Using many key philosophical concepts based on the work of Alain Badiou, this book outlines the relationship between an event and the emergence of a "truth," which serves as a helpful organizing principle from which to study the origins of Christianity. Alain Badiou and the Book of Revelation argues that despite what postmodern philosophy says, truths still appear, and their immanent character can be known in the world through a militant subject, one who is willing to declare the consequences of an event that has happened. The second half of the book applies Badiou's theory of the event to the book of Revelation, a book that draws out radical, even terrifying, consequences from an event "the victory of the Lamb," particularly in the logic of a new world, and a political body that is to come. Based on several new insights following the completion of Badiou's "The Immanence of Truths," the book is a full-length treatment of Badiou's philosophy to the study of Christian origins and the book of Revelation.
Bruce Worthington is assistant professor in New Testament and critical theory at the Divinity School of Chung Chi College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Introduction: Christian Origins-Diminishing the Character of the Event Chapter One: Modern Philosophy and the Event, or Not Chapter Two: Alain Badiou: Event, Subjectivity, and Early Christianity Chapter Three: Revelation: The Logics of a New World Chapter Four: Christianity Appears First as Itself
It is truly remarkable for such a young scholar to have such a profound understanding of the now problematic metanarratives that have controlled biblical interpretation. Not only that, but Worthington has laid out a compelling alternative approach to early Christianity, building on the philosophy of Alain Badiou, particularly his concepts of unprecedented events in history and his concept of a new truth that takes hold of communities of people. -- Richard Horsley, University of Massachusetts Bruce Worthington's book is a distinctive contribution to the fields of religious studies, philosophy, and theology. It offers a compelling exploration of Christian Origins through the philosophical framework of Alain Badiou's concept of the 'event.' By applying this framework to the Book of Revelation, Worthington reveals how contemporary biblical scholarship has often minimized or obscured foundational events in early Christianity. His analysis of how events shape new political and religious subjectivities is not just a historical exploration but also a call to reflect on present-day challenges. By drawing parallels between ancient contexts and our own time, he invites readers to consider what truths and subjectivities may emerge in our current societal landscape. -- Rebekka King, Middle Tennessee State University
