- Switzerland
Samuel Vollenweider
University of Zurich, Switzerland, Theology, Faculty Member
Experimental research on the effects of psychedelics is a challenge to the understanding of "mysticism" in historical and cultural studies. This article illustrates why and how "mystical experience" has been established as a... more
Experimental research on the effects of psychedelics is a challenge to the understanding of "mysticism" in historical and cultural studies. This article illustrates why and how "mystical experience" has been established as a scientific-experimental category since the 1960s. The connection between psychoactive substances and postulated mystical experiences in the context of an experimental setting is inquired about. The topic is embedded in an overarching question: What is the significance of the empirical findings in the debate between "perennialism/essentialism" and "constructivism/culturalism" that is central to mysticism research?
Research Interests:
The essay deals with the very influential monograph by Albert Schweitzer, "The Mysticism of Paul the Apostle" (E.T. 1931). At the turn of the century, 'mysticism' was a popular topic in German-speaking culture and in Pauline exegesis.... more
The essay deals with the very influential monograph by Albert Schweitzer, "The Mysticism of Paul the Apostle" (E.T. 1931). At the turn of the century, 'mysticism' was a popular topic in German-speaking culture and in Pauline exegesis. Thanks to Schweitzer, the topic remained on the agenda in the following decades, shaped by the critical attitude of dialectical theology toward mysticism. Since the 1970s, Schweitzer's monograph has played an important role wherever scholars have rediscovered Paul's theology of 'participation'. The essay formulates, in critical engagement with Schweitzer, criteria for determining 'mysticism' in early Christianity and examines the evidence in Paul, both theologically and from the perspective of the history of religions. Finally, Schweitzer's ethics of "reverence for life" is appreciated as a legacy for the 21 st century.
Research Interests:
Does Paul count among the ancient philosophers? In recent New Testament scholarship, there is an increasing tendency to understand Paul in the context of Hellenistic and imperial philosophy. The relaxation in the assessment of the place... more
Does Paul count among the ancient philosophers? In recent New Testament scholarship, there is an increasing tendency to understand Paul in the context of Hellenistic and imperial philosophy. The relaxation in the assessment of the place of philosophy for the New Testament makes sense. On the one hand, it results from new perspectives on imperial philosophy (post-Hellenistic philosophy). On the other hand, it is connected with a new appreciation of education (Bildung) in early Christianity. This essay attempts to assess the complex relationship between Paul and ancient philosophy from the perspectives of cultural theory and hermeneutics. Although Paul is not actually a philosopher, his theology works intensively with philosophical means and has significant philosophical relevance.
Zählt Paulus zu den antiken Philosophen? In der neueren neutestamentlichen Forschung gibt es eine zunehmende Tendenz, Paulus im Kontext der hellenistischen und kaiserzeitlichen Philosophie zu verstehen. Die Entkrampfung in der Einschätzung des Stellenwerts der Philosophie für das Neue Testament ist sinnvoll. Einerseits resultiert sie aus neuen Perspektiven auf die imperiale Philosophie (posthellenistische Philosophie). Andrerseits verbindet sie sich mit einer neuen Einschätzung der Bildung im frühen Christentum. Der Essay versucht, das komplexe Verhältnis zwischen Paulus und der antiken Philosophie aus kulturtheoretischer und hermeneutischer Sicht zu beurteilen. Obwohl Paulus nicht eigentlich ein Philosoph ist, arbeitet seine Theologie mit philosophischen Mitteln und hat erhebliche philosophische Relevanz.
