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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Historical Inquiry in Sacred Texts, Prophecy, and Political Conflicts
Larysa Karaliova, Ilia Brondz
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DOI:10.17265/2159-550X/2026.06.001
Norwegian Drug Control and Drug Discovery Institute (NDCDDI) AS, Ski, Norway
This article examines texts of Holy Scripture, ancient prophecies, and the slogans of certain political movements that, due to incorrect interpretation or deliberate distortion, have contributed to serious consequences for entire nations. In some cases, religious or prophetic texts have been used not only as theological references but also as instruments influencing political thinking and decision-making. One of the key observations of this study is that specific scriptural passages have been selectively interpreted and employed in ways that intensify tensions between historically and culturally related peoples, sometimes with the involvement of external political actors. The adherence of political leaders to such interpretative frameworks has, in certain historical contexts, contributed to large-scale conflicts. The interpretation of prophetic texts has played a significant role in shaping theological doctrines and, at times, influencing political developments. This article analyzes how translational shifts and reinterpretations of early Hebrew texts contributed to doctrinal transformations within the Abrahamic traditions. The article further examines how such interpretative transformations, once institutionalized, may extend beyond theology into the political sphere, functioning as frameworks that justify ideological positions or conflicts. In addition, prophetic traditions such as the Sibylline Books of ancient Rome are considered as historical examples of how prophecy was used not as a primary cause, but as a legitimizing narrative for political and military actions. By placing these processes in a broader historical context, the article demonstrates that misunderstood or selectively applied prophetic texts can contribute to long-term cycles of misunderstanding, conflict, and ideological rigidity. Once embedded in collective consciousness, such interpretations may become a powerful historical force. This article is based on a chapter from an unpublished manuscript by Larysa Karaliova, further developed in collaboration with the co-author in the context of the interaction between theology, history, and political processes.
sacred texts, prophecy, Sibylline oracles, translation and theology, Middle East history, nationalism
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