- University of Pretoria, Biblical studies, Department MemberUtrecht University, Religious Studies and Theology, Faculty Memberadd
- Theology, Religion, Church History, New Testament, Old Catholicism, Ecumenical Theology, and 27 moreMasculinity Studies, Nationalism, Comparative History, Ecclesiology, Jean-Luc Marion, Gospel of John, Anglicanism (Anglicanism), Eucharist, Bulgakov, Faith & Order ecumenism, Intercommunion, Local Church, Branch Theory, Limits of the Church, Adam and Eve-Reception History, Philippine Independent Church, Phenomenology, Aglipay, History of Science, Early Christianity, Systematic Theology, Philosophical Theology, Christology, Old Catholic Theology, History of Reception of Biblical Texts, Biblical Studies, and Ecumenismedit
- At this chair, most of the research in Old Catholicism in the Netherlands is concentrated; it is part of the Old Cath... moreAt this chair, most of the research in Old Catholicism in the Netherlands is concentrated; it is part of the Old Catholic Seminary and cooperates with a team of lecturers and researchers in the fields of systematic theology, practical theology, church history, liturgical studies, ecumenism, and canon law.edit
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The Old Catholic Seminary offers two summer schools in Old Catholic Theology. Two weeks of interesting and deepening lectures, meeting people from various cultural and theological backgrounds and enjoying the beautiful city of Utrecht.
Research Interests:
Dear Reader, I'm very glad that you're interested in our summer school in Old Catholic theology. Since 2012 we have been inviting students to Utrecht to explore Old Catholic theology together. More than a course, the experience has been... more
Dear Reader,
I'm very glad that you're interested in our summer school in Old Catholic theology. Since 2012 we have been inviting students to Utrecht to explore Old Catholic theology together. More than a course, the experience has been an experience of fellowship for all participants, students and professors alike. Because of the success of the now classical introductory course Old Catholic Theology in its Ecumenical Context we will continue to offer it. It is a unique opportunity to acquaint yourself with the basic tenets and key voices in Old Catholic theology.
I'm very glad that you're interested in our summer school in Old Catholic theology. Since 2012 we have been inviting students to Utrecht to explore Old Catholic theology together. More than a course, the experience has been an experience of fellowship for all participants, students and professors alike. Because of the success of the now classical introductory course Old Catholic Theology in its Ecumenical Context we will continue to offer it. It is a unique opportunity to acquaint yourself with the basic tenets and key voices in Old Catholic theology.
About the Introductory Course: This course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as reflected in the Union of Utrecht of Old... more
About the Introductory Course:
This course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as reflected in the Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The topics covered by the course include the following aspects of Old Catholic theology and tradition: The History of Old Catholicism, Spirituality, Ecumenism, Canon Law and Ecclesiology, Liturgy, and Systematic Theology.
Students will be taught by experts in Old Catholic theology from the faculty at the Old Catholic Seminary, Utrecht. The topics covered by the course include the following: History of Old Catholicism, Old Catholic Spirituality, Ecumenism and Old Catholicism, Old Catholic Canon Law and Ecclesiology, Old Catholic Liturgy, and Old Catholic Systematic Theology.
The course also includes an exploration of religious art in cooperation with the main Dutch museum on this topic, Museum Catharijneconvent. Participants will also engage with Old Catholic liturgy and church music by attending Mass in St. Gertrud’s Cathedral. The excursion to Amsterdam, where the participants will tour sites of (Old) Catholic history will be offered again this year. Besides lectures and excursions, it will also be possible to participate in social activities, in which you can learn from the knowledge and backgrounds of your fellow students and have a good time together as well.
About the Advanced Course:
'Old Catholic Theology beyond the Basics: In Search of Being Church in Communion' focuses on a key topic in Old Catholic theology: communion. In Old Catholic theology, communion with God, with other Christians and with the whole of creation are of paramount importance. Participants in this course will immerse themselves into different aspects of communion. Classes will explore sacramental and liturgical theology, ecumenical theology, eco-theology, and historical dimensions of communion. It offers a unique opportunity for acquiring an advanced insight into Old Catholic theology.
The course is taught by experts in Old Catholic theology from the faculty of the Old Catholic Seminary, Utrecht, as well as by invited senior professors. Students will acquire a multi-faceted understanding of 'communion' in its spiritual, liturgical, theological, ethical, and historical dimensions. The course will equip participants to make their insights bear fruit in both church and society.
Bringing students together in a culturally, religiously, and educationally diverse community of learners, the course uses lectures, seminars and excursions as educational formats. Beyond that, the city of Utrecht and the Utrecht Summer School offer plenty of opportunities for socializing and exploration.
The focus on the topic of communion has its background in both the central position of communion in contemporary Old Catholic spirituality and theology and in the historical search for communion in Old Catholic history, which often begins with the Old Catholic Churches’ involuntary separation from the Roman Catholic Church, such as happened in the Netherlands in 1723-1724.
This course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as reflected in the Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The topics covered by the course include the following aspects of Old Catholic theology and tradition: The History of Old Catholicism, Spirituality, Ecumenism, Canon Law and Ecclesiology, Liturgy, and Systematic Theology.
Students will be taught by experts in Old Catholic theology from the faculty at the Old Catholic Seminary, Utrecht. The topics covered by the course include the following: History of Old Catholicism, Old Catholic Spirituality, Ecumenism and Old Catholicism, Old Catholic Canon Law and Ecclesiology, Old Catholic Liturgy, and Old Catholic Systematic Theology.
The course also includes an exploration of religious art in cooperation with the main Dutch museum on this topic, Museum Catharijneconvent. Participants will also engage with Old Catholic liturgy and church music by attending Mass in St. Gertrud’s Cathedral. The excursion to Amsterdam, where the participants will tour sites of (Old) Catholic history will be offered again this year. Besides lectures and excursions, it will also be possible to participate in social activities, in which you can learn from the knowledge and backgrounds of your fellow students and have a good time together as well.
About the Advanced Course:
'Old Catholic Theology beyond the Basics: In Search of Being Church in Communion' focuses on a key topic in Old Catholic theology: communion. In Old Catholic theology, communion with God, with other Christians and with the whole of creation are of paramount importance. Participants in this course will immerse themselves into different aspects of communion. Classes will explore sacramental and liturgical theology, ecumenical theology, eco-theology, and historical dimensions of communion. It offers a unique opportunity for acquiring an advanced insight into Old Catholic theology.
The course is taught by experts in Old Catholic theology from the faculty of the Old Catholic Seminary, Utrecht, as well as by invited senior professors. Students will acquire a multi-faceted understanding of 'communion' in its spiritual, liturgical, theological, ethical, and historical dimensions. The course will equip participants to make their insights bear fruit in both church and society.
Bringing students together in a culturally, religiously, and educationally diverse community of learners, the course uses lectures, seminars and excursions as educational formats. Beyond that, the city of Utrecht and the Utrecht Summer School offer plenty of opportunities for socializing and exploration.
The focus on the topic of communion has its background in both the central position of communion in contemporary Old Catholic spirituality and theology and in the historical search for communion in Old Catholic history, which often begins with the Old Catholic Churches’ involuntary separation from the Roman Catholic Church, such as happened in the Netherlands in 1723-1724.
Research Interests:
This course offers the possibility to deepen your knowledge of Old Catholic theology by thematic and in-depth case-driven classes, linked to a key starting point of Old Catholic theology: the faith and order of the Early Church. How can... more
This course offers the possibility to deepen your knowledge of Old
Catholic theology by thematic and in-depth case-driven classes, linked to
a key starting point of Old Catholic theology: the faith and order of the
Early Church. How can a modern church be so ‘traditional’ at the same
time? This apparent tension and paradox will be the core theme of this
weeklong, intensive course. In 2021, this course will be offered online
for the first time.
The topics and disciplines covered by the course include: fundamental and liturgical theology, spirituality, and ecumenism. Case studies that will be explored cover topics such as marriage, the ordination of women and mission. The course will also engage with Old Catholic worship as it is being celebrated today. At the end of the course, students will have a deepened knowledge of, and insight in Old Catholic theology and her appeal on the Early Church and will be able to apply this knowledge in theological reflexion and research.
The course is at the advanced level of a MA curriculum. Students may be
expected to do advance reading for the course.
Catholic theology by thematic and in-depth case-driven classes, linked to
a key starting point of Old Catholic theology: the faith and order of the
Early Church. How can a modern church be so ‘traditional’ at the same
time? This apparent tension and paradox will be the core theme of this
weeklong, intensive course. In 2021, this course will be offered online
for the first time.
The topics and disciplines covered by the course include: fundamental and liturgical theology, spirituality, and ecumenism. Case studies that will be explored cover topics such as marriage, the ordination of women and mission. The course will also engage with Old Catholic worship as it is being celebrated today. At the end of the course, students will have a deepened knowledge of, and insight in Old Catholic theology and her appeal on the Early Church and will be able to apply this knowledge in theological reflexion and research.
The course is at the advanced level of a MA curriculum. Students may be
expected to do advance reading for the course.
Research Interests:
This course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The topics covered by... more
This course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an
ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main
theological currents as they exist in Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic
Churches. The topics covered by the course include the following aspects of Old Catholic theology and tradition: the history of Old Catholicism, spirituality, ecumenism, canon law and ecclesiology, liturgy, and systematic theology. In 2021, the course will be offered online for the first time.
Students will be taught by experts in Old Catholic theology on the faculty
of the Old Catholic Seminary, Utrecht. The topics covered by the course
include the following: History of Old Catholicism, Old Catholic
spirituality, Ecumenism and Old Catholicism, Old Catholic canon law and
ecclesiology, Old Catholic liturgy, and Old Catholic systematic theology.
The course includes an exploration of religious art in cooperation with the main Dutch museum on this topic, Museum Catharijneconvent.
Participants will also (virtually) engage with Old Catholic liturgy and
church music. Furthermore, attention will be given to the episcopal city of Utrecht, as a key site of the history of Dutch Christianity in general and of Old Catholicism in particular.
At the end of the course, students will have a broad overview of main
topics and themes in Old Catholic theology and spirituality and will be
able to pursue further independent study of the subject. The course is at
the introductory level of an M.Div. curriculum; good BA students may also apply, as well as others. Students may be expected to do advance reading for the course.
ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main
theological currents as they exist in Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic
Churches. The topics covered by the course include the following aspects of Old Catholic theology and tradition: the history of Old Catholicism, spirituality, ecumenism, canon law and ecclesiology, liturgy, and systematic theology. In 2021, the course will be offered online for the first time.
Students will be taught by experts in Old Catholic theology on the faculty
of the Old Catholic Seminary, Utrecht. The topics covered by the course
include the following: History of Old Catholicism, Old Catholic
spirituality, Ecumenism and Old Catholicism, Old Catholic canon law and
ecclesiology, Old Catholic liturgy, and Old Catholic systematic theology.
The course includes an exploration of religious art in cooperation with the main Dutch museum on this topic, Museum Catharijneconvent.
Participants will also (virtually) engage with Old Catholic liturgy and
church music. Furthermore, attention will be given to the episcopal city of Utrecht, as a key site of the history of Dutch Christianity in general and of Old Catholicism in particular.
At the end of the course, students will have a broad overview of main
topics and themes in Old Catholic theology and spirituality and will be
able to pursue further independent study of the subject. The course is at
the introductory level of an M.Div. curriculum; good BA students may also apply, as well as others. Students may be expected to do advance reading for the course.
Research Interests:
The course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The topics covered by... more
The course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The topics covered by the course include the following aspect of Old Catholic theology and tradition: History of Old Catholicism, spirituality, ecumenism, canon law and ecclesiology, liturgy and systematic theology. The course includes excursions to a major collection of related religious art (Museum Catharijneconvent), to a liturgical celebration (Utrecht), and to the traces of Catholic presence and history in the episcopal city of Utrecht.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Course description for the Summer School in Old Catholic Theology in its Ecumenical Context 2016
Research Interests: Religion, Canon Law, Theology, Liturgical Studies, History of Religion, and 17 moreLiturgy, Practical theology, Systematic Theology, Early Church, Spirituality, Orthodox Theology, Anglicanism (Anglicanism), Ecumenical Theology, Theological Education, Church History, Anglican Church History, Religious art, Ecumenism, Summer School, Old Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox Theology, and Utrecht
The course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The topics covered by... more
The course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The topics covered by the course include the following aspect of Old Catholic theology and tradition: History of Old Catholicism, spirituality, ecumenism, canon law and ecclesiology, liturgy, and systematic theology. The course includes excursions to a major collection of related religious art (Museum Catharijneconvent), to a liturgical celebration (Utrecht), and to the traces of Catholic presence and history in the episcopal city of Utrecht.
Research Interests:
Verdiep je in… het kerstverhaal duikt in het kerstverhaal zoals het is opgetekend in Matteüs, Lucas en Johannes. Het kerstverhaal leent zich namelijk uitstekend voor waardevolle bijbelstudie. Want hoewel het kerstverhaal bij veel mensen... more
Verdiep je in… het kerstverhaal duikt in het kerstverhaal zoals het is opgetekend in Matteüs, Lucas en Johannes. Het kerstverhaal leent zich namelijk uitstekend voor waardevolle bijbelstudie. Want hoewel het kerstverhaal bij veel mensen bekend is, is er nog zoveel meer te ontdekken en te leren dan je zou denken.
Auteur Peter-Ben Smit is hoogleraar contextuele bijbelinterpretatie aan de Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. In dertien studies neemt hij je mee op ontdekkingstocht langs de bekende teksten. Daarbij daagt hij je uit om er met de ogen van de eerste hoorders van de tekst naar te kijken. Een waardevolle voorbereiding op het kerstfeest voor groepen en persoonlijke studie. Zo kun je dit boekje gebruiken binnen je parochie of gemeente, met je bijbelstudiegroep of bij je persoonlijke stille tijd. Niet alleen geef je met dit boekje een bijzondere invulling aan de komende adventsperiode, maar geeft het je ook nieuwe inzichten die elk jaar van pas komen.
Auteur Peter-Ben Smit is hoogleraar contextuele bijbelinterpretatie aan de Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. In dertien studies neemt hij je mee op ontdekkingstocht langs de bekende teksten. Daarbij daagt hij je uit om er met de ogen van de eerste hoorders van de tekst naar te kijken. Een waardevolle voorbereiding op het kerstfeest voor groepen en persoonlijke studie. Zo kun je dit boekje gebruiken binnen je parochie of gemeente, met je bijbelstudiegroep of bij je persoonlijke stille tijd. Niet alleen geef je met dit boekje een bijzondere invulling aan de komende adventsperiode, maar geeft het je ook nieuwe inzichten die elk jaar van pas komen.
Research Interests:
Most characters in the Bible are men, yet they are hardly analysed as such. Masculinity and the Bible provides the first comprehensive survey of approaches that remedy this situation. These are studies that utilize insights from the field... more
Most characters in the Bible are men, yet they are hardly analysed as such. Masculinity and the Bible provides the first comprehensive survey of approaches that remedy this situation. These are studies that utilize insights from the field of masculinity studies to further biblical studies. The volume offers a representative overview of both fields and presents a new exegesis of a well-known biblical text (Mark 6) to show how this approach leads to new insights.