Zählt Paulus zu den antiken Philosophen? In der neueren neutestamentlichen Forschung gibt es eine zunehmende Tendenz, Paulus im Kontext der hellenistischen und kaiserzeitlichen Philosophie zu verstehen. Die Entkrampfung in der Einschätzung des Stellenwerts der Philosophie für das Neue Testament ist sinnvoll. Einerseits resultiert sie aus neuen Perspektiven auf die imperiale Philosophie (posthellenistische Philosophie). Andrerseits verbindet sie sich mit einer neuen Einschätzung der Bildung im frühen Christentum. Der Essay versucht, das komplexe Verhältnis zwischen Paulus und der antiken Philosophie aus kulturtheoretischer und hermeneutischer Sicht zu beurteilen. Obwohl Paulus nicht eigentlich ein Philosoph ist, arbeitet seine Theologie mit philosophischen Mitteln und hat erhebliche philosophische Relevanz.
Research Interests:
The essay draws some parallels between two Early Imperial portraits of the universal king (kosmokrator), namely Christ in Paul's letter to the Philippians 2:6-11 and Alexander in Plutarch's De Alexandri Magni fortuna aut virtute, both... more
The essay draws some parallels between two Early Imperial portraits of the universal king (kosmokrator), namely Christ in Paul's letter to the Philippians 2:6-11 and Alexander in Plutarch's De Alexandri Magni fortuna aut virtute, both written in epideictic style. Both rulers are contrasted with a negative figure (usurper or selfish tyrant). Both have a mission for universal unification. A remarkable difference between the two portraits consists in the assessment of the relationship between human and divine agency: Plutarch represents a synergistic model whereas Paul offers a monergistic model of God's efficacy in saving believers through Christ.
Research Interests:
n ancient Christianity, there is a vivid discussion about the relationship between the immortality of the soul and the resurrection of the dead. Unlike some early Christian theologians (epistle to Diognetus, Athenagoras, Gregory of... more
n ancient Christianity, there is a vivid discussion about the relationship between the immortality of the soul and the resurrection of the dead. Unlike some early Christian theologians (epistle to Diognetus, Athenagoras, Gregory of Nyssa), anti-Christian philosophers (Celsus, Porphyrios, and Julian) advocate the thesis of a sharp contrast. In the 20th century, Oscar Cullmann argued this position prominently. The essay examines both the legitimacy and the difficulties of an eschatological alternative between immortality of the soul and resurrection of the dead, with a side glance at Rudolf Bultmann. One observes that in both early Judaism and early Christianity, a sharp alternative does not do justice to the diversity of eschatological conceptions.
Research Interests:
The article deals with Paul’s opponents in Paul's letter to the Philippians. There is a broad spectrum of phenomena: rivals and opponents whom the apostle does not consider threatening, external gentile opponents, and, finally,... more
The article deals with Paul’s opponents in Paul's letter to the Philippians. There is a broad spectrum of phenomena: rivals and opponents whom the apostle does not consider threatening, external gentile opponents, and, finally, opponents who in Paul’s view are destroying the congregation.
Research Interests: Philosophy and Theology
Research Interests:
The paper deals with the antique Vita Aesopi (1st or 2nd cent. A.D.) in a culturalist perspective. Within the antique discourses on "wisdom" the Vit. Aes. promotes a wisdom "from below" (Aesopus is a slave) and a... more
The paper deals with the antique Vita Aesopi (1st or 2nd cent. A.D.) in a culturalist perspective. Within the antique discourses on "wisdom" the Vit. Aes. promotes a wisdom "from below" (Aesopus is a slave) and a wisdom "from outside" (Aesopus is a barbarian wise). These features might be compared to the widsom-theology found in Paul's 1st Corinthians where the Christian gospel as the "Wisdom of God" is put in contrast to the "Wisdom of this world". Der Aufsatz behandelt den antiken Asoproman (1./2. Jh. n.Chr.) aus kulturwissenschaftlicher Perspektive als Dokument, das in den antiken Diskursen uber "Weisheit" eine alternative Weisheit "von unten" (Sklavenstand) und "von aussen" (Phryger als Barbar)" zum Ausdruck bringt. Insofern ist der Roman vergleichbar mit dem 1. Korintherbrief des Apostels Paulus, der die christliche Botschaft als "Weisheit Gottes" mit der "Weisheit dieser Wel...
