Pseudo-Methodius and the problem of evil (<i>c.</i> 680–<i>c.</i> 800)
James T. Palmer
While arguments about time persisted, renewed concerns evil and authority in the world stimulated developments West’s apocalyptic repertoire. Few people had fretted Gog Magog since Augustine Jerome’s non-historical interpretation back fifth century, even when Gregory Great been anxious implications of Lombard attacks. Isidore’s celebration Goths as heroic descendants seemed to complete Augustinian anti-apocalyptic project on that front. Over course seventh however, Arab conquests Middle East North Africa changed religious political map Mediterranean, unsurprisingly leading some shocked disillusioned Christians towards eschatological reflection. What was needed a strong response from Byzantine emperor and, polemics were launched, soon idea spread empire would play much larger part End Times narratives than previously considered acceptable. The new reflections authority, pitched battle against each other, given popular form prophetic sermon by Syriac Pseudo-Methodius – work so powerful adaptable it available Greek Latin versions across Europe within half century. Apocalypticism voice one which deeply influence medieval traditions.
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