We often associate apocalypse with the end of the world, with chaos, destruction, the anti-Christ, the great tribulation, the rapture and all that. It is a major theme in this season of Advent and it is the matter at hand in our Gospel reading. This theme has been the subject of much debate for thousands of years and has recently been portrayed in films produced by both conservative fundamentalists and radical leftists. And, throughout all of these discussions, there was one theme that seemed to keep poking out its monstrous head. I attended presentations on the Gospel of John, Jewish mysticism, climate change, and even on Darren Aronofsky’s film Noah (which the youth group watched for Movie Night and gave mixed reviews). This was my first year not presenting a paper so I was able to enjoy the talks and exhibits relatively free from anxiety and apprehension. This year the meeting (which is organized by the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature ) was held in San Diego and one of the presidential addresses was delivered by an actual former US president: Jimmy Carter. For several days, graduate students, professors and independent scholars converge in a major US city for paper presentations, panel discussions, job interviews, and presidential addresses.

This last weekend I attended a meeting of the leading scholars in religious studies. Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,Īnd what rough beast, its hour come round at last, Wind shadows of the indignant desert birds. Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it

Troubles my sight: a waste of desert sand Ī shape with lion body and the head of a man, The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out Things fall apart the centre cannot hold This sermon was preached at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity in San Rafael CA on November 30, 2014. Readings for the First Sunday of Advent (Year B)

Meaning of slouching towards bethlehem