Research Interests:
Was ist ”Apokalyptik” (frühjüdische, frühchristliche) Posted at the Zurich Open Repository and Archive, University of Zurich ZORA URL: https://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-66512 Accepted Version Originally published at: Vollenweider, Samuel... more
Was ist ”Apokalyptik” (frühjüdische, frühchristliche) Posted at the Zurich Open Repository and Archive, University of Zurich ZORA URL: https://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-66512 Accepted Version Originally published at: Vollenweider, Samuel (2012). Verarbeitung einer Kulturkrise. Die Entdeckung der Apokalyptik im frühen Judentum. facultativ. Beilage zur Reformierten Presse, (02):1-2. S. Vollenweider, Verarbeitung einer Kulturkrise. Die Entdeckung der Apokalyptik im frühen Judentum in: Facultativ 02/2012 „Apokalyptik“ ist ein beschreibungssprachlicher Terminus, der sich von der Überschrift der Johannesapokalypse herleitet („Offenbarung Jesu Christi, die Gott ihm gegeben hat“). Er bezeichnet im engeren Sinn eine Bewegung im frühen Judentum und Christentum, zu der die Produktion bestimmter Texte, sogenannter „Apokalypsen“, gehört. Diese nehmen für sich in Anspruch, himmlische Offenbarungen zu sein. „Apokalypsen“ zählen zur Offenbarungsliteratur, die sich auch in vielen anderen Kulturkreisen, et...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The article deals with the programmatic first chapter of the Physiologus about the lion. Its three allegories refer to Christ’s incarnation, his death and his resurrection. In general, the author of the Physiologus only alludes to... more
The article deals with the programmatic first chapter of the Physiologus about the lion. Its three allegories refer to Christ’s incarnation, his death and his resurrection. In general, the author of the Physiologus only alludes to dogmatic conceptions and exegetical traditions of his age and expects his readers to fill any voids (‚Leerstellen’). A detailed analysis of the complex religious-historical background of the lion-chapter offers the possibility to draw some chronological conclusions (based on the assumption that the 1st chapter has to be regarded as an integral ¬part of the Physiologus’ first version). Whereas the figure of the hidden descent of the Saviour can be traced back to ‘heterodox’ Christian traditions of the 2nd cent. the motive of his angelomorphic status and the intertextual reference to Ps 24 (23LXX) are rather indebted to Origen and his theology. Moreover, the christological vocabulary – namely the leitmotiv of Christ’s „divine nature (theotēs) hidden in the f...
Research Interests:
Der Aufsatz stellt das spannungsvolle Verhaltnis von Weltdistanz/Weltflucht und Weltzuwendung/Weltverantwortung im Fruhchristentum bzw. im Neuen Testament dar. The paper deals with the Early Christian tensions between renouncing the... more
Der Aufsatz stellt das spannungsvolle Verhaltnis von Weltdistanz/Weltflucht und Weltzuwendung/Weltverantwortung im Fruhchristentum bzw. im Neuen Testament dar. The paper deals with the Early Christian tensions between renouncing the "world" (fuga saeculi/mundi)and integration into the "world" (resp. responsibility for the world). Texts: New Testament and other early Christian literature and its background.
Research Interests:
Analysis of a fragment of the Neoplatonist philosopher Amelius about the prologue of John's Gospel (Jn 1.1-18). Theme is the place of Amelius' paraphrasis of this important text about the divien and cosmic role of the... more
Analysis of a fragment of the Neoplatonist philosopher Amelius about the prologue of John's Gospel (Jn 1.1-18). Theme is the place of Amelius' paraphrasis of this important text about the divien and cosmic role of the "logos" within the history of philosophy and theology. A special interest is devoted to the cross-cultural exchange between early Christianity and Hellenistic-Roman education and philosophy.
