Prophecy and Apocalypse among the Oromo-Borana: The Power of Chiasmus

Abstract

This chapter bridges the rhetoric culture and anticipation theoretical domains for reinterpreting the prophetic and apocalyptic texts on the Oromo-Borana (Ethiopia). The analysis qualifies prophecy as a practice of anticipation, a rational and collective exercise of criticism to current social trends, facilitated by creative individuals that make full use of the cognitive potential of chiasmus and other rhetorical devises.