What is it about?

Blasphemy is a major theme in both Daniel and Revelation, yet it is often studied in isolation rather than as a shared concept between the two. Our study examines how these books use the idea of blasphemy to describe the actions of evil forces in the great cosmic struggle between good and evil. We find that blasphemy takes two main forms. First, there is the human dimension—seen in the actions of kings and ordinary people who oppose God in history (Dan 1–6; Rev 2:9; 16:9, 11; 21). Second, there is the larger end-times dimension—seen in the portrayal of a powerful figure who directly challenges God (Dan 7–12; Rev 13:1, 5, 6; 17:3). Revelation builds on Daniel’s ideas by showing how blasphemy continues to shape world history. By linking these two books, our study helps readers see how the theme of blasphemy develops in biblical prophecy, deepening our understanding of the ongoing struggle between good and evil.

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Why is it important?

Despite their clear connections, Daniel and Revelation are often studied separately, leading to fragmented interpretations of their prophetic themes. Our study offers a fresh perspective by demonstrating how these books present a continuous narrative of blasphemy as a force that evolves throughout history. This approach helps bridge gaps in biblical scholarship and provides a more cohesive view of prophecy.

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This page is a summary of: Daniel and Revelation: Blasphemy in the Cosmic Conflict, Open Theology, January 2024, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1515/opth-2022-0242.
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