Research Interests:
The story of Lucifer’s pride and fall fills an empty space within Satan’s “biography.” It originates in an angelological re-reading of Isa 14 and Ezek 28 which doesn’t stem from early Judaism but from the Christianity of the late 2nd... more
The story of Lucifer’s pride and fall fills an empty space within Satan’s “biography.” It originates in an angelological re-reading of Isa 14 and Ezek 28 which doesn’t stem from early Judaism but from the Christianity of the late 2nd century. Its background is the dispute about the virulent question regarding the origin of evil, stimulated by the Marcionite school. The myth of Lucifer offers a counter-tale to the myth of Christ, thus reflecting developing Christology and conceptions of the Antichrist as well. The pattern of the devil’s self-aggrandizement/pride and downfall in contrast to Christ’s self-abasement/humility and exaltation is also ethically relevant.
Research Interests:
The paper deals with early Christian models of anthropology and focuses on the question of dualism and holism (mind body opposition).
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Phil 2.6b should not be understood in the manner of an idiom but in a clearly negative way (‘booty’). The central key to Phil 2.6b is offered by biblical, Jewish and Hellenistic traditions about a usurpation of equality with God by kings... more
Phil 2.6b should not be understood in the manner of an idiom but in a clearly negative way (‘booty’). The central key to Phil 2.6b is offered by biblical, Jewish and Hellenistic traditions about a usurpation of equality with God by kings and rulers (cf. Isa 14.12–15; hubris of god-like kings like Alexander, who ‘robbed’ their position). The self-humiliating Christ (who did not claim equality with God) is conceived as an antitype to the self-elevating rulers of the world; his Lordship is not based on usurpation. Phil 2.6–11 is keenly aware of the Jewish notion of the One and Only God (cf. John 5.18); the mantle of God's Oneness also embraces Christ as the Lord.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
This article probes the relationship between creation and prayer in Romans 8:18-27, particularly the stylistic device of personification in vv. 19 and 22, where creation is said to "expect" and "groan." In regard to the threefold... more
This article probes the relationship between creation and prayer in Romans 8:18-27, particularly the stylistic device of personification in vv. 19 and 22, where creation is said to "expect" and "groan." In regard to the threefold "sighing" in Romans 8 and its biblical background, the study argues that Paul depicts a cosmic song of lament that is addressed to God, uttered jointly by the whole of creation, Christians, and the Holy Spirit. As a petitionary lament, corresponding to the "longing expectation" of creation (v. 19), it targets God's eschatological intervention. Such a polyphonic cosmic prayer stands in contrast to the universal praise of God by all creatures of the heavenly and earthly world (cf. Psalm 148; Revelation 5:11-14), a figurative choral ensemble common in ancient literature. The article concludes with an inquiry into the ecotheological significance of Romans 8 in Christian prayer and daily life.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
„The Name That Is above Every Name.“ Jesus as Bearer of the Name of God in the New Testament The holy name of God (Tetragrammaton) has an enormous significance in the Jewish tradition, but also in the Hellenistic theosophy the divine... more
„The Name That Is above Every Name.“ Jesus as Bearer of the Name of God in the New Testament
The holy name of God (Tetragrammaton) has an enormous significance in the Jewish tradition, but also in the Hellenistic theosophy the divine names are very important. The essay asks about the innovation of the early Christians who declared Jesus to be the exclusive co-bearer of the name of God (Kyrios title). Especially the Revelation of John, the Epistle to the Hebrews and the praise of Christ in Phil. 2:9–11 are examined. In spite of its significance, ‚divine name Christology‘ is only one line among some others in early Christian theology.
The holy name of God (Tetragrammaton) has an enormous significance in the Jewish tradition, but also in the Hellenistic theosophy the divine names are very important. The essay asks about the innovation of the early Christians who declared Jesus to be the exclusive co-bearer of the name of God (Kyrios title). Especially the Revelation of John, the Epistle to the Hebrews and the praise of Christ in Phil. 2:9–11 are examined. In spite of its significance, ‚divine name Christology‘ is only one line among some others in early Christian theology.