By presenting the field of masculinity studies, the volume performs a service for those working in biblical studies and related disciplines, but have not explored this approach yet. At the same time, the volume shows, by surveying the past two decades of publications in the field, what results have been achieved so far and where open questions remain. In the exegesis of Mark 6, it becomes clear that one of these challenges, the often very specific and intersectional character of masculinity, can be addressed successfully when consciously combining approaches such as narrative and ritual analyses.
By presenting the field of masculinity studies, the volume performs a service for those working in biblical studies and related disciplines, but have not explored this approach yet. At the same time, the volume shows, by surveying the past two decades of publications in the field, what results have been achieved so far and where open questions remain. In the exegesis of Mark 6, it becomes clear that one of these challenges, the often very specific and intersectional character of masculinity, can be addressed successfully when consciously combining approaches such as narrative and ritual analyses.
Research Interests:
Mijnheer de rector, dames en heren, Inleiding Wat de Bijbel écht betekent? De bibliotheken die hierover zijn volgeschreven spreken daar letterlijk boekdelen over. Het is een schier oneindige zoektocht. De Bijbel mag dan wel tot het... more
Mijnheer de rector, dames en heren, Inleiding Wat de Bijbel écht betekent? De bibliotheken die hierover zijn volgeschreven spreken daar letterlijk boekdelen over. Het is een schier oneindige zoektocht. De Bijbel mag dan wel tot het belangrijkste boek van Nederland gekozen zijn, wat het boek betekent, is daarmee nog open. 1 De stelling van Hans de Wit dat we over de werkelijke betekenis van het meest gelezen boek ter wereld voor zijn concrete lezers nog buitengewoon weinig weten, geldt ook voor Nederland. 2 Ik zal erop ingaan waarom er sprake is van deze pluraliteit aan interpretaties en waarom deze interpretatieve onafgeslotenheid integraal bij de Bijbel als canonieke tekst hoort. Ik betoog dat de betekenis van de Bijbel een bewegend doelwit is. Alleen omdat dat zo is kan de Bijbel steeds weer betekenis krijgen voor nieuwe lezers. Om dit te schetsen en u tegelijkertijd mijn werk en visie voor te stellen is een belangrijk kernwoord " context. " Uitgaande van context en contextualiteit zal ik uiteenzetten hoe bijbelinterpretatie versta. " Context " is daarbij het geheel van kenmerken (e.g., cultureel, sociaal-economisch, en biografisch) die de omgeving vormen, waarbinnen een interpretatie tot stand komt, 3 Ik ben drs. Wytske Versteeg en Wilma Wolswinkel, MA, erkentelijk voor het kritisch lezen van eerdere versies van deze lezing. Voetnoten zijn exemplarisch, niet uitputtend; frequente verwijzingen naar publicaties vanuit de Dom Hélder Câmara leerstoel in zijn vorige gestalte en naar eigen werk dienen ertoe om deze inaugurele rede te verbinden met het tot dusver verrichtte werk.
Research Interests:
My inaugural lecture as professor of Old Catholicism at the University of Utrecht treats the development and hermeneutical importance of the (New Testament) canon in the early Church.
Research Interests:
This study explores and compares the role of the canon in the work of Brevard S. Childs, James A. Sanders, Peter Stuhlmacher, Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI, and the Amsterdam School of exegesis, thus offering a broad overview of... more
This study explores and compares the role of the canon in the work of Brevard S. Childs, James A. Sanders, Peter Stuhlmacher, Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI, and the Amsterdam School of exegesis, thus offering a broad overview of approaches and perspectives within the spectrum covered by canonical criticism. In doing so, both the theory of canonical criticism offered by each of the five is analysed and a sample of an actual exegesis is discussed. Observing that the interplay between text, reader, and community of interpretation is key to all of these approaches, the study proceeds to create a dialogue between canonical criticism and ecumenical hermeneutics, which leads to a proposal for an approach to exegesis that integrates elements of canonical hermeneutics, ecumenical hermeneutics, and intercultural perspectives.
Research Interests: Intercultural Communication, New Testament, Contextual Theologies, Hermeneutics, Theological Hermeneutics, and 12 moreBiblical Studies, Literary Canon, Synoptic Gospels, Biblical Theology, Ecumenical Theology, Intercultural Theology, Canonical Interpretation, Brevard S. Childs, Biblical Hermeneutics, Canonical Approach, Intercultural Hermeneutics, and Pope Benedict XVI/Josef Ratzinger
Peter-Ben Smit undertakes the first encompassing study of New Testament eschatological meals and scenes of nutritional abundance. His study thus fills a large gap in current research. In terms of its main contributions and emphases, the... more
Peter-Ben Smit undertakes the first encompassing study of New Testament eschatological meals and scenes of nutritional abundance. His study thus fills a large gap in current research. In terms of its main contributions and emphases, the study challenges the widespread assumption that the origin of the imagery of eschatological meal fellowship and nutritional abundance can be found in Isa 25:6-8 by showing how the images of meal fellowship and nutritional abundance played a significant role in the (utopian) thinking of the Ancient Near East as well as the Mediterranean world. Thus, the book helps to do away with widespread assumptions about these meals with its detailed studies of the individual texts. Furthermore, the typology of eschatological meals and scenes of nutritional abundance presented here will help to differentiate between different kinds of traditions and their various functions and emphases. Through the integration of the various texts in their socio-historical context, the author shows how these texts, particularly the eschatological meals, interact with contemporary "symposiastic ideology." At the same time, the book's synchronic backbone facilitates a demonstration of how the various eschatological meals and scenes of nutritional abundance interact with other meal scenes in the NT books discussed, and this leads to a better understanding of what kind of literary and theological interests the four canonical Gospels and the Apocalypse of John have in their use of these traditions and of banqueting scenes and scenes of nutritional abundance in general.
Research Interests:
In his Epistle to the Philippians, Paul positions himself as an example of 'being in Christ'. The way in which he does this points out that he consciously positions himself in the tradition of classical rhetoric, where the use of... more
In his Epistle to the Philippians, Paul positions himself as an example of 'being in Christ'. The way in which he does this points out that he consciously positions himself in the tradition of classical rhetoric, where the use of paradigms (exempla) was a standard element in deliberative arguing. Paul describes his life as coloured by Christ in such a way that he represents Christ to the Philippians, and the
response he hopes to evoke in their congregation is that of similar behaviour.
The analysis of Smit combines observations on classical rhetoric, exegetical analyses of Philippians, and views from the perspective of gender and masculinity studies into a new and fresh analysis of the material. He shows that ancient ideals of deliberative rhetoric have influenced Philippians in much the same way in which they appear in e.g. Aristotle, Plutarch, and (also) 2 Maccabees. This study both positions Paul in the cultural context of his day and indicates the newness of his enterprise.
response he hopes to evoke in their congregation is that of similar behaviour.
The analysis of Smit combines observations on classical rhetoric, exegetical analyses of Philippians, and views from the perspective of gender and masculinity studies into a new and fresh analysis of the material. He shows that ancient ideals of deliberative rhetoric have influenced Philippians in much the same way in which they appear in e.g. Aristotle, Plutarch, and (also) 2 Maccabees. This study both positions Paul in the cultural context of his day and indicates the newness of his enterprise.
Research Interests:
Wie Bijbel en 'beperking' serieus neemt, krijgt een nieuwe toegang tot de Schrift. Je gaat eigen blinde vlekken zien, bijvoorbeeld. Je kunt ook merken hoe meelezen met een blinde je zicht op de Bijbel verdiept. Want wiens perspectief telt... more
Wie Bijbel en 'beperking' serieus neemt, krijgt een nieuwe toegang tot de Schrift. Je gaat eigen blinde vlekken zien, bijvoorbeeld. Je kunt ook merken hoe meelezen met een blinde je zicht op de Bijbel verdiept. Want wiens perspectief telt er eigenlijk mee? Dat van de 'normale, gezonde' mens? Wie is dat dan? Of ook het perspectief van iemand die blind, doof, of mentaal beperkt is? Hoe lees je dan verhalen over genezing? Of over licht en horen? Aandacht voor dit thema maakt ook bewust van beperking op zich: waar en wat is het? Wie is er op welke manier beperkt, zichtbaar of onzichtbaar? Wat is het belang hiervan voor theologie, missie en kerk-zijn in Nederland, en daarbuiten? Het vierde NZR-Cahier Bijbel en 'beperking'. Contextuele en missiologische perspectieven is voortgevloeid uit de Dom Hélder Câmara-lezing 2018, een samenwerking tussen de Nederlandse Zendingsraad, Kerk in AcAe en het Centrum voor Contextuele Bijbelinterpretatie (PThU/VU). Aan het woord komen o.a. Louise Lawrence (hoogleraar Nieuwe Testament aan de Universiteit van Exeter, VK), Marcel Broesterhuizen (emeritus hoogleraar Pastorale Theologie aan de KU Leuven) enBèe Woord (predikant-pionier in Almere-Poort). Het cahier biedt zo een breed perspecAef: vanuit de wetenschap, uit de pastorale en theologische praktijk in Nederland en internationaal en, met name, van mensen die leven met een beperking. Bijbel en 'beperking'. Contextuele en missiologische perspectieven is de vierde uitgave in de serie reflectie en toerusting op missionaire en missiologische thema's die de Nederlandse Zendingsraad uitbrengt onder de titel NZR-Cahiers. Voor meer informatie en nummers bestellen (€9,95 per stuk) kunt u contact opnemen met: Nederlandse Zendingsraad, info@zendingsraad.nl
Research Interests:
Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in many societies, yet also highly contested. As a right, it can only be appreciated if its historical development is taken into account. Parrhesia offers case studies in freedom of speech, its... more
Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in many societies, yet also highly contested. As a right, it can only be appreciated if its historical development is taken into account. Parrhesia offers case studies in freedom of speech, its understanding and exercise throughout history. They enable researchers and policymakers alike to gain an awareness of the complexities, challenges and benefits of freedom of speech. The cases that have been selected are from the field of religion and theology, yet exemplary in character and able to shed light on freedom of speech in other parts of society.
Contributors are: Leon van den Broeke, Jan Krans, Silvia Castelli, Bert Jan Lietaert Peerbolte, Manfred Lang, Bastian Lemitz, Nils Neumann, Kyriakoula Papademetriou, Dirk Jan Schoon, and Peter-Ben Smit.
Contributors are: Leon van den Broeke, Jan Krans, Silvia Castelli, Bert Jan Lietaert Peerbolte, Manfred Lang, Bastian Lemitz, Nils Neumann, Kyriakoula Papademetriou, Dirk Jan Schoon, and Peter-Ben Smit.
Research Interests: Religion, Canon Law, History of Religion, New Testament, Textual Criticism, and 11 morePolitics, Michel Foucault, Church History, Second Vatican Council, Jansenism, Freedom of Speech, New Testament Textual Criticism, Theology and History of Vatican II, Old Catholic Theology, Parrhesia, and Freedom of Speech and Expression
Meals are a highly significant element in the development of Christian identity. In this handbook Soham Al-Suadi and Peter-Ben Smit present chapters that situate early Christian meals in their broader context, with a focus on the core... more
Meals are a highly significant element in the development of Christian identity. In this handbook Soham Al-Suadi and Peter-Ben Smit present chapters that situate early Christian meals in their broader context, with a focus on the core topics that will help us to understand Greco-Roman meal practice and how this relates to Christian origins. The issues covered include: the role of gender during meals; issues of monotheism and polytheism that arise from the structure of the meal; how sacrifice is understood in different meal practices; power dynamics during the meal and issues of inclusion and exclusion at meals.
In addition to looking at the broader Hellenistic context the chapters explain the unique nature of Christian meals, and what this says about early Christian communities. The handbook is structured around the key primary resources, with the literary, historical, theological and philosophical aspects of these resources being considered in turn. The handbook begins with Hellenistic documents/authors before moving on to the New Testament material itself according to genre (Gospels, Acts, Letters, Apocalyptic Literature). Finally, there is a section on the wider resources that describe daily life in the period (medical documents, inscriptions). This structure enables the editors and contributors to present an analysis of the social values exhibited at meals and their significance for early Christian theology.
In addition to looking at the broader Hellenistic context the chapters explain the unique nature of Christian meals, and what this says about early Christian communities. The handbook is structured around the key primary resources, with the literary, historical, theological and philosophical aspects of these resources being considered in turn. The handbook begins with Hellenistic documents/authors before moving on to the New Testament material itself according to genre (Gospels, Acts, Letters, Apocalyptic Literature). Finally, there is a section on the wider resources that describe daily life in the period (medical documents, inscriptions). This structure enables the editors and contributors to present an analysis of the social values exhibited at meals and their significance for early Christian theology.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
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Biblical Masculinities Foregrounded brings together ten innovative studies on varieties of masculinity evidenced in the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament and other early Christian writings. A sequel to the 2010 collection, Men and... more
Biblical Masculinities Foregrounded brings together ten innovative studies on varieties of masculinity evidenced in the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament and other early Christian writings. A sequel to the 2010 collection, Men and Masculinity in the Hebrew Bible and Beyond, this new volume raises important questions about why the study of biblical masculinities matters, what it contributes to our knowledge of the ancient writers’ world as well as to our contemporary world, and which methods adequately attend to that study. The volume is designed as a resource for scholars of both Testaments working from a variety of biblical traditions and ideological perspectives on masculinity.
The following studies are offered as companions in the conversation: Yahweh’s masculinity in appearances in glory in Exodus and Ezekiel (Alan Hooker); Proverbs’ (de)construction of masculinity (Hilary Lipka); Saul’s troubled masculinity in 1–2 Samuel (Marcel Măcelaru); weeping men in the Torah and the Deuteronomistic history (Milena Kirova); Athaliah’s manly rule (Stuart Macwilliam); Joseph of Nazareth as an everyday man (Justin Glessner); being a male disciple in Matthew’s 'antitheses' (Hans-Ulrich Weidemann); eunuch masculinity in Matthew’s Gospel (Susanna Asikainen); masculinity and circumcision in the first century (Karin Neutel and Matthew Anderson); and Thecla’s masculinity in the Acts of Thecla (Peter-Ben Smit). Ovidiu Creangă opens the volume with a critical appraisal of the current state of play in the field, while Martti Nissinen and Bjӧrn Krondorfer offer closing critical reflections that situate the book’s topics within broader debates regarding masculinities in religious studies.
The following studies are offered as companions in the conversation: Yahweh’s masculinity in appearances in glory in Exodus and Ezekiel (Alan Hooker); Proverbs’ (de)construction of masculinity (Hilary Lipka); Saul’s troubled masculinity in 1–2 Samuel (Marcel Măcelaru); weeping men in the Torah and the Deuteronomistic history (Milena Kirova); Athaliah’s manly rule (Stuart Macwilliam); Joseph of Nazareth as an everyday man (Justin Glessner); being a male disciple in Matthew’s 'antitheses' (Hans-Ulrich Weidemann); eunuch masculinity in Matthew’s Gospel (Susanna Asikainen); masculinity and circumcision in the first century (Karin Neutel and Matthew Anderson); and Thecla’s masculinity in the Acts of Thecla (Peter-Ben Smit). Ovidiu Creangă opens the volume with a critical appraisal of the current state of play in the field, while Martti Nissinen and Bjӧrn Krondorfer offer closing critical reflections that situate the book’s topics within broader debates regarding masculinities in religious studies.
