Preaching in the Last Days: The Theme of `Two Witnesses' in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries

Visionary strength was given to the piety, polity, and political activity of Protestantism in its formative periods through the way in which the Apocalypse was read. By identifying with the text depicting two witnesses, or prophets, who preach at the end of history, are slain by the beast from the abyss (understood to be Antichrist), and rise again victoriously, representatives of the Protestant movement found a measure of self-identity. This text, Revelation 11:3-13, became the lens through which many envisioned the movement of history from the first advent of Christ to his promised return. It was used by earlier reform movements, but it lent special definition to the work of Protestant ministers through the nineteenth century, suggesting different approaches to social organization. Preaching in the Last Days is a study in the history of how the Apocalypse was read. It is also an examination of how social groups are formed through ideas occasioned by texts. It offers an account of the interplay between religious and social history during the time of the development of Protestantism. Petersen's study provides a fascinating look at the theological significance of how we read biblical texts and the insights this offers on the development of culture, the Christian movement, and its churches. The book is especially important for understanding the assumptions behind the ways in which the book of Revelation is being read and used in our own day.

Review :
"Petersen's fine study...[is] accessible to advanced undergraduates and general readers. The book is highly recommended for the professional and the scholar."--Choice "A valuable addition to our understanding of a theme that currently evokes a lot of attention."--Richard V. Pierard, Indiana State University "Offers a valuable perspective on what Protestants thought their preaching was all about."--Sixteenth Century Journal "Rodney Petersen has performed a valuable service for pastors, biblical students, and church historians in this "study."--Southwestern Journal of Theology "The book has been thoroughly researched, contains a wealth of interesting detail and valuable observations."--Journal of Theological Studies "...[a] learned book....this book is a useful addition to our understanding of an important aspect of the history of Christian eschatology."--Church Times "...[a] learned book....this book is a useful addition to our understanding of an important aspect of the history of Christian eschatology."--Church History