Research Interests:
Happy Turn? Exegesis Inspired by Cultural Studies The essay asks about the benefits and difficulties arising from the interaction between cultural studies and exegesis. The perspectives in the field of hermeneutics and reception... more
Happy Turn? Exegesis Inspired by Cultural Studies
The essay asks about the benefits and difficulties arising from the interaction between cultural studies and exegesis. The perspectives in the field of hermeneutics and reception history are of particular interest.
The essay asks about the benefits and difficulties arising from the interaction between cultural studies and exegesis. The perspectives in the field of hermeneutics and reception history are of particular interest.
The Early Christianity as a Religious Community of Dissolution of Boundaries The outline follows the occurrences of crossing the border in early Christianity as well on the level of reflection as on the plain of religious praxis. With... more
The Early Christianity as a Religious Community of Dissolution of Boundaries
The outline follows the occurrences of crossing the border in early Christianity as well on the level of reflection as on the plain of religious praxis. With the dissolution of boundaries the border also gains a new meaning. The processes of blurring boundaries unite with the emergence of new borders; the crossed borders quietly re-establish themselves again. Content: Destruction of the barrier (Eph 2:14–18) / crossing the border: ethnos, status, gender / border crossing in the world to come / access to God.
The outline follows the occurrences of crossing the border in early Christianity as well on the level of reflection as on the plain of religious praxis. With the dissolution of boundaries the border also gains a new meaning. The processes of blurring boundaries unite with the emergence of new borders; the crossed borders quietly re-establish themselves again. Content: Destruction of the barrier (Eph 2:14–18) / crossing the border: ethnos, status, gender / border crossing in the world to come / access to God.
Praise on Judgement Day. The Background to the Expectation of the Last Judgement in the Letter to the Philippians The essay is interested in one aspect of Paul's eschatology, especially in the letter to the Philippians: the appreciation... more
Praise on Judgement Day. The Background to the Expectation of the Last Judgement in the Letter to the Philippians
The essay is interested in one aspect of Paul's eschatology, especially in the letter to the Philippians: the appreciation by God, namely the receiving of honor and recognition before the heavenly throne. The sporadic allusions are based on the following scenario: Christians, and especially the apostle, receive public recognition in front of the assembled heavenly hosts and the blessed. The pattern is the public tribute of municipal benefactors by a high-ranking official or even the Sovereign himself. In the background is the ancient system of euergetism.
The essay is interested in one aspect of Paul's eschatology, especially in the letter to the Philippians: the appreciation by God, namely the receiving of honor and recognition before the heavenly throne. The sporadic allusions are based on the following scenario: Christians, and especially the apostle, receive public recognition in front of the assembled heavenly hosts and the blessed. The pattern is the public tribute of municipal benefactors by a high-ranking official or even the Sovereign himself. In the background is the ancient system of euergetism.
Unique States of Consciousness and the Early Christian Religion. An Alternative Vote concerning Psychological Exegesis This essay addresses the early Christian handling with „Altered States of Consciousness“ („ASC“: vision, ecstasy,... more
Unique States of Consciousness and the Early Christian Religion. An Alternative Vote concerning Psychological Exegesis
This essay addresses the early Christian handling with „Altered States of Consciousness“ („ASC“: vision, ecstasy, trance, mysticism). It refers to current trends in psychology of religion which are interested in ASC, especially for their cross-cultural and neuro-psychological aspects. The psychology of ASC offers the biblical exegesis an alternative to other psychological tools (often using reductionist proceeding psychological models). It allows vision and ecstasy as universal anthropological phenomena to be perceived.
This essay addresses the early Christian handling with „Altered States of Consciousness“ („ASC“: vision, ecstasy, trance, mysticism). It refers to current trends in psychology of religion which are interested in ASC, especially for their cross-cultural and neuro-psychological aspects. The psychology of ASC offers the biblical exegesis an alternative to other psychological tools (often using reductionist proceeding psychological models). It allows vision and ecstasy as universal anthropological phenomena to be perceived.
