Cosmos, Chaos and the World to Come

The Ancient Roots of Apocalyptic Faith

Norman Cohn author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Yale University Press

Published:11th Aug '01

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Cosmos, Chaos and the World to Come cover

This insightful exploration in Cosmos, Chaos and the World to Come reveals the historical roots of humanity's belief in the eventual triumph of good over evil.

In Cosmos, Chaos and the World to Come, the author explores the widespread belief that good will ultimately triumph over evil, a notion embraced by various religions and cultures. This book delves into the historical roots of this optimistic worldview, tracing its evolution from the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and India, through the teachings of Iranian and Jewish prophets, and into the early Christian narratives. The work highlights how humanity has long envisioned a perfect future where the forces of good prevail, transforming the nature of existence itself.

The narrative begins by examining the prevailing beliefs prior to around 1500 B.C., when the cosmos was thought to be static and governed by divine order. Despite this belief, the world was fraught with turmoil, as natural disasters, warfare, and death posed constant threats. The author discusses how ancient combat myths depicted a divine warrior battling chaos, ensuring the world's survival. A significant shift occurred with the Iranian prophet Zoroaster, who redefined these myths, proposing that the world was in a dynamic state of conflict, ultimately moving towards a harmonious existence devoid of chaos.

As the book progresses, it illustrates how Zoroaster's revolutionary ideas influenced various Jewish sects, particularly the followers of Jesus, leading to profound implications for human thought and spirituality. Cosmos, Chaos and the World to Come is a compelling exploration of a pivotal moment in the history of human consciousness, making it essential reading for those interested in the evolution of religious and philosophical ideas.

"Learned, fascinating and readable... Norman Cohn combines scrupulous scholarship with readability in a unique way... This book will become a classic." Anthony Storr, Independent on Sunday "A cool draught of wise and intelligent scholarship." J. D. F. Jones, Financial Times "This is an exciting as well as a learned book, not only for those students of ancient religion but for those with any interest in modern apocalyptic faith." Jasper Griffin, New York Review of Books "Anyone concerned with the history of apocalypticism and millennial cults, whether ancient, medieval, or modern, should read this book carefully." E. Randolph Daniel, Church History "[A] rich tapestry encompassing history, archaeology, popular culture, mythology and religion.... Cohn's depth and breadth of knowledge is marvelous, his enthusiasm for the subject is infectious. Well-documented and extremely readable, this is highly recommended for religion, history, and seminary collections." - Library Journal "An incisive study of ancient religion and the rise of belief in an impending apocalypse.... A tight, intelligent study." - Kirkus Reviews "Cohn's lucid writing style and his detailed notational listings will make Cosmos, Chaos, and the World to Come an interesting read and a useful tool for students of ancient history and religion." - Charles Odahl, Historian "The author has given us a panorama of beliefs about the driving forces of good and evil in the universe, extending back to the earliest settled communities in the Near East. He has shown the value of the comparative study of religion in understanding the origins of some of the most important among traditional Christian beliefs.... A stimulating work of learning." - W. H. C. Friend, Church Times

ISBN: 9780300090888

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 295g

256 pages

2nd Revised edition