The cosmic conflict of the church

The motifs of crisis and conflict are prevalent throughout apocalyptic literature, and find a central place in the Book of Revelation. Every crisis faced by the Church of Asia Minor, whether religious, social, or political, is seen by the author within the context of the Church's struggle against the totalitarian secular powers which deified themselves. This study regards the combat between Michael and the Dragon (Ap. 12,7-12) as both a reflection of, and a solution to the overall conflict in which the Church of Asia Minor was engaged. The Seer's focus in this situation of crisis is upon the Church's ethical response to the Lamb of God, whose victory is depicted by John as an archetype for the oppressed Church.