The Logos as bridge from the Gospel to philosophy. John’s prologue in the re-lecture of the Neo-Platonist Amelius Analysis of a fragment of the Neo-Platonist philosopher Amelius on the prologue of John’s Gospel (John 1:1–18). Theme is... more
The Logos as bridge from the Gospel to philosophy. John’s prologue in the re-lecture of the Neo-Platonist Amelius
Analysis of a fragment of the Neo-Platonist philosopher Amelius on the prologue of John’s Gospel (John 1:1–18). Theme is the place of Amelius’ paraphrasing of this important text about the divine and cosmic role of the “Logos” within the history of philosophy and theology. A special interest is devoted to the cross-cultural exchange between early Christianity and Hellenistic-Roman education and philosophy.
Analysis of a fragment of the Neo-Platonist philosopher Amelius on the prologue of John’s Gospel (John 1:1–18). Theme is the place of Amelius’ paraphrasing of this important text about the divine and cosmic role of the “Logos” within the history of philosophy and theology. A special interest is devoted to the cross-cultural exchange between early Christianity and Hellenistic-Roman education and philosophy.
Research Interests:
Hymn, encomion or Psalm? Shadowboxing in New Testament Exegesis For much of the 20th century scholars tried to reconstruct various cultic hymns beneath the surface of New Testament texts. With the rise of rhetorical criticism the focus... more
Hymn, encomion or Psalm? Shadowboxing in New Testament Exegesis
For much of the 20th century scholars tried to reconstruct various cultic hymns beneath the surface of New Testament texts. With the rise of rhetorical criticism the focus of research has shifted to the properties of epideictic rhetoric. Exegetes, therefore, often tend to contrast “encomia” with “hymns” or “psalms”. To avoid any shadow boxing one has to consider which descriptive language would fit best the texts. A brief examination of ancient hymnic traditions and their treatment in rhetoric demonstrates that while encomia interact strongly with hymns each genre has its own characteristics; hymns, whether in poetry or prose, consist especially of praise of divinities and are addressed to divinities. Future formgeschichtliche analysis has to distinguish carefully between “hymn” (in a narrow sense), “hymnic praise” and “encomion” (which does not particularly refer to divine beings). In early Christian literature, as far as it relates to the textual surface, we find beside hymns to God only few hymns directed to Christ. Nevertheless Christ’s divine status is praised with rich hymnic rhetorical devices. This amazing tension corresponds exactly with what we call “Christological monotheism”.
Keywords: Hymn, Psalm, Encomium, Rhetoric, Formgeschichte, Prayer, Cult, Christology, Monotheism
For much of the 20th century scholars tried to reconstruct various cultic hymns beneath the surface of New Testament texts. With the rise of rhetorical criticism the focus of research has shifted to the properties of epideictic rhetoric. Exegetes, therefore, often tend to contrast “encomia” with “hymns” or “psalms”. To avoid any shadow boxing one has to consider which descriptive language would fit best the texts. A brief examination of ancient hymnic traditions and their treatment in rhetoric demonstrates that while encomia interact strongly with hymns each genre has its own characteristics; hymns, whether in poetry or prose, consist especially of praise of divinities and are addressed to divinities. Future formgeschichtliche analysis has to distinguish carefully between “hymn” (in a narrow sense), “hymnic praise” and “encomion” (which does not particularly refer to divine beings). In early Christian literature, as far as it relates to the textual surface, we find beside hymns to God only few hymns directed to Christ. Nevertheless Christ’s divine status is praised with rich hymnic rhetorical devices. This amazing tension corresponds exactly with what we call “Christological monotheism”.
