Apocalyptic Politics: A Taproot of Political Radicalization and Populism

by Martyn Whittock

Publisher:

Cascade Books

, 2022

Overview

Apocalyptic (end times) beliefs are found across different religious cultures and time periods, especially those influenced by the Abrahamic faiths. These apocalyptic beliefs are often associated with radicalized politics and what we would today often describe as “populist” movements and leaders. What are the roots of such beliefs? How have they developed over time? In what ways do they impact the modern world? In a series of case studies--ranging over different faiths, time periods, and global locations--this book explores how and why these beliefs have become so often the driver of radicalized politics.

Praise for Apocalyptic Politics

Martyn Whittock’s new book offers an insightful, timely, and provocative account of some of the most powerful ideas shaping modern politics—and politics through the ages. Essential reading for scholars, journalists, and anyone who wants to understand end-of-the-world views.

——Crawford Gribben, Queen’s University Belfast

Here is a fascinating journey across religious and political borders tracing apocalyptic belief and its powerful political implications past and present. A book not to be missed.

——Dan Cohn-Sherbok, University of Wales, emeritus

Martyn Whittock has produced a book that really does fall into the ‘must read’ category. If you want to know how millenarian religious and political thinking has shaped movements from Trumpism to Russian nationalism and influenced cultures as diverse as contemporary ISIS and nineteenth-century China, you should get hold of this book.

——Pete Broadbent, former bishop of Willesden

We live in confusing times. That much is certain. Yet, Apocalyptic Politics reminds us that it was ever thus. Today, the threats may look different—climate catastrophe, nuclear conflict, economic meltdown, etc.—but the sense of the world turning on its head is as old as time. It is into this turbulent context that eschatology speaks. . . . Whittock has struck on a rich seam of socio-political analysis that is as revelatory as it is refreshing.

——Oliver Balch, journalist, and author of Viva South America! and India Rising

Product Details

• Title: Apocalyptic Politics: A Taproot of Political Radicalization and Populism
• Author: Martyn Whittock
• Publisher: Cascade Books
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781725292772, 9781725292765, 9781725292758, 1725292777, 1725292769, 1725292750
• Resource ID: LLS:9781725292772
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-12-22T05:53:36Z

About Martyn Whittock

Martyn Whittock, graduated in Politics from Bristol Universityand is the author or co-author of fifty-two books, including school history textbooks and adult history books. He taught history for thirty-five years and latterly, was curriculum leader for Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural education at a Wiltshire secondary school. He isa Licensed Lay Minister in the Church of England. He has acted as an historical consultant to the National Trust and English Heritage. He retired from teaching in July 2016 to devote more time to writing. His Lion books include: The Vikings: from Odin to Christ, Christ: TheFirst 2000 Years, Daughters of Eve, Jesus: The Unauthorized Biography, and The Story of the Cross.