The “Loaves and Fishsticks” cartoon (July), referring to “the four horsemen of the apocalypse,” reminds us that apocalypticism was a prominent worldview not only a few centuries before the time of Jesus but also a few centuries into the early development of Christianity. Thus we note its influence in the teachings of both Jesus and Paul. It is also seen in the fact that the Book of Revelation was included in the canon, though it is enigmatic and, even after 2,000 years, there is wide disagreement about what it means.
Abner Schlabach, South Royalton, Vt.
Have a comment on this story? Write to the editors. Include your full name, city and state. Selected comments will be edited for publication in print or online.