Keywords: Hymn, Psalm, Encomium, Rhetoric, Formgeschichte, Prayer, Cult, Christology, Monotheism
Research Interests:
There are conspicuous parallels between the trinity conception of Synesius in the east and of those of Marius Victorinus in the west. The hypothesis widely acknowledged up to now proceeds from the assumption that both draw on the... more
There are conspicuous parallels between the trinity conception of Synesius in the east and of those of Marius Victorinus in the west. The hypothesis widely acknowledged up to now proceeds from the assumption that both draw on the metaphysics of Plotinus’ student Porphyrius. Recently this assumption in regard to Victorinus is contested. The paper discusses the question whether one can continue to assume that in his hymns Synesius models the divine triad according to Porphyrius’ philosophy. Connected with this are considerations on the importance of the forms of hymns for appealing to the highest deity in Neoplatonism and Christianity.
Research Interests:
The paper deals with the reception history of Phil. 3 of two representative exegetes of the Old Church, John Chrysostom in the east and Augustine in the west. Paul serves as an outstanding model for Christian life for both. At the same... more
The paper deals with the reception history of Phil. 3 of two representative exegetes of the Old Church, John Chrysostom in the east and Augustine in the west. Paul serves as an outstanding model for Christian life for both. At the same time it shows that John is closer in some points to the new perspective than Augustine, with whom the so-called old perspective begins to develop.
Research Interests:
The paper deals with the Early Christian tensions between renouncing the “world” (fuga saeculi/mundi) and integration into the “world” (resp. responsibility for the world).
Research Interests:
The article offers a comparison of Paul’s teaching about resurrection in 1Cor 15 and the passage about the resurrection of the dead in 2nd Baruch (Syriac apocalypsis of Baruch, sBar), ch. 49–52. The focus is on the remarkable parallels... more
The article offers a comparison of Paul’s teaching about resurrection in 1Cor 15 and the passage about the resurrection of the dead in 2nd Baruch (Syriac apocalypsis of Baruch, sBar), ch. 49–52. The focus is on the remarkable parallels (resurrection is understood as transformation of the bodies) and the differences regarding eschatology as well.
Research Interests:
The story of Lucifer’s pride and fall fills an empty space within Satan’s “biography.” It originates in an angelological re-reading of Isa 14 and Ezek 28 which doesn’t stem from early Judaism but from the Christianity of the late 2nd... more
The story of Lucifer’s pride and fall fills an empty space within Satan’s “biography.” It originates in an angelological re-reading of Isa 14 and Ezek 28 which doesn’t stem from early Judaism but from the Christianity of the late 2nd century. Its background is the dispute about the virulent question regarding the origin of evil, stimulated by the Marcionite school. The myth of Lucifer offers a counter-tale to the myth of Christ, thus reflecting developing Christology and conceptions of the Antichrist as well. The pattern of the devil’s self-aggrandizement/pride and downfall in contrast to Christ’s self-abasement/humility and exaltation is also ethically relevant.
Keywords: Devil, Satan, fallen angels, Lucifer, evil, pride, humility, Antichrist
Keywords: Devil, Satan, fallen angels, Lucifer, evil, pride, humility, Antichrist
Research Interests:
Antiquity and Early Christianity. Studies on New Testament Theology in its Contexts and Receptions. This collection of essays embeds Early Christian literature in its ancient contexts and in its various receptions. The map treated here... more
Antiquity and Early Christianity. Studies on New Testament Theology in its Contexts and Receptions.
This collection of essays embeds Early Christian literature in its ancient contexts and in its various receptions. The map treated here covers themes such as the resurrection of Jesus and the dead, monotheism and Christology, the impact of ancient philosophy in early Christianity and aspects of Pauline theology
The actual document contains English abstracts of all articles.
This collection of essays embeds Early Christian literature in its ancient contexts and in its various receptions. The map treated here covers themes such as the resurrection of Jesus and the dead, monotheism and Christology, the impact of ancient philosophy in early Christianity and aspects of Pauline theology
The actual document contains English abstracts of all articles.
Research Interests:
A study about freedom / eleutheria in the letters of Paul, compared with his early Jewish and hellenistic background.
Research Interests:
Neoplatonism and Christianity in the works of Synesius of Cyrene