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Paul, John, and Apocalyptic Eschatology offers fresh studies by leading New Testament scholars. It considers Paul’s use of tradition, his views on Christian life in the light of mysticism and eschatology. It also discusses the identity... more
Paul, John, and Apocalyptic Eschatology offers fresh studies by leading New Testament scholars. It considers Paul’s use of tradition, his views on Christian life in the light of mysticism and eschatology. It also discusses the identity formation of the “Johannine community” and the role of “exaltation” in the Fourth Gospel. The focus on apocalyptic eschatology is broadened by studies on the reception of Pauline eschatology, the dating of Revelation, and chiliasm. The collection is complemented by a study on the text of John 3:13 and one on the coinage of the name “Ambrosiaster.”
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Männlichkeiten werden konstruiert. Wie es dabei um Macht, Normen und Beziehung geht, zeigt die Kritische Männlichkeitsforschung. Erst langsam nähern sich Theologie, Religionswissenschaften und Männlichkeitsforschung an. Wenn dies... more
Männlichkeiten werden konstruiert. Wie es dabei um Macht, Normen und Beziehung geht, zeigt die Kritische Männlichkeitsforschung. Erst langsam nähern sich Theologie, Religionswissenschaften und Männlichkeitsforschung an. Wenn dies geschieht, kann es spannend werden.
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Op Witte Donderdag 18 april 2019 werd in Dordrecht voor de negende keerThe Passion (TP) uitgevoerd. Het wordt jaarlijks georganiseerd door eentv-producent, christelijke omroepen, verschillende kerken en anderen. Een groep bekende... more
Op Witte Donderdag 18 april 2019 werd in Dordrecht voor de negende keerThe Passion (TP) uitgevoerd. Het wordt jaarlijks georganiseerd door eentv-producent, christelijke omroepen, verschillende kerken en anderen.
Een groep bekende Nederlanders speelt het passieverhaal met vijf hoofdrollen(Maria, Jezus, Pilatus, Petrus, Judas) en een aantal bijrollen op een populairemanier met onder andere een tiental hedendaagse Nederlandstalige hits. Deverteller neemt het aanwezige publiek en de kijker thuis mee in het verhaal.Bijna duizend mensen lopen mee in de processie, waarbij een groot lichtgevend kruis naar het podium wordt gebracht. Elk jaar staat een ander thema centraal in TP; in 2019 was dat
‘je bent niet alleen’. De dialogen tussen de acteurs bestaan voor het overgrote deel uit letterlijke citaten uit de Bijbel in Gewone Taal. De citaten komen uit alle vier evangeliën. Omdat er zo één verhaal verteld wordt op basis van de vier evangeliën is er in TP sprake van een evangeliënharmonie; dat is van belang omdat er bij een harmonisatie altijd interpretatieve keuzes gemaakt worden – lang niet ieder evangelie
duidt ieder aspect van ‘het’ passieverhaal op dezelfde wijze!
Een groep bekende Nederlanders speelt het passieverhaal met vijf hoofdrollen(Maria, Jezus, Pilatus, Petrus, Judas) en een aantal bijrollen op een populairemanier met onder andere een tiental hedendaagse Nederlandstalige hits. Deverteller neemt het aanwezige publiek en de kijker thuis mee in het verhaal.Bijna duizend mensen lopen mee in de processie, waarbij een groot lichtgevend kruis naar het podium wordt gebracht. Elk jaar staat een ander thema centraal in TP; in 2019 was dat
‘je bent niet alleen’. De dialogen tussen de acteurs bestaan voor het overgrote deel uit letterlijke citaten uit de Bijbel in Gewone Taal. De citaten komen uit alle vier evangeliën. Omdat er zo één verhaal verteld wordt op basis van de vier evangeliën is er in TP sprake van een evangeliënharmonie; dat is van belang omdat er bij een harmonisatie altijd interpretatieve keuzes gemaakt worden – lang niet ieder evangelie
duidt ieder aspect van ‘het’ passieverhaal op dezelfde wijze!
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This special issue of Religion and Gender explores gendered presentations and constructions of Jesus from antiquity to the present. Sharing a broadly intersectional approach to gender analysis, the authors in this issue offer new insights... more
This special issue of Religion and Gender explores gendered presentations and constructions of Jesus from antiquity to the present. Sharing a broadly intersectional approach to gender analysis, the authors in this issue offer new insights into the dynamics of religion and gender, particularly as these dynamics concern central religious figures such as Jesus. The issue sheds new light on a diverse religious tradition by analyzing the gendering of one of its key protagonists in multiple receptions within the tradition. Scholars from various disciplines and fields will benefit from engaging this issue-long case study of several varieties of religious genderings of Jesus. The remainder of this introduction brings forward the historic question of Jesus’ identity, surveys the topic of the gendered reception of Jesus, and introduces the issue articles within the context of the wider field.
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In her influential monograph Roman Faith and Christian Faith: Pistis and Fides in the Early Roman Empire and Early Churches, Theresa Morgan has convincingly shown how closely the early Christian discourse on ‘faith’ was bound up with... more
In her influential monograph Roman Faith and Christian Faith: Pistis and Fides in the Early Roman Empire and Early Churches, Theresa Morgan has convincingly shown how closely the early Christian discourse on ‘faith’ was bound up with similar notions in the broader Greco-Roman world, particularly in relation to the system of patronage, with both humans and deities fulfilling the role of (trustworthy and trusted) patrons. Thus, she has shifted attention from πίστις/fides as a primarily ‘theological’ notion to an interpretation along more ‘social’ lines and situated it in realm of human and divine/human relations. She also analyses this in relation to the Gospel of Mark, showing how Mark also fits this general picture. This note builds on Morgan’s work and will further develop one aspect of Mark’s use of the language (and concept) of patronage and πίστις. This is its subversive character, which is present to a lesser extent in Morgan's work; by calling for πίστις directed to him on the part of the people that he encounters, Jesus also draws these people away from other allegiances and ‘πίστις commitments’, that is, intersubjective relationships based on trust and leading to personal allegiance.
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Major controversies over early Christian interpretations of the Lord’s Supper provide the background for this discussion. However, there is much more to this text. Recent scholarship has focused on what Paul seeks to achieve here, which... more
Major controversies over early Christian interpretations of the Lord’s Supper provide the background for this discussion. However, there is much more to this text. Recent scholarship has focused on what Paul seeks to achieve here, which is a restructuring of social relationships in the Corinthian community by means of altering the way in which they celebrate their meal. The bottom line seems to be that Paul wants the Corinthians to behave in a much more egalitarian manner at the table and, therefore, in their lives together, than they would have been used to in their hierarchical society. The point of having a meal together is to form a community; behavior at the table that underlines differences and distinctions in a group goes against the very nature of a meal, at least in Paul’s understanding.
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This paper seeks to interrelate the ritual turns in biblical studies and systematic theology, in order to explore whether the latter can be used to further the former. In order to do so, first, the ritual turn in biblical studies is... more
This paper seeks to interrelate the ritual turns in biblical studies and systematic theology, in order to explore whether the latter can be used to further the former. In order to do so, first, the ritual turn in biblical studies is outlined, second, aspects of the ritual turn in systematic theology are presented, third, an exegetical case study focusing on 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 is presented, and fourth and finally, conclusions on this experiment are offered. In doing so, the paper will interact in particular with recent work by Catherine Pickstock and somewhat older work by Paul of Tarsus.
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In Handelingen 1:8 voorzegt Jezus hoe de heilige Geest zijn leerlingen de kracht zal geven om het goede nieuws bekend te maken ‘in Jeruzalem, in heel Judea en Samaria, tot aan de uiteinden van de aarde’. Peter-Ben Smit laat zien welke... more
In Handelingen 1:8 voorzegt Jezus hoe de heilige Geest zijn leerlingen de kracht zal geven om het goede nieuws bekend te maken ‘in Jeruzalem, in heel Judea en Samaria, tot aan de uiteinden van de aarde’. Peter-Ben Smit laat zien welke ‘mentale wereldkaart’ er schuilt achter deze gebiedsaanduidingen. Het boek Handelingen beschrijft de vestiging van een alternatieve wereldorde, het rijk van de Geest. Het pinksterverhaal van Handelingen 2 is daarvan niet alleen het startpunt, maar ook een symbolische vooruitblik op het eindpunt.
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Gender is an important topic of the WCC's Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace. It is the result of both theological anthropological concerns and the ongoing search for justice and peace. In other words, it is a typical area where traditional... more
Gender is an important topic of the WCC's Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace. It is the result of both theological anthropological concerns and the ongoing search for justice and peace. In other words, it is a typical area where traditional Faith and Order and Life and Work concerns coincide. Yet, gender is often taken to mean concerns of the role, rights, and treatment of women primarily, with some attention to the position and treatment of transgender persons and sexual minorities. This article argues that, precisely from the point of view of these ecumenical theological concerns, attention for masculinity as a gender is also required. The reason for this is that although many different forms of masculinity are supported with an appeal to the Christian tradition, not all forms of masculinity are compatible with a desire for safeguarding human dignity and a sustainable journey into the future.
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In vielen deutschen Bibelübersetzungen, zumindest seit der Übersetzung Martin Luthers, ist in Apg 8,27 eine interessante Person anzutreffen: „ein Mann aus Mohrenland, ein Kämmerer und Gewaltiger der Königin Kandaze in Mohrenland, welcher... more
In vielen deutschen Bibelübersetzungen, zumindest seit der Übersetzung Martin Luthers, ist in Apg 8,27 eine interessante Person anzutreffen: „ein Mann aus Mohrenland, ein Kämmerer und Gewaltiger der Königin Kandaze in Mohrenland, welcher war über ihre ganze Schatzkammer, der war kommen gen Jerusalem, anzubeten“ (Lutherübersetzung von 1545). Diese Wiedergabe von ἀνὴρ Αἰθίοψ εὐνοῦχος δυνάστης Κανδάκης βασιλίσσης Αἰθιόπων, ὃς ἦν ἐπὶ πάσης τῆς γάζης αὐτῆς, ὃς ἐληλύθει προσκυνήσων εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ ist deshalb interessant, weil in der Übersetzung, aus mir unbekannten Gründen, ein Wort nicht wiedergegeben wird und zwar: εὐνοῦχος [eunouchos]. Aus
ἀνὴρ Αἰθίοψ εὐνοῦχος [aner aithiops eunouchos] wird faktisch ἀνὴρ Αἰθίοψ [aner aithiops] und damit verschwindet ein außerordentlich wichtiger Aspekt der Charakterisierung dieses Menschen. Dieser Aspekt ist aus naheliegenden Gründen interessant und soll hier näher betrachtet werden. Allerdings wird dabei eine Frage nicht beantwortet werden können: Was hat eine ganze Tradition von Bibelübersetzern bewogen, diese Entscheidung zu treffen und beizubehalten? Auf diese Weise ist etwas vergessen worden, was eigentlich interessant, ja, sogar relevant ist. Mit Assmann ließe sich fragen: Ist dies ein neutrales oder
ein komplizitäres Vergessen? Wie verhält es sich aber mit dem Gender dieses Äthiopiers aus antiker Perspektive und was kann die Auseinandersetzung mit dieser Geschichte für heutige Debatten über Geschlecht und Identität in Kirche und Gesellschaft beitragen.
ἀνὴρ Αἰθίοψ εὐνοῦχος [aner aithiops eunouchos] wird faktisch ἀνὴρ Αἰθίοψ [aner aithiops] und damit verschwindet ein außerordentlich wichtiger Aspekt der Charakterisierung dieses Menschen. Dieser Aspekt ist aus naheliegenden Gründen interessant und soll hier näher betrachtet werden. Allerdings wird dabei eine Frage nicht beantwortet werden können: Was hat eine ganze Tradition von Bibelübersetzern bewogen, diese Entscheidung zu treffen und beizubehalten? Auf diese Weise ist etwas vergessen worden, was eigentlich interessant, ja, sogar relevant ist. Mit Assmann ließe sich fragen: Ist dies ein neutrales oder
ein komplizitäres Vergessen? Wie verhält es sich aber mit dem Gender dieses Äthiopiers aus antiker Perspektive und was kann die Auseinandersetzung mit dieser Geschichte für heutige Debatten über Geschlecht und Identität in Kirche und Gesellschaft beitragen.
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Het lichaam van Christus aan tafel: Paulus van Tarsus en Judith Butler in Korinthe Inleiding Lichamen krijgen als weinig aandacht in het Nieuwe Testament. 1 Dit is vreemd, want ze zijn er vaak wel en ook van prominent belang: van de... more
Het lichaam van Christus aan tafel: Paulus van Tarsus en Judith Butler in Korinthe Inleiding Lichamen krijgen als weinig aandacht in het Nieuwe Testament. 1 Dit is vreemd, want ze zijn er vaak wel en ook van prominent belang: van de lichamen van genezen mensen en etende lichamen tot Jezus' lichaam aan het kruis en de (bijna-)aanraking van zijn verrezen lichaam door Maria en Thomas. Filosoof en genderwetenschapper Judith Butler vraagt nadrukkelijk aandacht voor de meerwaarde van lichamelijkheid in haar jongste boek Notes Toward a Per-formative Theory of Assembly. 2 Haar uitgangspunt is dat ruimte altijd ook politiek, sociaal en daarmee lichamelijk (er is geen sociabiliteit zonder lichamen) wordt vormgegeven, een aspect dat echter vaak over het hoofd gezien wordt. Butler richt zich daarom op het eigen karakter en de meerwaarde van specifiek lichamelijke samenkomsten, waardoor lichamen ruimte, ook publieke ruimte, in bezit nemen en zo als het ware vormgeven. Ze eisen zo een aantal vrijhe-den voor zichzelf op—of maken tenminste beperkingen in vrijheid zichtbaar maken en stellen deze aan de kaak (e.g., bewegingsvrijheid, vrijheid van samenscholing, etc.). Deze bijdrage kijkt naar een vroegchristelijke samenscholing van menselijke lichamen en stelt de vraag: leidt het analyseren van 1 Kor 11,17-34 – een klassieke perikoop over 'het avondmaal', vanuit het perspectief van Butlers werk tot nieuwe inzichten? Het antwoord zal laten zien hoe voor Paulus het lichaam en de lichamelijke ervaring een uitgangspunt zijn voor zijn theologiseren. Dat is verrassend voor iemand die vaak als zo lichaamsvijandelijk gezien wordt. Daarbij zal ook blijken hoe Paulus met name " typisch mannelijk " gedrag in de ge-meente maatregelt—ook wellicht wat onverwacht voor zo'n onversneden vroegchristelijke patriarch als Paulus. Tenminste: zo wordt hij vaak gezien. Uit dit alles zal de waarde van Butlers werk voor de nieuwtestamentische exegese blijken. Dit hoofdstuk combineert onderzoek naar vroegchristelijke vormen van zelforganisatie (met name door middel van maaltijden) en hedendaags onderzoek naar samenscholingen en de rol van lichamelijkheid en gender daarin. De analyse van 1 Kor. 11 zal worden voorafge-gaan door een rondgang door de geschiedenis van de interpretatie ervan om de huidige bena-dering beter te kunnen plaatsen en door een schets van de theorie van Butler.
