Apocalypses usually follow one of two plots.  The seer is either transported to a heavenly place and given new insight, or he is given a new interpretation of historical events by seeing them in a supernatural perspective (e.g., kingdoms fall because their heavenly representatives have been destroyed by God, pestilence befalls the earth because angels in heaven pour out bowls of wrath onto the earth.).  At first this can seem like rudimentary science or history, an adolescent view or explanation of events in the world.  But the point is not the explanation.  The point is the change in perspective that comes when we view the world from its supernatural and true perspective, as being ruled from the throne room of God. 

Usually the writing of apocalyptic literature occurs during a time when the author's world has fallen apart - facing exile, persecution, or cultural disdain because his religion is peculiar.  We all can understand the psychology of things falling apart and how that occasions a new vision of life - someone close to us dies, something suddenly changes, or we lose something precious.  Until six weeks ago, a good friend of mine was Mark Foley's communication director.  Six weeks ago he discovered the man he believed in an the cause he fought for had been jerked out from underneath him.  His world fell apart - still is - and his response has been more than looking for a new job.  He has had to reexamine everything and look for a new perspective, a new vision.

These apocalyptic visions have a similar psychology in that they help the reader interpret present events by pointing to the past and assuring the future - that unjust rulers will be judged, good will triumph over evil eventually, and God will rule eternally and vindicate God's people.  Like Daniel, like my good friend, we sometimes desperately need a new perspective and an assurance of where we are headed - to see the world as ruled from the throne of God who is as strong and as fierce as fire.

Of course this kind of supernatural vision carries with it several dangers.  The first is simple misunderstanding.  In recent times well-meaning interpreters see in these writings predictions of political events ending the world.  Think of the Left Behind series, or Hal Lindsey, or Daniel Scofield.  In short, apocalyptic is not about decoding the end of the world; some apocalyptic doesn't even reference end times.

Another danger is quietism.  If God is going to wipe every evil out, why work for justice? 

Lastly, we face the danger of imperialism.  We think that our cause is God's cause, and all we have to do is work harder, and God's kingdom will be restored.  Don't forget that well-educated, liberal German Christians signed on to the Third Reich because they equated German culture with God's reign.