with their army, wage war against the riders heavenly brigadeand the battle is

concludesdwith the forces of Satan being thrown into a lake of fire. In closing, an angel tells

John to provide a testimony on what he sees for all to hear, as Jesus assures him that he is

coming soon to repay according to everyones work .(Rev. 22.12).

The book of Revelation is one full of extreme carnage as God extends his wrath upon the

earth in an attempt to cleanse the world of s in. It features one method of eradication after

Formatted:Left

Comment [NL1]: Your sentence structure here suggests that Revelation is the last book John narrates, which, while true, probably isnt what youre actuall y trying to say.

Comment [NL2]: Nice quote selection.


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another, to a point where the destruction borders on the excessive. This devastationbegs raises

the question of why it may be necessary for G od to eradicate the unsaved in such a theatrical and

superfluous manner instead of delivering a quick and simple end to all of humanity. Many might

view the punishments imparted by God to be incredibly cruel and inessential, but there is also

room for interpretations in the opposing light. It would be unfair to rule out the p ossibility that

there might be special motives behind Gods wrath against the unsav ed fraction of humanity.

According to the text, God says Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life

whoever conquers will not be harmed by the second death. (Rev. 2 .10-11) The promise that

God makes in the aforementioned verses helps to define the c oncept of salvation as a privilege

that must be earned, as opposed to a r ight that is freely dispersed to the masses. In a sense, the

inflicted devastation serves as a means of testing mankind in order to determine those who are

worthy enough to eat from the tree of li fe that is in the paradise of God (Rev. 2.7) , and receive

the gift of eternal life. By analyzing Revelation for the meaning behind Gods actions against

humanity instead of antagonizing him for the things that he is set to do, a greater understanding

of God as well as his purposes and motives can be attained. Therefore, it is of great importance

that the text is read neutrally, and is th oroughly searched for patterns of significance that can

point to Gods hidden intentions behind the apocalypse and decimation of mankind.

LaniThis is a solid beginning, which also includes a few components (thesis and motive)

which arent strictly necessary yet butassuming you have the evidence to thoroughly search[]

for patterns of significance that highlights hidden intentions in Revelations most inscrutable

characterpoint the way to an interesting first essay. Just be sure that you allow your

interpretation of the evidence to lead you to the most compelling argument, even if that argument

Comment [NL3]: Problem

Comment [NL4]: Begging the question is technically a form of logical fallacy that refers to circular reasoning.

Comment [NL5]: Question

Comment [NL6]: Unfair to whom? To God?

Comment [NL7]: Think about removing this sentence.

Comment [NL8]: Thesis

Comment [NL9]: Motive


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doesnt align perfectly with the thesis youve already written. Let me know if you have any

questions while you revise and draft.Nora

expository writing - assignment 1.2 revisions

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