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Both ritual studies and masculinity studies are relative newcomers to the field of New Testament studies. This article endeavours to combine insights from both of these fields and to show how such a combination can be heuristically... more
Both ritual studies and masculinity studies are relative newcomers to the field of New Testament studies. This article endeavours to combine insights from both of these fields and to show how such a combination can be heuristically helpful. In particular, it explores how the respective masculinities of “king” Herod and Jesus are narratively constructed in Mark 6 through the presentation of their behaviour during their participation in rituals, meals to be exact. The two key female characters are also discussed and analysed, in relation to ritual failure. In doing so, new light is shed on this chapter of the Gospel of Mark. In addition, and experimentally, a new matrix for the analysis of the masculinity/religion interface is presented and tested
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This essay proceeds from a modern sensitivity with regard to suffering and violence in canonical texts and draws on a modern phenomenon, sadomasochism (in particular masochism and appertaining theory, enhanced with theory concerning... more
This essay proceeds from a modern sensitivity with regard to suffering and violence in canonical texts and draws on a modern phenomenon, sadomasochism (in particular masochism and appertaining theory, enhanced with theory concerning torture and pain), in order to understand the dynamics of suffering and its interpretation in the Apocalypse of John. The result of the paper is a contribution to the question what role pain and suffering play in the Apocalypse of John, as well as to the question to what extent comparing contemporary cultural phenomena and their analysis can contribute to the understanding of ancient texts. The paper also seeks to move beyond the rather pejorative and unnuanced use of the term ‘sadomasochistic’ in relation to the Apocalypse of John that has been used here and there in order to condemn the violence contained in the work (and, in the process, shedding rather shady light on BDSM practicioners)
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The past decades have seen an increased sensitivity among Bible translators when it comes to matters of gender, in particular in relation to inclusive and exclusive aspects of language and their rendering in translation. Building on this... more
The past decades have seen an increased sensitivity among Bible translators when it comes to matters of gender, in particular in relation to inclusive and exclusive aspects of language and their rendering in translation. Building on this feminist agenda, it can also be asked, following the lead of masculinity studies in general and its use in biblical studies in particular, what role masculinity plays in texts and their translation. This will be explored in this contribution using the example of the meaning and translation of ἄνθρωπος in Mark 10.7 and 9, which, it will be proposed, is, for gender-sensitive exegetical reasons, best translated as “man” (in the exclusive sense of the word), rather than as “human” (as an inclusive expression).
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This essay proceeds from a modern sensitivity with regard to suffering and violence in canonical texts and draws on a modern phenomenon, sadomasochism (in particular masochism and appertaining theory, enhanced with theory concerning... more
This essay proceeds from a modern sensitivity with regard to suffering and violence in canonical texts and draws on a modern phenomenon, sadomasochism (in particular masochism and appertaining theory, enhanced with theory concerning torture and pain), in order to understand the dynamics of suffering and its interpretation in the Apocalypse of John. The result of the paper is a contribution to the question what role pain and suffering play in the Apocalypse of John, as well as to the question to what extent comparing contemporary cultural phenomena and their analysis can contribute to the understanding of ancient texts. The paper also seeks to move beyond the rather pejorative and unnuanced use of the term ‘sadomasochistic’ in relation to the Apocalypse of John that has been used here and there in order to condemn the violence contained in the work (and, in the process, shedding rather shady light on BDSM practicioners).
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Both ritual studies and masculinity studies are relative newcomers to the field of New Testament studies. This article endeavours to combine insights from both of these fields and to show how such a combination can be heuristically... more
Both ritual studies and masculinity studies are relative newcomers to the field of New Testament studies. This article endeavours to combine insights from both of these fields and to show how such a combination can be heuristically helpful. In particular, it explores how the respective masculinities of “king” Herod and Jesus are narratively constructed in Mark 6 through the presentation of their behaviour during their participation in rituals, meals to be exact. The two key female characters are also discussed and analysed, in relation to ritual failure. In doing so, new light is shed on this chapter of the Gospel of Mark. In addition, and experimentally, a new matrix for the analysis of the masculinity/religion interface is presented and tested
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What led to the issues that Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 8? This paper argues that the missionary expansion of the early community led to a renegotiation of its ritual boundaries, in particular concerning question of ritual... more
What led to the issues that Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians 8? This paper argues that the missionary expansion of the early community led to a renegotiation of its ritual boundaries, in particular concerning question of ritual participation. Theory concerning ‘ritual failure’ is used in order to analyse the dynamics involved.
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This article applies the theoretical framework of ‘ritual failure’, a sub-discipline of ritual criticism, to Paul’s discussion of circumcision in his letter to the Galatians, Philippians and Romans. It is argued that the application of... more
This article applies the theoretical framework of ‘ritual failure’, a sub-discipline of ritual criticism, to Paul’s discussion of circumcision in his letter to the Galatians, Philippians and Romans. It is argued that the application of this theoretical perspective clarifies the dynamics at stake and provides a new way of understanding the development in Paul’s position regarding circumcision. There is movement from an attitude of strong propagation, by way of indifference and a subsequent attitude of rejection, to one of modified reintegration into Paul’s thinking. At every turn of this development, ritual failure plays a pivotal role and functions as a catalyst for the development of Paul’s theology.
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Mark 9:28-29 provides the readers with a thematic and spatial conundrum, besides this, it and its (partial) parallels in Mark 11:22-23, Matt. 17:20 and 21:21, as well as Luke 17:6 (cf. also 1 Cor. 13:2, Gos. Thom 48) constitute an... more
Mark 9:28-29 provides the readers with a thematic and spatial conundrum, besides this, it and its (partial) parallels in Mark 11:22-23, Matt. 17:20 and 21:21, as well as Luke 17:6 (cf. also 1 Cor. 13:2, Gos. Thom 48) constitute an intriguing synoptic problem. In this note, a new proposal will be made concerning this problem, in particular by making suggesting a new solution for to the reconstruction for the original wording of the Markan text. This amounts to arguing that the text found in Mark 9:29 now is secondary and ought to be replaced with a combination of the text found now in Matthew 17:20 and Luke 17:6, which are, in the process, both seen to be variations on the original text of Mark and not as stemming from Q.
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In an essayistic manner, drawing on both exegetical and systematic theological insights, this paper explores the contours of the notion of authority in the New Testament, arguing that authority in the New Testament is primarily the... more
In an essayistic manner, drawing on both exegetical and systematic theological insights, this paper explores the contours of the notion of authority in the New Testament, arguing that authority in the New Testament is primarily the performance of (liberating) authority by Christ, to which the New Testament witnesses. This witness is the New Testament’s own source of authority, but only in as far as the communities reading the New Testament engage in a communal praxis that is in line with Jesus’ own exercise of authority. The New Testament, it is argued, operates in a manner similar to that of a sacrament, while the diversity contained within its canon offers encouragement for an ongoing search for identity in Christ, rather than constituting a theological embarrassment.
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The contextuality of all biblical exegesis is often emphasized—and rightly so. However, the history of contextual exegesis still needs to be written, which leads to a situation in which those involved in “contextual exegesis” are often... more
The contextuality of all biblical exegesis is often emphasized—and rightly so. However, the history of contextual exegesis still needs to be written, which leads to a situation in which those involved in “contextual exegesis” are often insufficiently aware of the contextuality of earlier approaches and the fact that they are heirs to a long tradition of contextual biblical interpretation. Using the example of the “revolutionary” exegesis of Gregorio L. Aglipay, this research note illustrates how contextual exegesis may have much earlier roots than is frequently assumed.
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This article argues that the expression ‘to the end of the earth’ in Acts 1.8, while not referring to one specific geographical location, as has often been argued in contemporary scholarship on Acts, is best understood as a way of... more
This article argues that the expression ‘to the end of the earth’ in Acts 1.8, while not referring to one specific geographical location, as has often been argued in contemporary scholarship on Acts, is best understood as a way of (re)ordering the world geographically and, therefore, ideologically. Drawing on Greco-Roman geographical and literary conventions, the article suggests that the author of Acts invites the work's readers to look at the world in a new way, with Jerusalem and the gospel emanating from it as its centre – and the rest, including Rome, as its ideological (and therefore geographical) periphery. In this way, Acts proceeds to renegotiate the ‘world-view’ of its readers in an intercultural and subversive way.
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This paper surveys the use of memory in the work of Paul, positioning it in the ancient discourse on memory and providing two exegetical examples (Phil 1 and 1 Cor 11)
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Based on insights from the history of interpretation, a Synoptic comparison, linguistic considerations, and narrative observations, I argue that the unusual expression παρέδωκεν τό πνεύμα in John 19:30 indicates primarily that Jesus has... more
Based on insights from the history of interpretation, a Synoptic comparison, linguistic considerations, and narrative observations, I argue that the unusual expression παρέδωκεν τό πνεύμα in John 19:30 indicates primarily that Jesus has completely died on the cross؛ it does not refer mainly to the gift of the Holy spirit. For intratextual reasons, the reference to the spirit may also point proleptically to what unfolds in the last two chapters of the Gospel of John, but this should not be seen as the primary meaning of the expression found in John 19:30. Key Words: Gospel of John ٠ spirit ٠ death of Jesus ٠ pneumatology ٠ history of interrelation Ever since Edwyn Clement Hoskyns (and, less influentually, G. H. c. MacGregor twelve years earlier) introduced the interrelation of John 19:30 that Jesus does not just die and breathe his last but that he, in fact, bestows the Holy Spirit on the church, represented in the people at the foot of the cross (Hoskyns),؛ ا Edwyn Clement Hoskyns, The Fourth Gospel (2nd rev. ed.؛ ed. Francis Noel Davey؛ London: Faber & Faber, 1947) 532 (also already in the first edition, 1940). He supports his view with an argument based on the expression used by John and on the broader context: "This is no fantastic exegesis, since w. 2830־ record the solemn fulfillment of vii. 37-39. The thirst of the believers is assuaged by the rivers of living water which flow from the belly of the Lord, the author having already noted that this referred to the giving of the spirit. The outpouring of the Spirit here recorded must be understood in close connection with the outpouring of the water and the blood (v. 34). The similar association of Spirit and Water and Blood ئ I John V.
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Ritual studies are slow to make a large impact on New Testament studies, despite a number of notable exceptions. This notwithstanding, rituals occur frequently in the New Testament, in particular when there is a problem with a ritual. In... more
Ritual studies are slow to make a large impact on New Testament studies, despite a number of notable exceptions. This notwithstanding, rituals occur frequently in the New Testament, in particular when there is a problem with a ritual. In this article, recent anthropological work on
‘ritual failure’ is used to address Paul’s discussion of Roman practices concerning baptism in relation to a person’s walk of life and to argue that this can be understood well as a case of ’ritual failure,’ in which a ritual fails, from Paul’s perspective, to achieve what it should. This leads both to challenging the attitude of the Romans concerning baptism and to a reconsideration of its significance.
‘ritual failure’ is used to address Paul’s discussion of Roman practices concerning baptism in relation to a person’s walk of life and to argue that this can be understood well as a case of ’ritual failure,’ in which a ritual fails, from Paul’s perspective, to achieve what it should. This leads both to challenging the attitude of the Romans concerning baptism and to a reconsideration of its significance.
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Approaching the question of secularisation from a historical and hermeneutical perspective, the author discusses the development and variations of theories of secularisation. Often, such theories are not only descriptive, but normative:... more
Approaching the question of secularisation from a historical and hermeneutical perspective, the author discusses the development and variations of theories of secularisation. Often, such theories are not only descriptive, but normative: They consider secularisation as a desirable development of modernity. Following the Dutch historian Herman Paul, the author presents four phases in the academic discussion on secularisation: First, a phase of general acceptance of secularisation
theories. Secondly, a phase of critical discussion and even rejection of the secularisation paradigm, due to the phenomenon of rediscovery of religion and spirituality in modern times. Thirdly, a phase where the history of the secularisation paradigm itself is the main focus. Fourthly, Herman Paul’s desideratum, the exploration of the impact of secularisation theories on science, religion and society.
In postmodern times, secularisation theory can no longer be the only paradigm to explain the present, nor to predict the future of human society.
theories. Secondly, a phase of critical discussion and even rejection of the secularisation paradigm, due to the phenomenon of rediscovery of religion and spirituality in modern times. Thirdly, a phase where the history of the secularisation paradigm itself is the main focus. Fourthly, Herman Paul’s desideratum, the exploration of the impact of secularisation theories on science, religion and society.
In postmodern times, secularisation theory can no longer be the only paradigm to explain the present, nor to predict the future of human society.
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SUMMARY This paper analyses Matthew 8:18-23 using a narratological approach. Focusing on a number of narrative " gaps " in the narrative and the resulting creation of narrative suspense, the paper considers the effect of this suspense on... more
SUMMARY This paper analyses Matthew 8:18-23 using a narratological approach. Focusing on a number of narrative " gaps " in the narrative and the resulting creation of narrative suspense, the paper considers the effect of this suspense on the reader. It is argued that Matthew 8:18-23 does not so much present two pictures of " good " and " bad " discipleship, but rather invites the reader to ponder the question of discipleship in the sense of following Jesus in a radical way. SOMMAIRE Cet article analyse Matthieu 8,18-23 en utilisant une approche narratologique. En mettant l'accent sur un certain nombre d'ellipses narratives (" gaps ") dans le récit et sur la création de suspense narratif qui en découle, l'article étudie l'effet de ce suspense sur le lecteur. Il est montré que Matthieu 8,18-23 ne présente pas deux images du «bon» et du «mauvais» disciple, mais invite plutôt le lecteur à réfléchir à la question du disciple dans le sens de la suite de Jésus d'une manière radicale.
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In this paper the famous " hymn " in Philippians 2:5–11 is considered from the perspective of the study of ritual failure. It is argued that the crucifixion of Jesus, as it is mentioned in this text, can well be considered as a ritual... more
In this paper the famous " hymn " in Philippians 2:5–11 is considered from the perspective of the study of ritual failure. It is argued that the crucifixion of Jesus, as it is mentioned in this text, can well be considered as a ritual that, on the one hand, fails, given that it leads to Jesus' exaltation rather than to his permanent death, while it is at the same time reinterpreted as a consequence of Jesus' obedience rather than of his disobedience, as one would expect. Using the body of theory as it has been developed concerning ritual and its failure, it is shown how this reinterpretation of a ritual is more than " just " about ritual, but serves to carve out a space for early Christianity and its self-understanding in the web of power relationships that made up Greco-Roman society.
