From the definition of apocalyptic literature, which states that such literature is "a revelatory form that concerns the end of reality and describes a new divine world with salvation for the few", one could It is easy to assume that apocalyptic texts can be rather homogeneous. Certainly there are many similarities in apocalyptic texts: the prophets employ common motifs and themes and use similar linguistic patterns and, of course, the central subject always implies some kind of end of the world. However, there is a surprising amount of room for variation within apocalyptic texts. The apocalyptic Old Testament prophets Joel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel all offer different answers to questions regarding salvation at the end of the world, with their answers reflecting different worldviews and even different perceptions of the same God. The prophet Joel believed that everyone they would have the opportunity of salvation. “I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. Even on the male and female slaves in those days I will pour out my spirit" (Joel 2,28-29). Factors that in the past might have limited some forms of religious participation, such as gender and social class, are no longer relevant: the spirit of the Lord will touch everyone. According to Joel, however, the fact that all will receive the spirit of God does not necessarily mean that all will be saved from destruction. Salvation depends on how you react to the spirit of the Lord: whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. It can be assumed that most of those who do not call on the name of the Lord will be destroyed in the chaos. However, Joel's prophecy also contains...... middle of paper ......sheep who with the punishment of the shepherds. Despite the fact that the prophecies of Joel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel can all be classified as apocalyptic literature, each of their prophecies proposes a different idea about the end of the world. Both Joel and Isaiah portray a vengeful God, seeking to punish his followers, even as they argue over exactly which followers will receive divine punishment. Ezekiel takes an entirely different view, suggesting that God is not so vindictive and destructive towards those he is angry with, as he is merciful towards those he believes have been oppressed. Although apocalyptic literature shares some central characteristics, it is a genre that allows for a lot of variety, allowing its authors to express many different worldviews. Works Cited The Bible: New Revised Standard Version. San Francisco: Harper One, 1989. Print.