A soberania do cordeiro: teologia política a partir do apocalipse de João

Abstract

This dissertation aimed to investigate the relationship between the Book of Revelation of John and Political Theology, demonstrating that the book possesses a theopolitical vocation and can serve as a crucial source for constructing a political theology applicable to issues that transcend its production context. This purpose was accomplished through the following process: in the first chapter, a multidisciplinary review was conducted at the intersection of religion and politics, considered a fundamental condition for political theology in its various uses. Subsequently, an outline of the historical and semantic development of the term "political theology" was undertaken, conceptualizing it for the research's purposes. In the second chapter, an introductory approach to the Book of Revelation was carried out through a historical and literary analysis, highlighting reasons why the book can be regarded as an expression of political theology, both in its form and content. In the third and final chapter, for the sake of synthesis, contemporary themes were surveyed in light of a political theology whose conceptual parameter is the Book of Revelation itself. The conclusions from the first two chapters served as support and conceptual apparatus for this analysis. As a pervasive theme throughout the dissertation, the theological legitimation of political sovereignty was reflected in the light of the sovereignty of the Lamb, an apocalyptic image representative of Jesus Christ in the Book of Revelation of John. Thus, it was understood how the language and content of the book provide insights into history, the potential for corruption among political authorities, and the behavior of readers and listeners regarding power structures. This led to the conclusion that divine disapproval of political institutions occurs, above all, when they elevate themselves to the status of God and assume messianic postures. Ultimately, this research not only elucidated the relationship between political theology and the Book of Revelation of John but also highlighted the profound implications of this understanding for the interpretation of history and political dynamics.