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The notion of the passivum divinum, i.e. the use of an agentless passive in order to avoid mentioning the divine name or the deity YHWH directly, is highly prevalent in the field of New Testament scholars. Recent commentaries give the... more
The notion of the passivum divinum, i.e. the use of an agentless passive in order to avoid mentioning the divine name or the deity YHWH directly, is highly prevalent in the field of New Testament scholars. Recent commentaries give the impression that more and more instances of it are being found by scholars, and some of the standard grammars for New Testament
Greek consider it to be a real syntactic phenomenon. Pascut (2013) recently provided criteria for its detection. This paper questions the existence of the passivum divinum as such, based on a historical survey of its invention in the late 19th century and considerations based on general (first century) Greek
and Greek style. It also argues that, rather than doing justice to the intention of New Testament authors, the interpretation of agentless passives with God as implied agent, often distorts the meaning and emphasis of expressions in the NT. In doing so, it builds up on insights of Reiser and Wallace, which have failed, however, to make an impact on New Testament studies so far.
The paper concludes with suggestions for the alternative interpretations of agentless passives with God as implied agent.
Greek consider it to be a real syntactic phenomenon. Pascut (2013) recently provided criteria for its detection. This paper questions the existence of the passivum divinum as such, based on a historical survey of its invention in the late 19th century and considerations based on general (first century) Greek
and Greek style. It also argues that, rather than doing justice to the intention of New Testament authors, the interpretation of agentless passives with God as implied agent, often distorts the meaning and emphasis of expressions in the NT. In doing so, it builds up on insights of Reiser and Wallace, which have failed, however, to make an impact on New Testament studies so far.
The paper concludes with suggestions for the alternative interpretations of agentless passives with God as implied agent.
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This paper compares and contrasts the two banquets in Mark 6 and argues that these constitute a coded constrast between the community of the kingdom and the community of empire.
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This article argues on the basis of semantic and syntactical observations that the verb διαφέρω in Gal 4.1 is best translated as “be superior to” (rather than “be different from”). An alternative is proposed for the most prevalent... more
This article argues on the basis of semantic and syntactical observations that the verb διαφέρω in Gal 4.1 is best translated as “be superior to” (rather than “be different from”). An alternative is proposed for the most prevalent translation of the verb in contemporary editions of the Bible and commentaries on Galatians alike.
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This study investigates the function of the double fiction, resulting from the use of pseudepigraphy, for the kybernetic purposes of a letter, using the Letter to Titus as a case study. Deutero-Paul (“Paul”) continues the proto-Pauline... more
This study investigates the function of the double fiction, resulting from the use of pseudepigraphy, for the kybernetic purposes of a letter, using the Letter to Titus as a case study. Deutero-Paul (“Paul”) continues the proto-Pauline tradition in a creative and innovative way, given that he recognizes
the importance of (the historical) Paul for building up of the community, even if he himself represents, somewhat paradoxically, a rather static understanding of tradition. “Paul” creates a fictive portrayal of the community of the past in order to mold his own community for the future.
However, a moral evaluation of the letter’s pseudepigraphy remains problematic as the application of the ancient criteria of such an evaluation is unreliable, due to the unavailability of certain historical information.
the importance of (the historical) Paul for building up of the community, even if he himself represents, somewhat paradoxically, a rather static understanding of tradition. “Paul” creates a fictive portrayal of the community of the past in order to mold his own community for the future.
However, a moral evaluation of the letter’s pseudepigraphy remains problematic as the application of the ancient criteria of such an evaluation is unreliable, due to the unavailability of certain historical information.
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The Matthean redaction of Mark 7:30 in Matthew 15:28 often receives scant attention in scholarship in terms of its narrative quality. At most, it is regarded as a truncation of the full Marcan version, while all attention is given to... more
The Matthean redaction of Mark 7:30 in Matthew 15:28 often receives scant attention in scholarship in terms of its narrative quality. At most, it is regarded as a truncation of the full Marcan version, while all attention is given to Matthew’s introduction of the notion of ‘faith’ in this verse. This article argues, by contrast, and on the basis of a synoptic comparison and narratological analysis of both texts, that more justice is done to both versions of the conclusion of this healing miracle when understanding them as achieving different narrative effects, with Matthew focusing on the immediacy of the healing, while Mark creates suspense, thus focusing on the veracity of Jesus’ statement that the girl in question is healed
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This paper considers the role of foodstuffs and their (non-)consumption in 4 Ezra. While foodstuffs figure prominently in this work, no systematic research has been done into it. The paper argues that both the narrative progression of the... more
This paper considers the role of foodstuffs and their (non-)consumption in 4 Ezra. While foodstuffs figure prominently in this work, no systematic research has been done into it. The paper argues that both the narrative progression of the work is expressed through foodstuffs as well as significant parts of the work’s content.
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This opening article offfers an introduction to the theme of this special issue of Exchange: Jesus traditions and masculinities in world Christianity. Highlighting the historical trajectory of feminist theological debates on the maleness... more
This opening article offfers an introduction to the theme of this special issue of Exchange: Jesus traditions and masculinities in world Christianity. Highlighting the historical trajectory of feminist
theological debates on the maleness of Jesus Christ and its implications for confijigurations of gender (read: the position of women) in Christian traditions, the article particularly explores two
recent developments: first, the critical discussion in academic, theological and ecumenical circles of men and masculinities in contemporary Christian contexts, and second, the growing body of scholarship on the masculinity (or better, masculinities) of Jesus Christ in the New Testament in relation to masculinities in the early Christian era. Building on these debates and this scholarship, the article identifijies a new and critical fijield of inquiry that explores the complex and productive relationships between the ambiguous and unstable masculinity/ies of Jesus Christ and the multiple and changing masculinities that are found today in the local contexts of an increasingly diverse global Christianity.
theological debates on the maleness of Jesus Christ and its implications for confijigurations of gender (read: the position of women) in Christian traditions, the article particularly explores two
recent developments: first, the critical discussion in academic, theological and ecumenical circles of men and masculinities in contemporary Christian contexts, and second, the growing body of scholarship on the masculinity (or better, masculinities) of Jesus Christ in the New Testament in relation to masculinities in the early Christian era. Building on these debates and this scholarship, the article identifijies a new and critical fijield of inquiry that explores the complex and productive relationships between the ambiguous and unstable masculinity/ies of Jesus Christ and the multiple and changing masculinities that are found today in the local contexts of an increasingly diverse global Christianity.
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Paul’s boasting is often considered to be problematic. This paper explores Pauline boasting from the perspective of Plutarch’s views on self-praise. Outlining what kinds of self-praise were and were not acceptable to someone like... more
Paul’s boasting is often considered to be problematic. This paper explores Pauline boasting from the perspective of Plutarch’s views on self-praise. Outlining what kinds of self-praise were and were not acceptable to someone like Plutarch, the paper analyses and positions Paul’s boasting in Phil in this context, concluding that, however offensive it may be to modern ears, this boasting was probably less so to the ears of his contemporaries.
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Taking as a starting point the way in which Jesus’ relationship with his mother is depicted in the Gospel of John, this paper explores the construction of a ‘macho-christology’ in this gospel, which, is deconstructed at the cross: Jesus... more
Taking as a starting point the way in which Jesus’ relationship with his mother is depicted in the Gospel of John, this paper explores the construction of a ‘macho-christology’ in this gospel, which, is deconstructed at the cross: Jesus the true (hu)man is there shown to be the true man as the crucified, which invites rereading John’s macho-christology as a whole from this point of view.
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Old Catholic theology is the theology that is characteristic of the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht. Old Catholic Theology: An Introduction, authored by Peter-Ben Smit, an acknowledged expert in the field, outlines the main... more
Old Catholic theology is the theology that is characteristic of the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht. Old Catholic Theology: An Introduction, authored by Peter-Ben Smit, an acknowledged expert in the field, outlines the main characteristics of and influences on Old Catholic theology, as well as the extant ecumenical relationships of the Old Catholic Churches. In doing so, it covers what may be called 'mainstream' Old Catholic theology, while also discussing the diversity within the Old Catholic tradition. Particular attention is given to the Old Catholic approach to theology in general and to ecclesiology, sacramental theology and ecumenical theology in particular. Further foci include the version of communio-theology, the appertaining sacramental understanding of the church, the inherent connection between theology and (liturgical) spirituality, the distinct branch of communal hermeneutics and the understanding of the appeal to the early Church that Old Catholic theologians developed in the course of the 20th century.
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Old Catholic theology is the theology that is characteristic of the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht. Old Catholic Theology: An Introduction, authored by Peter-Ben Smit, an acknowledged expert in the field, outlines the main... more
Old Catholic theology is the theology that is characteristic of the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht. Old Catholic Theology: An Introduction, authored by Peter-Ben Smit, an acknowledged expert in the field, outlines the main characteristics of and influences on Old Catholic theology, as well as the extant ecumenical relationships of the Old Catholic Churches. In doing so, it covers what may be called 'mainstream' Old Catholic theology, while also discussing the diversity within the Old Catholic tradition. Particular attention is given to the Old Catholic approach to theology in general and to ecclesiology, sacramental theology and ecumenical theology in particular. Further foci include the version of communio-theology, the appertaining sacramental understanding of the church, the inherent connection between theology and (liturgical) spirituality, the distinct branch of communal hermeneutics and the understanding of the appeal to the early Church that Old Catholic theologians developed in the course of the 20th century.
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In Vrienden in het bisschopsambt schetst Peter-Ben Smit hoe de bisschoppen Andreas Rinkel (Utrecht) en Urs Küry (Oud-Katholieke Kerk van Zwitserland) in hun ambtelijke correspondentie de koers van de Oud-Katholieke Kerk in de jaren ’50 en... more
In Vrienden in het bisschopsambt schetst Peter-Ben Smit hoe de bisschoppen Andreas Rinkel (Utrecht) en Urs Küry (Oud-Katholieke Kerk van Zwitserland) in hun ambtelijke correspondentie de koers van de Oud-Katholieke Kerk in de jaren ’50 en ’60 uitzetten. De twee waren bevriend en ze bespreken onderwerpen zoals de zorg om voldoende pastoors, de ontwikkeling van een oud-katholieke theologie, de nasleep van de wereldoorlogen, de situatie van kerken achter het ijzeren gordijn, de opkomende oecumene, en de uitdagingen van de jaren ’60 dan ook in “klare taal, met de nodige betrokkenheid en humor, als vrienden die aan een half woord genoeg hebben om elkaar te begrijpen.” Het boek biedt een uniek kijkje achter de schermen in deze nog weinig onderzochte periode uit de oud-katholieke geschiedenis.
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Meals are hot. Eucharistie en Avondmaal, maar ook onze dagelijkse praktijken van eten en drinken hebben de laatste jaren volop de aandacht in wetenschappelijk onderzoek. Af te lezen aan het aantal eetclubs, buurtmaaltijden,... more
Meals are hot. Eucharistie en Avondmaal, maar ook onze dagelijkse praktijken van eten en drinken hebben de laatste jaren volop de aandacht in wetenschappelijk onderzoek. Af te lezen aan het aantal eetclubs, buurtmaaltijden, tv-kookprogramma's is eten in onze cultuur van onverminderd grote betekenis. Deelname aan Eucharistie en Avondmaal worden minder vanzelfsprekend. Wat hebben deze liturgische praktijken ons in de 21e eeuw te zeggen? Staan zij in verband met ons dagelijks eten en drinken en zo ja, hoe? Wat zijn volgens de Schrift belangrijke aspecten van de maaltijd? Met wie wordt er maaltijd gevierd en wie bepalen dat?
In deze bundel belicht een nieuwe generatie theologen op verfrissende wijze verschillende aspecten van de maaltijd. Hun bijdragen zijn in drie thema's ondergebracht.
Deel 1: Eten, lijf en leven. Bij dit eerste thema staat het doordenken van de relatie tussen 'seculiere' en religieuze maaltijden centraal.
Deel 2: Beleving van de maaltijd. Hier komen mensen aan het woord die maaltijden vieren: welke betekenissen kennen zij toe aan heilig Avondmaal en Eucharistie?
Deel 3: Gasten en gemeenschap. Over het gemeenschapsvormende karakter van maaltijden: hoe draagt de rituele vormgeving en uitnodigings- of toelatingsbeleid daaraan bij?
In deze bundel belicht een nieuwe generatie theologen op verfrissende wijze verschillende aspecten van de maaltijd. Hun bijdragen zijn in drie thema's ondergebracht.
Deel 1: Eten, lijf en leven. Bij dit eerste thema staat het doordenken van de relatie tussen 'seculiere' en religieuze maaltijden centraal.
Deel 2: Beleving van de maaltijd. Hier komen mensen aan het woord die maaltijden vieren: welke betekenissen kennen zij toe aan heilig Avondmaal en Eucharistie?
Deel 3: Gasten en gemeenschap. Over het gemeenschapsvormende karakter van maaltijden: hoe draagt de rituele vormgeving en uitnodigings- of toelatingsbeleid daaraan bij?
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A book length study of the correspondence between the two leading bishops of the Old Catholic Union of Utrecht, 1955-1970, covering all topic that Andreas Rinkel and Urs Küry wrote about.
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This essay, originating in a public lecture on the occassion of the opening of the academic year of the Old Catholic Seminary (Utrecht) in 2014, given an outline of an Old Catholic theology of mission. In particular, it argues that the... more
This essay, originating in a public lecture on the occassion of the opening of the academic year of the Old Catholic Seminary (Utrecht) in 2014, given an outline of an Old Catholic theology of mission. In particular, it argues that the notions "tradition" and "mission" mutually imply each other rather than are at variance or even in conflict with each other.
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Wie kam es zu der kirchlichen Gemeinschaft zwischen den altkatholischen Kirchen der Utrechter Union in Europa und Nordamerika und der Iglesia Filipina Independiente auf den Philippinen? Die Aufsätze geben einen Einblick in die Entwicklung... more
Wie kam es zu der kirchlichen Gemeinschaft zwischen den altkatholischen Kirchen der Utrechter Union in Europa und Nordamerika und der Iglesia Filipina Independiente auf den Philippinen? Die Aufsätze geben einen Einblick in die Entwicklung der ökumenischen Beziehungen am Anfang und in der Mitte des 20. Jahrhunderts. Aufgrund der Korrespondenz der beteiligten kirchlichen und politischen Persönlichkeiten zeigen die Autoren auf, wie die beiden Kirchen sich von der Jahrhundertwende bis zum Zweiten Weltkrieg zuerst auseinander entwickelten und sich nach einer Kehrtwende auf der Seite der Iglesia Filipina Independiente und dank Vermittlung der amerikanischen Episkopalkirche wiederfanden. Wo heutzutage die Ökumene ins Stocken geraten zu sein scheint, ruft dieser Band in Erinnerung, wie viel schon erreicht wurde und auf welche Weise
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This study researches the historical development of the self-understanding of the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. Throughout the 20th century, both churches have been in a developing... more
This study researches the historical development of the self-understanding of the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. Throughout the 20th century, both churches have been in a developing relationship with each other, resulting in full communion in 1965. In the same time period, both churches developed an ecclesiological self-understanding in which an ecclesiology of the national church gradually gave way to an ecclesiology of the local church. By outlining this development for each of these two churches and comparing the developments, the study gives insight both into the individual development of the two churches involved and shows how these developments relate to each other. In this way, the study presents a new historical portrait of these churches and their self-understanding
Research Interests: Contextual Theologies, Comparative History, Nationalism, Anglicanism (Anglicanism), Ecclesiology, and 10 moreChurch History, World Christianities, InterCultural Studies, Faith & Order ecumenism, World Christianity, Intercultural Theology, Old Catholicism, Philippine Independent Church, Local Church, and Aglipay
‘Tradition’ is a prominent - and often highly contested - notion in Christian theology, especially when it comes to ecumenical encounters and dialogues. This also applies to the ecumenical dialogues of the Anglican Communion with other... more
‘Tradition’ is a prominent - and often highly contested - notion in Christian theology, especially when it comes to ecumenical encounters and dialogues. This also applies to the ecumenical dialogues of the Anglican Communion with other churches. Often, ways have been found to reconcile seemingly different understandings of ‘tradition’ and its articulation in the present. This volume shows how this has been achieved in the international bilateral dialogues of the Anglican Communion, ranging from conversations with the Baptist World Alliance to dialogues with the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
Prof. Dr. Peter-Ben Smit (1979) is professor for Ancient Catholic Church structures and the history and doctrine of Old Catholicism at Utrecht University, assistant professor of New Testament at VU University Amsterdam, and assistant priest of the Old Catholic parish of Amsterdam. He studied at the Universities of Amsterdam, Sheffield, and Bern, as well as at the Old Catholic Seminary in Utrecht and the General Theological Seminary in New York. He holds doctorates in Theology (New Testament), Anglican Studies, and the degree of Habilitation in Church History and Old Catholicism.
