Final answer:
Apocalyptic literature, instead of attempting to describe incomprehensible future events, often uses symbolism to send profound spiritual or ethical messages, influenced by psychological and textual factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Apocalyptic literature incorporates symbolism but it is incorrect to say it exists solely because ancient visionaries couldn't comprehend future events or inventions. This literary genre often intertwines visions of the future or divine judgement with symbolism and allegory, which serve to convey profound spiritual or ethical messages.
Psychological and textual aspects have contributed to differing interpretations of these texts. Skepticism towards the accuracy of these texts often stem from the potential distortion of tales over time or the deliberate selection of certain texts over others by religious leaders. Similarly, through typology, Christianity sees connections between events in the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, using these as reflections of God's salvific plan.
Contrasting genres, like science fiction, offer direct speculative insights about future technologies and societies, but apocalyptic literature primarily serves a different function - exploring metaphysical or existential concepts under the guise of end-times narrative.