Arguing the Apocalypse: A Theory of Millennial Rhetoric [Hardcover]

Stephen D. O'Leary (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195080459 | ISBN-13: 978-0195080452 | Publication Date: January 6, 1994

Apocalyptic expectations of Armageddon and a New Age have been a fixture of the American cultural landscape for centuries. With the approach of the year 2000, such millennial visions seem once again to be increasing in popularity. Stephen O'Leary sheds new light on the age-old phenomenon of the End of the Age by proposing a rhetorical explanation for the appeal of millennialism. Using examples of apocalyptic argument from ancient to modern times, O'Leary identifies the recurring patterns in apocalyptic texts and movements and shows how and why the Christian Apocalypse has been used to support a variety of political stances and programs. The book concludes with a critical review of the recent appearances of doomsday scenarios in our politics and culture, and a meditation on the significance of the Apocalypse in the nuclear age. Arguing the Apocalypse is the most thorough examination of its subject to date: a study of a neglected chapter of our religious and cultural history, a guide to the politics of Armageddon, and a map of millennial consciousness.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Stephen D. O'Leary's provocative book, Arguing the Apocalypse, is a major contribution to contemporary study of apocalypticism. Drawing on thinkers as diverse as Aristotle, Kenneth Burke, Paul Ricoeur, Alasdair MacIntyre, and Max Weber, O'Leary constructs a model of the rhetorical strategy of apocalyptic discourse that is both original and convincing. O'Leary's work has advanced the political-rhetorical theory of apocalypticism to a new level."--Bernard McGinn, Divinity School, University of Chicago "A timely, far-ranging and imaginative study of apocalyptic manifestations in contemporary culture."--Carol Zaleski, Smith College

"O'Leary's learned work...opens a variety of issues which will need to be taken into account in future apocalyptic studies."--Theology

"In both scope and depth this is an exceptionally rich book which will certainly stimulate further research and discussion."--Theological Studies

"This scholarly study of the dynamic nature of millennial rhetoric is an important resource for advanced students of apocalyptic movements, and particularly of American apocalypticism."--Religious Studies Review

"A strong and provocative analysis that is must reading."--The Theological Educator

"Arguing the Apocalypse: A Theory of Millennial Rhetoric, is a sophisticated rhetorical analysis of apocalyptic discourse as argument....For anyone interested in eschatology, or in the history of religion in America, this is a worthwhile work. Rhetorical scholars should welcome another good historical study that draws heavily on the American tradition of rhetorical theory and criticism."--The Cresset

"This book is a well-researched and insightful study of a neglected but important subject....Readers will find it valuable."--Quarterly Journal of Speech

"Arguing the Apocalypse is a significant contribution to the understanding of millenarian thought that is destined to strongly influence the community of millenarian scholarship."--Utopian Studies

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Stephen D. O'Leary is at University of Southern California. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (January 6, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195080459
• ISBN-13: 978-0195080452
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,840,690 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intelligent, Difficult, Provacative., October 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Arguing the Apocalypse: A Theory of Millennial Rhetoric (Paperback)

Stephen O'Leary's book Arguing the Apocalypse is a difficult read but worth it if you can hang. O'Leary is probably the number one expert anywhere on Millennial maddness and his research and writing reflects the depth of his interest and study. I highly recommend this book for them with an interest in this disturbing field, but only if they've a high reading level as this isn't kid's stuff here.

10 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Arguing for the sake of arguing, March 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Arguing the Apocalypse: A Theory of Millennial Rhetoric (Paperback)

O'Leary made an honest effort to provide insights into the mechanics of apocalyptic reasoning. Moving from definitions of apocalypse and rhetoric, O'Leary extracted three basic topoi: time, evil, and authority. By means of a case study of the Millerites and Hal Lindsey's writings, O'Leary gave the three topoi a home in the tactics of persuasion of Miller and Lindsey. Though the subject matter is a timely one, the book does not appear accessible to everyone. This scholarly written book includes intense philosophical and literary discussions and presumes one to be acquainted with rhetoric. However, for the scholar who can follow the flow of the argument the application seems rather trite. Yet for the layperson the application seems of utter interest but the discussion of methodology and the foundational presentation of apocalyptic reasoning seems beyond grasp.