Prof. Dr. Peter-Ben Smit (1979) is professor for Ancient Catholic Church structures and the history and doctrine of Old Catholicism at Utrecht University, assistant professor of New Testament at VU University Amsterdam, and assistant priest of the Old Catholic parish of Amsterdam. He studied at the Universities of Amsterdam, Sheffield, and Bern, as well as at the Old Catholic Seminary in Utrecht and the General Theological Seminary in New York. He holds doctorates in Theology (New Testament), Anglican Studies, and the degree of Habilitation in Church History and Old Catholicism.
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‘Kunnen we ons niet gewoon beperken tot thema’s die er echt toe doen? Of is dit bedoeld als tegengif tegen feministische theologie?’ ‘Ja, dit soort onderzoek is echt belangrijk, want echte mannen vind je tegenwoordig nauwelijks meer!’... more
‘Kunnen we ons niet gewoon beperken tot thema’s die er echt toe doen? Of is dit bedoeld als tegengif tegen feministische theologie?’ ‘Ja, dit soort onderzoek is echt belangrijk, want echte mannen vind je tegenwoordig nauwelijks meer!’ ‘Wat spannend, ik wist als man niet eens dat ik een gender had, ik dacht dat dat alleen iets voor vrouwen was!’
Dit soort reacties kun je krijgen wanneer je vertelt dat je je als theoloog wetenschappelijk bezighoudt met het thema mannelijkheid. Of je nu onderzoek doet naar heilige teksten en hun doorwerking of naar de manier waarop mannelijkheid en religie met elkaar verbonden worden in het publieke domein, meningen over de relevantie en de inhoud van dit vakgebied gaan alle kanten op. In deze inleiding positioneren we onszelf en de inhoud van dit themanummer van Handelingen binnen de theologie en mannelijkheidsonderzoek. Mannelijkheidsonderzoek richt zich op dat wat maatschappelijk als ‘mannelijk’ verstaan wordt (geslacht of gender als een sociaal en cultureel gegeven). Dit gaat verder dan het onderzoeken van biologische aspecten van geslachtelijkheid (in de regel aangeduid met ‘sekse’).
Dit soort reacties kun je krijgen wanneer je vertelt dat je je als theoloog wetenschappelijk bezighoudt met het thema mannelijkheid. Of je nu onderzoek doet naar heilige teksten en hun doorwerking of naar de manier waarop mannelijkheid en religie met elkaar verbonden worden in het publieke domein, meningen over de relevantie en de inhoud van dit vakgebied gaan alle kanten op. In deze inleiding positioneren we onszelf en de inhoud van dit themanummer van Handelingen binnen de theologie en mannelijkheidsonderzoek. Mannelijkheidsonderzoek richt zich op dat wat maatschappelijk als ‘mannelijk’ verstaan wordt (geslacht of gender als een sociaal en cultureel gegeven). Dit gaat verder dan het onderzoeken van biologische aspecten van geslachtelijkheid (in de regel aangeduid met ‘sekse’).
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REMCO ROBINSON liet het samenspel en vaak ook de spanning tussen kerk-zijn, geloven en het leven in een seculiere samenle-ving een belangrijke rol spelen in zijn werk als theoloog en pastor ; zijn eigen leven als gelovige en priester was... more
REMCO ROBINSON liet het samenspel en vaak ook de spanning tussen kerk-zijn, geloven en het leven in een seculiere samenle-ving een belangrijke rol spelen in zijn werk als theoloog en pastor ; zijn eigen leven als gelovige en priester was er ook van doordrongen. De hier bijeengebrachte bijdragen, artikelen en preken, geven daar een indruk van. Ze geven inzicht in het werk van een theoloog die de ervaring van mensen en de omgang met geloof en kerk-zijn in de seculiere Nederlandse context het volle pond wil geven. Tegelijkertijd laat het zien hoe Remco Robinson, puttend uit de bronnen van het geloof, handvatten wil bieden om tot een geloofwaardige spiritualiteit te komen die helpt om te gaan met de wereld van de eenentwintigste eeuw. Zijn eigen zoektocht hierin en zijn ervaringen hiermee komen in zowel het reflecterende en onderzoekende academische deel van de bundel als ook in de opgenomen preken ter sprake. Als pastor en wetenschapper heeft Remco Robinson zich ingezet voor de kerk waarin hij zijn thuis gevonden had, op weg naar de kerk van morgen. Als priester en pastor in Arnhem, Middelburg en de "Mission to Seafarers" (Vlissingen), dacht hij na over en bouw-de hij mee aan toekomstbestendige vormen van kerk-zijn. Dat kwam ook tot uitdrukking in zijn werk aan het Oud-Katholiek Seminarie en de Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen. Zijn plotselin-ge overlijden op 39-jarige leeftijd op 10 maart 2019 was en is een groot gemis voor velen. De bundel "Kerk en geloof in een seculiere samenleving" eert zijn gedachtenis door zijn inbreng en inzichten blijvend toegankelijk te maken.
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Before the Covid-19 crisis, churches organized many activities in De Nieuwe Stad in Amsterdam Zuidoost, including serving free meals for everyone who wanted them. When this was no longer possible because of the Covid-19 measures, the... more
Before the Covid-19 crisis, churches organized many activities in De Nieuwe Stad in Amsterdam Zuidoost, including serving free meals for everyone who wanted them. When this was no longer possible because of the Covid-19 measures, the international church, Treasures International Ministries, and Diaconie Evangelisch Lutherse Gemeente Amsterdam decided to work together and start delivering meals to people’s houses. Some of these recipients were enlisted through the network of one of the churches, but most were enlisted by care organizations. As one, relatively small project, operating alongside other aid initiatives, the meals project soon received many more enlistments than anticipated, and the Covid-19 crisis lasted longer than expected, which raised questions regarding the underlying needs and how to proceed in the long term. Together with the Protestant Theological University, they decided to research the question:
How does the meals project of Treasures and Lutherse Diaconie expose structural needs in Amsterdam Zuidoost, and how can these needs be addressed in a sustainable manner?
How does the meals project of Treasures and Lutherse Diaconie expose structural needs in Amsterdam Zuidoost, and how can these needs be addressed in a sustainable manner?
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Wie in de context van missiologie en interculturele theologie over ‘het jodendom’ begint, kan een flinke discussie verwachten. ‘Jodendom’ is wat politieke historici een ‘emotive’ noemen: een woord dat als het ware opgeladen is en direct... more
Wie in de context van missiologie en interculturele theologie over ‘het jodendom’ begint, kan een flinke discussie verwachten. ‘Jodendom’ is wat politieke historici een ‘emotive’ noemen: een woord dat als het ware opgeladen is en direct mensen tot een reactie brengt.
Omdat TussenRuimte een tijdschrift voor missiologie en interculturele theologie is, zal het wel om ‘het jodendom’ in die context gaan. De vraag is: welke vormen van jodendom spelen daar op welke manieren een rol? We laten verschillende stemmen aan het woord komen, verschillende joodse stemmen, natuurlijk, een messiasbelijdende joodse stem ook, en diverse christelijke stemmen, over christelijk enthousiasme over de joodse traditie (en de grenzen ervan), over een experiment in solidariteit, over bijbelvertalen en over antisemitisme onder meer.
Omdat TussenRuimte een tijdschrift voor missiologie en interculturele theologie is, zal het wel om ‘het jodendom’ in die context gaan. De vraag is: welke vormen van jodendom spelen daar op welke manieren een rol? We laten verschillende stemmen aan het woord komen, verschillende joodse stemmen, natuurlijk, een messiasbelijdende joodse stem ook, en diverse christelijke stemmen, over christelijk enthousiasme over de joodse traditie (en de grenzen ervan), over een experiment in solidariteit, over bijbelvertalen en over antisemitisme onder meer.
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De Oud-Katholieke Kerk is vrij onbekend in Nederland. Deze bundel behandelt verschillende aspecten van leer en leven. Ten eerste de geschiedenis: de kerk is ontstaan uit de onduidelijkheid over de positie van de katholieken na de... more
De Oud-Katholieke Kerk is vrij onbekend in Nederland. Deze bundel behandelt verschillende aspecten van leer en leven. Ten eerste de geschiedenis: de kerk is ontstaan uit de onduidelijkheid over de positie van de katholieken na de Reformatie en de wens in de achttiende eeuw een eigen bisschop te kiezen. Daarna komen aspecten van de geloofsleer aan bod: de kerk oriënteert zich op de oude kerk van voor 1054, heeft een augustijnse spiritualiteit en is conciliair georganiseerd. Een groot hoofdstuk is gewijd aan de liturgie, die binnen de kerk naar eigen zeggen een belangrijke plaats inneemt – veel komt overeen met de bekende rooms-katholieke liturgie. Een volgend hoofdstuk geeft een beeld van het leven in een parochie. In het kerkrecht wordt een evenwicht gevonden tussen lokale kerkgemeenschappen en bisschoppen als deel van de universele kerk. Het laatste hoofdstuk beschrijft de indrukwekkende bijdrage van de kerk aan de oecumene. Ten opzichte van eerdere uitgaven is deze bundel geïllustreerd en van hoger niveau. Met voetnoten en verschillende literatuuroverzichten.
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De vraag naar de identiteit van Europa speelt op de achtergrond van politieke debatten op nationaal en internationaal niveau. De toestroom van vluchtelingen zou de '(joods-)christelijke identiteit' van Europa bedreigen. Beide inleiders... more
De vraag naar de identiteit van Europa speelt op de achtergrond van politieke debatten op nationaal en internationaal niveau. De toestroom van vluchtelingen zou de '(joods-)christelijke identiteit' van Europa bedreigen. Beide inleiders benaderen de vraag naar deze identiteit vanuit een theologisch perspectief. Neerslag Quasimodolezing 2017.
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Herbronning. 40 jaar bijzondere leerstoel ‘Oude katholieke kerkstructuren’. Bijdragen van het symposium ‘Herbronning’ van 9 december 2016. Het thema ‘herbronning’ is een centraal gegeven in oud-katholieke theologie: terug naar de bronnen... more
Herbronning. 40 jaar bijzondere leerstoel ‘Oude katholieke kerkstructuren’. Bijdragen van het symposium ‘Herbronning’ van 9 december 2016. Het thema ‘herbronning’ is een centraal gegeven in oud-katholieke theologie: terug naar de bronnen op zoek naar inspiratie voor de theologie van vandaag. Aanleiding voor de bundel vormde het 40 jarig jubileüm van de oud-katholieke leerstoel aan de Universiteit Utrecht. De vier leerstoelhouders tot dusver, Jan Visser, Jan Hallebeek, Angela Berlis en Peter-Ben Smit bieden ieder een bijdrage vanuit hun vakgebieden. Jan Visser over het ‘heilige’ als de bron van religie, Jan Hallebeek over kerkrechtelijke herbronning, Angela Berlis over vergeten (vrouwen)stemmen in de (kerk)geschiedenis, en Peter-Ben Smit over de Bijbel als bron voor theologie. Bij iedere bijdrage zijn van vakgenoten uit binnen- en buitenland opgenomen, zodat de bundel ook een discussie bevat. De lezer is uitgenodigd die zelf ook voort te zetten.
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De tekst van de Quasimodolezing van 2016 met een aantal andere teksten. Naast de hoofdlezing van Zweedse aartsbisschop KG Hammar en het coreferaat van Carola Schouten bevat de bundel ook een inleiding op de persoon en het werk van... more
De tekst van de Quasimodolezing van 2016 met een aantal andere teksten. Naast de hoofdlezing van Zweedse aartsbisschop KG Hammar en het coreferaat van Carola Schouten bevat de bundel ook een inleiding op de persoon en het werk van Hammarskjöld door Joris Vercammen en de eerste Nederlandse vertaling van meditaties van KG Hammar bij teksten uit Hammarskjölds Merkstenen, geschreven voor het Hammarskjöldpad in het Noorden van Noorwegen.
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"Menselijke waardigheid in de knel? De kerk een zorg'" Tekst van de negende Quasimodolezing, uitgesproken op 10 april 2015 en de reacties daarop, gevolgd door een paneldiscussie.
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Meals are hot. Eucharistie en Avondmaal, maar ook onze dagelijkse praktijken van eten en drinken hebben de laatste jaren volop de aandacht in wetenschappelijk onderzoek. Af te lezen aan het aantal eetclubs, buurtmaaltijden,... more
Meals are hot. Eucharistie en Avondmaal, maar ook onze dagelijkse praktijken van eten en drinken hebben de laatste jaren volop de aandacht in wetenschappelijk onderzoek. Af te lezen aan het aantal eetclubs, buurtmaaltijden, tv-kookprogramma's is eten in onze cultuur van onverminderd grote betekenis. Deelname aan Eucharistie en Avondmaal worden minder vanzelfsprekend. Wat hebben deze liturgische praktijken ons in de 21e eeuw te zeggen? Staan zij in verband met ons dagelijks eten en drinken en zo ja, hoe? Wat zijn volgens de Schrift belangrijke aspecten van de maaltijd? Met wie wordt er maaltijd gevierd en wie bepalen dat?
In deze bundel belicht een nieuwe generatie theologen op verfrissende wijze verschillende aspecten van de maaltijd. Hun bijdragen zijn in drie thema's ondergebracht.
Deel 1: Eten, lijf en leven. Bij dit eerste thema staat het doordenken van de relatie tussen 'seculiere' en religieuze maaltijden centraal.
Deel 2: Beleving van de maaltijd. Hier komen mensen aan het woord die maaltijden vieren: welke betekenissen kennen zij toe aan heilig Avondmaal en Eucharistie?
Deel 3: Gasten en gemeenschap. Over het gemeenschapsvormende karakter van maaltijden: hoe draagt de rituele vormgeving en uitnodigings- of toelatingsbeleid daaraan bij?
In deze bundel belicht een nieuwe generatie theologen op verfrissende wijze verschillende aspecten van de maaltijd. Hun bijdragen zijn in drie thema's ondergebracht.
Deel 1: Eten, lijf en leven. Bij dit eerste thema staat het doordenken van de relatie tussen 'seculiere' en religieuze maaltijden centraal.
Deel 2: Beleving van de maaltijd. Hier komen mensen aan het woord die maaltijden vieren: welke betekenissen kennen zij toe aan heilig Avondmaal en Eucharistie?
Deel 3: Gasten en gemeenschap. Over het gemeenschapsvormende karakter van maaltijden: hoe draagt de rituele vormgeving en uitnodigings- of toelatingsbeleid daaraan bij?
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Edited papers (with Angela Berlis) of a symposium on "Challenging Catholicism" on the occassion of 125 years' Union of Utrecht (September 2014).
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Collected papers of the 31st Old Catholics' Congress, Utrecht, 2014, edited with Urs von Arx and Mattijs Ploeger
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Special issue of the journal Amstelodamum, dedicated to ecclesial architecture in Amsterdam; published on the centennial of the Old Catholic parish church (Ruysdaelstraat 39, Amsterdam)
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Special issue of the journal Trajecta, dedicated to four key personalities from the history of the Old Catholic Church of the Netherlands
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Working for a Greener Society The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew paid an official visit to The Netherlands in April 2014. The theme of the visit was the whole question of ‘greening’ society and Christian inspiration. The host was the... more
Working for a Greener Society The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew paid an official visit to The Netherlands in April 2014. The theme of the visit was the whole question of ‘greening’ society and Christian inspiration. The host was the Old Catholic Church.
As a result a special edition record in words and images is to be published in early 2015. This edition gives a rich impression of this unique visit and diverse conversations between churches, business, government and religions, mainly around the theme of greening society.
Contributions are a.o. by Patriarch Bartholomew, Rudy Rabbinge (Professor Sustainable Development and Advisor
United Nations), Archbishop Joris Vercammen, Klaas van der Kamp (General-Secretary Dutch Council of Churches), Erik Kemink (CEO CNG-Net) and Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp
As a result a special edition record in words and images is to be published in early 2015. This edition gives a rich impression of this unique visit and diverse conversations between churches, business, government and religions, mainly around the theme of greening society.
Contributions are a.o. by Patriarch Bartholomew, Rudy Rabbinge (Professor Sustainable Development and Advisor
United Nations), Archbishop Joris Vercammen, Klaas van der Kamp (General-Secretary Dutch Council of Churches), Erik Kemink (CEO CNG-Net) and Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp
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German: Katholisch in Zeiten der Globalisierung. Erinnerung an den Märtyrerbischof Alberto Ramento, den Bischof der Arbeiter und Bauern (Luzern: Exodus, 2010); Dutch : Alberto B. Ramento. Bisschop van Arbeiders en Boeren. Een profetisch... more
German: Katholisch in Zeiten der Globalisierung. Erinnerung an den Märtyrerbischof Alberto Ramento, den Bischof der Arbeiter und Bauern (Luzern: Exodus, 2010); Dutch : Alberto B. Ramento. Bisschop van Arbeiders en Boeren. Een profetisch getuigenis van een bisschop en zijn kerk (Hilversum/Goes: Siens. Creatieve Producties/Nilsson, 2011); French: Alberto Ramento. Évêque des oevriers et des paysans aux Philippines Signes des Temps (Paris: Karthala, 2013).
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Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of 300 million Christians, is one of the leading and most inspiring religious voices in the global public square. Surprisingly, the Patriarch is little known in the Netherlands. Now... more
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of 300 million Christians, is one of the leading and most inspiring religious voices in the global public square. Surprisingly, the Patriarch is little known in the Netherlands. Now certainly is the time to take notice of this man of joy, peace and wisdom; to enter into conversation with this bridge-builder who is passionate about protecting the natural environment. In April 2014 he was invited by the Old Catholic Church to make an official visit to the Netherlands. The main theme of this visit was the spiritual dimension as a richly compelling basis for the greening of society. More than just a record of the diverse and memorable meetings that took place during the visit, this volume aims to stimulate a fruitful and ongoing conversation among people in government, science, business, religion and society at large.
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Entry in the Brill Encyclopedia of Early Christianity Online
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One of the more striking and, likely, widely-used publications of Gregorio Aglipay, one of the founding fathers of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, is the so-called Novenario de la Patria (1926). It contains both a specific kind of –... more
One of the more striking and, likely, widely-used publications of Gregorio Aglipay, one of the founding fathers of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, is the so-called Novenario de la Patria (1926). It contains both a specific kind of – emancipatory – Mariology and a statement in devotional form of Aglipay’s religious views at the time of its publication. The Mariology of the work has recently been addressed by Gealogo, Furusawa, and De la Cruz: the first, outlining the general features of the ‘Virgin of Balintawak’ (Birhen sa Balintawak);
the second, placing her in the context of other Filipino representations of Mary; and the third, providing a discussion of the representation in the context of Filipino culture and politics; earlier, Ileto also discussed the work. Building on these analyses and going beyond them, this essay focuses on the function of this particular type of Mary-with-child in the Novenario. This question as to the role of Mary in the Novenario is provoked by the apparent oddity that although the title of the work suggests a Marian novena, Mary is in fact absent from most of
the devotional material, only making an appearance in the title of the book, its prefatory (or paratextual) material and briefly as part of the seventh day of the novena. In addressing this question, this paper will move beyond extant scholarly positions in a number of ways.
the second, placing her in the context of other Filipino representations of Mary; and the third, providing a discussion of the representation in the context of Filipino culture and politics; earlier, Ileto also discussed the work. Building on these analyses and going beyond them, this essay focuses on the function of this particular type of Mary-with-child in the Novenario. This question as to the role of Mary in the Novenario is provoked by the apparent oddity that although the title of the work suggests a Marian novena, Mary is in fact absent from most of
the devotional material, only making an appearance in the title of the book, its prefatory (or paratextual) material and briefly as part of the seventh day of the novena. In addressing this question, this paper will move beyond extant scholarly positions in a number of ways.
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The Birhen sa Balintawak is the first indigenous representation of the 'Virgin-with-child' in the Philippines. Associated with the revolutionary movement of the Katipu-nan and promoted by Gregorio Aglipay, a revolutionary priest and a... more
The Birhen sa Balintawak is the first indigenous representation of the 'Virgin-with-child' in the Philippines. Associated with the revolutionary movement of the Katipu-nan and promoted by Gregorio Aglipay, a revolutionary priest and a founding figure of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, this representation of Mary is connected with the political and religious emancipation of the Philippines. This paper explores the construction of the masculinity of the child that accompanies its mother, arguing that its description and depiction both serve to uplift a particular kind of Filipino (revolution-ary) masculinity by legitimizing it religiously and to interpret the Christian tradition in an equally indigenous as revolutionary sense. The paper draws on Aglipay's 1926 Nove-nario of the Motherland as its central source.
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This paper explores the role of the appeal to the early Church in Old Catholic theology, describing how this appeal has been challenged and further developed through ecumenical dialogue in particular. Noting the various problems involved... more
This paper explores the role of the appeal to the early Church in Old Catholic theology, describing how this appeal has been challenged and further developed through ecumenical dialogue in particular. Noting the various problems involved in this appeal and the manner in which they have been discussed within the Old Catholic (ecumenical) theological discourse, the paper highlights the process of discernment within the Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches, and from that in particular
the consultation with the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the subject, and analyses the role of the appeal to the early church in this setting. Notably, the hermeneutically reflected appeal to the early church paved the way for a theologically responsible manner of opening the apostolic ministry to women as well as men.
the consultation with the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the subject, and analyses the role of the appeal to the early church in this setting. Notably, the hermeneutically reflected appeal to the early church paved the way for a theologically responsible manner of opening the apostolic ministry to women as well as men.
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If any early Christian thinker or Apostolic Father is associated with the Eucharist, it is surely Ignatius of Antioch. THus, many contemporary models of Eucharistic ecclesiology and communio theology owe a great deal to his letters. THe... more
If any early Christian thinker or Apostolic Father is associated with
the Eucharist, it is surely Ignatius of Antioch. THus, many contemporary
models of Eucharistic ecclesiology and communio theology owe a great
deal to his letters. THe Eucharist is obviously a liturgy of prayer, and, as
an ongoing practice of communion, it aims at the performance of being
Church, that is, of being in communion with God and with each other
through being in Christ. Given these considerations, the Eucharist and
participation in it are a logical place to look for the interrelationship
between prayer and mystagogy in the work of Ignatius of Antioch. My
question will be: ‘What is the mystagogical role of participation in the
Eucharist, understood as a practice of embodied prayer, in the letters of
Ignatius of Antioch?’
the Eucharist, it is surely Ignatius of Antioch. THus, many contemporary
models of Eucharistic ecclesiology and communio theology owe a great
deal to his letters. THe Eucharist is obviously a liturgy of prayer, and, as
an ongoing practice of communion, it aims at the performance of being
Church, that is, of being in communion with God and with each other
through being in Christ. Given these considerations, the Eucharist and
participation in it are a logical place to look for the interrelationship
between prayer and mystagogy in the work of Ignatius of Antioch. My
question will be: ‘What is the mystagogical role of participation in the
Eucharist, understood as a practice of embodied prayer, in the letters of
Ignatius of Antioch?’
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Hermeneutics in The Church is related to the tradition (faith and order) of the church itself and its common discernment with an eye to unity, to the churches' discernment of one another, and to the church's/churches' interpretation of... more
Hermeneutics in The Church is related to the tradition (faith and order) of the church itself and its common discernment with an eye to unity, to the churches' discernment of one another, and to the church's/churches' interpretation of the world. The world needs to be interpreted and this interpretation needs to be done by the churches together, who therefore need to discern their faith together as well.
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Zusammenfassung Luxus und Luxuria spielten eine Rolle in der Polemik zwischen östlichen und westlichen Christen im Zuge des Trennungsprozesses zwischen den Kirchen des Ostens und der Kirche des Westens. In diesem Beitrag wird exemplarisch... more
Zusammenfassung Luxus und Luxuria spielten eine Rolle in der Polemik zwischen östlichen und westlichen Christen im Zuge des Trennungsprozesses zwischen den Kirchen des Ostens und der Kirche des Westens. In diesem Beitrag wird exemplarisch nachge-gangen wie in polemischen Schriften östlicher Schriftsteller die liturgische Kleidung westlicher Geistlichen angeprangert wurde. Zur gleichen Zeit wird deutlich, dass diese Schriften für ein östliches Publikum intendiert waren und zwar als Warnung, um bloss nicht wie westliche Christen zu werden. Der Beitrag refl ektiert diese Po-lemik über luxuriöse Kleidung im Rahmen der Bedeutung von sichtbaren Identitäts-merkmale im Rahmen eines Trennungs– und Abgrenzungsprozesses.
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Before, after and during the Second Vatican Council, the Roman Catholic Church went through an aggiornamento that involved a significant alteration of its ecumenical stance. This also posed a challenge to Churches from which the Roman... more
Before, after and during the Second Vatican
Council, the Roman Catholic Church went
through an aggiornamento that involved a
significant alteration of its ecumenical
stance. This also posed a challenge to
Churches from which the Roman Catholic
Church had become estranged. The current
contribution outlines how the Old Catholic
Churches of the Union of Utrecht dealt with
this challenge. It does so drawing on previously
inaccessible sources, the correspondence
between Andreas Rinkel, archbishop
of Utrecht (1937-1970) and Urs Küry, bishop
of the Old Catholic Church of Switzerland
(1955-1972), who were key leaders in the
international communion of Old Catholic
Churches in the middle of the twentieth
century.
Council, the Roman Catholic Church went
through an aggiornamento that involved a
significant alteration of its ecumenical
stance. This also posed a challenge to
Churches from which the Roman Catholic
Church had become estranged. The current
contribution outlines how the Old Catholic
Churches of the Union of Utrecht dealt with
this challenge. It does so drawing on previously
inaccessible sources, the correspondence
between Andreas Rinkel, archbishop
of Utrecht (1937-1970) and Urs Küry, bishop
of the Old Catholic Church of Switzerland
(1955-1972), who were key leaders in the
international communion of Old Catholic
Churches in the middle of the twentieth
century.
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This paper provides an overview of a recent ecumenical dialogue, the one between the Mar Thoma Syrian Church and the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht (2011-2014) and analyses the dialogue through the lens of intercultural... more
This paper provides an overview of a recent ecumenical dialogue, the one between the Mar Thoma Syrian Church and the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht (2011-2014) and analyses the dialogue through the lens of intercultural theology, arguing that the fields of ecumenical dialogue and intercultural theology can be brought into conversation with each other fruitfully, even if this is not currently being done in appertaining scholarship.
Research Interests: Intercultural Communication, Theology, Systematic Theology, Contextual Theologies, Ecumenical Theology, and 9 moreWorld Christianities, Syriac Christianity, Ecumenical dialogues, Contextual Theology, World Christianity, Indian Christian Theology, Intercultural Theology, Old Catholic Theology, and Syriac Christianity in India
‘Adoptionism’ is an early Christian ‘heresy’ often associated with early strands of Jewish Christian tradition. It figures as such in handbooks of church history and New Testament studies alike. This essay investigates the origins of the... more
‘Adoptionism’ is an early Christian ‘heresy’ often associated with early strands of Jewish Christian tradition. It figures as such in handbooks of church history and New Testament studies alike. This essay investigates the origins of the concept of ‘adoptionism’ in the historiography of early Christianity, offers a fresh analysis of the relevant ‘adoptionist’ sources, and concludes that the concept is a misleading one. Therefore, the proposal is made to abandon the notion of ‘adoptionism’ as a category and to focus on the authors involved as such and to investigate what their soteriological and christological concerns were, rather than to identify them as ‘adoptionists’ and to study them with that identification as a starting point.
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‘Adoptionism’ is an early Christian ‘heresy’ often associated with early strands of Jewish Christian tradition. It figures as such in handbooks of church history and New Testament studies alike. This essay investigates the origins of the... more
‘Adoptionism’ is an early Christian ‘heresy’ often associated with early strands of Jewish Christian tradition. It figures as such in handbooks of church history and New Testament studies alike. This essay investigates the origins of the concept of ‘adoptionism’ in the historiography of early Christianity, offers a fresh analysis of the relevant ‘adoptionist’ sources, and concludes that the concept is a misleading one. Therefore, the proposal is made to abandon the notion of ‘adoptionism’ as a category and to focus on the authors involved as such and to investigate what their soteriological and christological concerns were, rather than to identify them as ‘adoptionists’ and to study them with that identification as a starting point
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This paper discusses the development of the relationship between the Philippine Independent Church and the Episcopal Church up to the point of full communion.
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This paper argues that precisely by focusing on the continuation of tradition, Old Catholic theology is able to arrive at theological renewal, especially in an intercultural manner and in ecumenical dialogue. As a case study, this paper... more
This paper argues that precisely by focusing on the continuation of tradition, Old Catholic theology is able to arrive at theological renewal, especially in an intercultural manner and in ecumenical dialogue. As a case study, this paper considers the recent dialogue between the Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Church and the Mar Thoma Syrian Church.
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This paper interprets the Acts of Thecla, as they are part of the non-canonical Acts of Paul (and Thecla) as a piece of literature that seeks to make the Pauline heritage meaningful in a new context and a for a new kind of audience,... more
This paper interprets the Acts of Thecla, as they are part of the non-canonical Acts of
Paul (and Thecla) as a piece of literature that seeks to make the Pauline heritage meaningful
in a new context and a for a new kind of audience, specifically through a renewed
accentuation of his apostleship and his teaching on self-control. By remembering Paul
as Thecla’s mentor and subsequent colleague in the apostolic ministry, the Acts of
Thecla make the Pauline ministry relevant and accessible for those whose unmasculine
bodies would not otherwise have presented them as plausible, or even viable
candidates for this “job.” The papers uses the notion of cultural memory to achieve
its aim.
Paul (and Thecla) as a piece of literature that seeks to make the Pauline heritage meaningful
in a new context and a for a new kind of audience, specifically through a renewed
accentuation of his apostleship and his teaching on self-control. By remembering Paul
as Thecla’s mentor and subsequent colleague in the apostolic ministry, the Acts of
Thecla make the Pauline ministry relevant and accessible for those whose unmasculine
bodies would not otherwise have presented them as plausible, or even viable
candidates for this “job.” The papers uses the notion of cultural memory to achieve
its aim.
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This article explores the way in which Anglican–Old Catholic consultations after the Second Vatican Council addressed the questions of authority and primacy in the Church. It argues, first, that in the context of their dialogues with each... more
This article explores the way in which Anglican–Old Catholic consultations after the Second Vatican Council addressed the questions of authority and primacy in the Church. It argues, first, that in the context of their dialogues with each other and with the Roman Catholic Church, Anglicans and Old Catholics have developed a positive understanding of the role of authority and (universal) primacy in the Church. Second, Anglicans are more willing to think of the implementation of a kind of universal primacy than Old Catholics. Third, the question of primacy is, in the dialogues discussed in this article, seen in union with synodality at all levels of ecclesial communion. Fourth, the value attributed to universal primacy has pushed the (Old Catholic) protest against Pastor Aeternus into the background. Fifth, given the agreement on the value of universal primacy, the question not of whether, but rather of how a universal primacy could be received by the Church is legitimate.
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Anglicans, Old Catholics, and Orthodox have been engaged in dialogue with each other practically since the beginnings of the ecumenical movement. This paper survey the findings of these three dialogues on the subject of Tradition and... more
Anglicans, Old Catholics, and Orthodox have been engaged in dialogue with each other practically since the beginnings of the ecumenical movement. This paper survey the findings of these three dialogues on the subject of Tradition and compares them to each other, concluding that even though these dialogues have developed compatible and dynamic understandings of Tradition, these understanding have not yet led to the removal of certain obstacles between the Churches involved.
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Research Interests: New Testament, Contextual Theologies, Early Christianity, Philippines, Church History, and 10 moreWorld Christianities, Bible, Contextual Theology, World Christianity, Intercultural Theology, Philippine Independent Church, Greek Patristics, History of Reception of Biblical Texts, Ancient Rhetoric and Poetics, and Early Christian Papyri and Inscriptions
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This article explores the meaning of the statement made by Irenaeus of Lyons that the truth (i.e. the faith) is received at baptism. It is argued that what is meant here is the reception of true 'first principles' that allow the newly... more
This article explores the meaning of the statement made by Irenaeus of Lyons that the truth (i.e. the faith) is received at baptism. It is argued that what is meant here is the reception of true 'first principles' that allow the newly baptized to see the world fully as it is; the shape of these first principles is understood as integration into the church and its tradition. In this way, the integration of the newly baptized into a community of interpretation is the way in which s/he learns to see the world anew, namely from the perspective of the community of faith.
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In her well-documented article "The Aromatic Fragrances of Paradise in the Greek Life of Adam and Eve and the Christian Origin of the Composition," NovT 46 (2004) 20-45, Rivka Nir offered a fresh interpretation of references to incense... more
In her well-documented article "The Aromatic Fragrances of Paradise in the Greek Life of Adam and Eve and the Christian Origin of the Composition," NovT 46 (2004) 20-45, Rivka Nir offered a fresh interpretation of references to incense and other aromatic substances in the Greek Life of Adam and Eve arguing that these are clearly indicative of its Christian origins. The present contribution reviews Nir's evidence for her conclusions, and argues in the opposite direction, suggesting that this evidence is not always as relevant as Nir assumes and can therefore not be the basis for the kind of conclusions Nir draws
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Dieser theologiegeschichtliche Aufsatz zeigt auf, wie in der altkatholischen Theologie in der Mitte des vergangen Jahrhunderts eine von der ganzen Utrechter Union akzeptierte Position zur Frage des Verhältnisses von Schrift und Tradition... more
Dieser theologiegeschichtliche Aufsatz zeigt auf, wie in der altkatholischen Theologie in der Mitte des vergangen Jahrhunderts eine von der ganzen Utrechter Union akzeptierte Position zur Frage des Verhältnisses von Schrift und Tradition herausgearbeitet wurde. Obwohl die Altkatholische Bewegung sich auf dem Glauben der frühen Kirche und damit auch auf die Tradition Jahrzehnten berief, war es nie zu einer Verhältnisbestimmung der beiden Grössen ‚Schrift’ und ‚Tradition’ gekommen. Dies änderte sich ab den späten dreissiger Jahren des 20. Jahrhunderts. Ab dann setzt sich der Entwurf des Verhältnisses von Schrift und Tradition, wie er von dem damaligen Erzbischof von Utrecht, Andreas Rinkel, in seiner Tätigkeit als Dogmatiker am altkatholischen Priesterseminar in Amersfoort, in Auseinandersetzung mit römisch-katholischen und protestantischen Theologen (vor allem Herman Bavinck), entwickelt worden war, auch auf der Ebene der Utrechter Union durch. Andere Modelle, z.B. dasjenige von dem schweizerischen Bischof Urs Küry, der den Primat der Schrift stärker betonte als Rinkel, konnten sich dabei nicht als ‚altkatholischer Mainstream’ etablieren. Eine Bestätigung dafür, dass Rinkels Entwurf jetzt tatsächlich zur altkatholischen Position geworden ist, findet sich in den gemeinsamen Texten des orthodox-altkatholischen Dialogs.
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Taking as a starting point the way in which Jesus’ relationship with his mother is depicted in the Gospel of John, this paper explores the construction of a ‘macho-christology’ in this gospel, which, is deconstructed at the cross: Jesus... more
Taking as a starting point the way in which Jesus’ relationship with his mother is depicted in the Gospel of John, this paper explores the construction of a ‘macho-christology’ in this gospel, which, is deconstructed at the cross: Jesus the true (hu)man is there shown to be the true man as the crucified, which invites rereading John’s macho-christology as a whole from this point of view.
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In the essay the hermeneutical views of Jean–Luc Marion, as they are expressed in his God without Being: Hors–Texte in relationship with the Eucharist and the story of Luke 24, are presented and critically assessed. The criticisms... more
In the essay the hermeneutical views of Jean–Luc Marion, as they are expressed in his God without Being: Hors–Texte in relationship with the Eucharist and the story of Luke 24, are presented and critically assessed. The criticisms registered touch in the first place upon the concept of in persona Christi, which concerns the relation between the celebrant and Christ. Furthermore, the issue of the relationship between the eucharistic minister and his (or her) community and thereby the hermeneutical function of the Eucharist as a celebration of the whole community is discussed in dialogue with Marion's views.
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This paper considers the possibility of including a full meal into the celebration of the Eucharist, as this has been promoted by liturgiologists over the past 75 years. Arguments pro and contra are considered, focusing especially on... more
This paper considers the possibility of including a full meal into the celebration of the Eucharist, as this has been promoted by liturgiologists over the past 75 years. Arguments pro and contra are considered, focusing especially on issues of liturgical 'primitivism', the relation between liturgy and everyday life, the ecclesial and public character of the Eucharist, the relationship between human and God-given communion, and the status of liturgical development, and the relationship between meal and Eucharist in general. Furthermore, the paper reflects on some practical aspects of the so-called 'meal Eucharist', focusing on a recent Swiss Old Catholic liturgical form for its celebration. In conclusion, the paper argues that by introducing a full meal into the Eucharist (again) on an incidental basis, valuable aspects of Eucharistie spirituality may be recovered; objections against this kind of liturgical celebration are seen to pertain to practicalities, rather than touching the theological core of this kind of celebration.
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These two contributions are part of a discussion with the Reformed scholar of "diakonia", Christoph Sigrist, concerning the interrelationship between liturgy and service.
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This paper considers the exegesis of two key New Testament texts that are often associated with the anointing of the sick.
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This paper compares and contrasts the notion of "actuosa participatio" as it is current in liturgical theology with the notion of "participatory society" (or "big society") as it occurs in the Dutch political debate.
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Research Interests: Religion, Sociology, Ethics, Philosophy Of Religion, Theology, and 29 moreNew Testament, Historical Theology, History of Christianity, Practical theology, Systematic Theology, Philosophical Theology, Hermeneutics, Baptist Theology, Biblical Studies, Protestantism, Anglicanism (Anglicanism), Catholic Theology, Biblical Theology, Ecumenical Theology, Doctrine of God, Political Theology, Church History, Dogmatic theology, Interreligious Dialogue, New Testament Theology, Jesus Parables, Q, Historical Jesus, and Biblical Hermeneutics for Ethico-Political Interpretation of New Testament, The relation between Theology and Ethics in Pauline Letters, Anglican Theology, Amsterdam, Missional Church Theology, Mennonite history, Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, Postgraduate, how to apply to Amsterdam university?, and Master of Divinity
Research Interests: Religion, Comparative Religion, Ethics, Philosophy Of Religion, Theology, and 18 moreNew Testament, History of Christianity, Practical theology, Systematic Theology, Theological Ethics, Textual Criticism, Baptist Theology, Biblical Studies, Bible Translation, Ecumenical Theology, Church History, Reformed theology, Lived Religion, Contextual Theology, Religious Studies, Old Catholic Theology, Old Catholicism, and Hebrew Bible/Old Testament
This is the preliminary programme of the second week of the Amsterdam Summer School on Syriac Christianity, 27-31 July 2015
Research Interests: Philosophy, Translation Studies, Middle East Studies, History of Christianity, Historiography, and 18 moreApocalypticism, Identity (Culture), Early Christianity, Orthodox Theology, Islamic Studies, Syriac Studies, Diaspora Studies, Alexander the Great, History of Historiography, Syriac Christianity, Syriac literature, Ecumenical dialogues, Ephrem the Syriac Father of the Church, Ephrem the Syrian, Council of Chalcedon, HYMNS OF ST EPHRAIM, Peace and Conflicts Studies, and Bardaisan
If you are fascinated by the complex and delicate process of translating the Bible, the minor Bible Translation in the Digital Age is an enriching academic and personal experience for you as this minor introduces you to the digital tools... more
If you are fascinated by the complex and delicate process of translating the Bible, the minor Bible Translation in the Digital Age is an enriching academic and personal experience for you as this minor introduces
you to the digital tools that make it possible to access and understand many contexts relevant to translating the Bible, while at the same time critically reflecting on the inherent limitations and biases of those tools that are now used by almost all Bible translators and biblical scholars all over the world.
The minor program is completely online and at the same time aimed at interaction, both between students and between students and professors. The minor is open for students of VU university as well as
other universities in the Netherlands or abroad, for exchange student. For postgraduate students and contract students there are arrangements that do not involve enrollment with tuition fees but payment in terms of the number of ECTS credits of the minor program.
you to the digital tools that make it possible to access and understand many contexts relevant to translating the Bible, while at the same time critically reflecting on the inherent limitations and biases of those tools that are now used by almost all Bible translators and biblical scholars all over the world.
The minor program is completely online and at the same time aimed at interaction, both between students and between students and professors. The minor is open for students of VU university as well as
other universities in the Netherlands or abroad, for exchange student. For postgraduate students and contract students there are arrangements that do not involve enrollment with tuition fees but payment in terms of the number of ECTS credits of the minor program.
Research Interests:
Would you like to bring together an international group of students? Are you interested in the interpretation of the Bible in different cultures? Then this internship offers you a unique opportunity. The program “Bridging Gaps” brings... more
Would you like to bring together an international group of students? Are you interested in the interpretation of the Bible in different cultures? Then this internship offers you a unique opportunity. The program “Bridging Gaps” brings together a group of talented theologians from around the globe to explore the interpretation of the Bible together. What happens if you read the Scriptures from your own perspective and in dialogue with others, reading from their perspectives? The result is an exciting and enriching experience, academically and personally. In this internship you will work together with professors Klaas Spronk and Peter-Ben Smit and program coordinator Kirsten van der Ham in coordinating this program and making it work.
Research Interests:
Contextual Biblical Interpretation in Amsterdam: Creating a Community of Learners Would you like to bring together an international group of students? Are you interested in the interpretation of the Bible in different cultures? Then this... more
Contextual Biblical Interpretation in Amsterdam: Creating a Community of Learners
Would you like to bring together an international group of students? Are you interested in the interpretation of the Bible in different cultures? Then this internship offers you a unique opportunity. The program “Bridging Gaps” brings together a group of talented theologians from around the globe to explore the interpretation of the Bible together. What happens if you read the Scriptures from your own perspective and in dialogue with others, reading from their perspectives? The result is an exciting and enriching experience, academically and personally. In this internship you will work together with professors Klaas Spronk and Peter-Ben Smit and program coordinator Kirsten van der Ham in coordinating this program and making it work.
Would you like to bring together an international group of students? Are you interested in the interpretation of the Bible in different cultures? Then this internship offers you a unique opportunity. The program “Bridging Gaps” brings together a group of talented theologians from around the globe to explore the interpretation of the Bible together. What happens if you read the Scriptures from your own perspective and in dialogue with others, reading from their perspectives? The result is an exciting and enriching experience, academically and personally. In this internship you will work together with professors Klaas Spronk and Peter-Ben Smit and program coordinator Kirsten van der Ham in coordinating this program and making it work.
Research Interests:
Would you like to bring together an international group of students? Are you interested in the interpretation of the Bible in different cultures? Then this internship offers you a unique opportunity. The program “Bridging Gaps” brings... more
Would you like to bring together an international group of students? Are you interested in the interpretation of the Bible in different cultures? Then this internship offers you a unique opportunity. The program “Bridging Gaps” brings together a group of talented theologians from around the globe to explore the interpretation of the Bible together. What happens if you read the Scriptures from your own perspective and in dialogue with others, reading from their perspectives? The result is an exciting and enriching experience, academically and personally. In this internship you will work together with professors Klaas Spronk and Peter-Ben Smit and program coordinator Kirsten van der Ham in coordinating this program and making it work.
Research Interests:
The journal Religion and Gender invites article proposals for a special issue on Gendering Jesus. The status of Jesus’ gender has long been a topic of interest within various forms of Christianity, as well as in other religious traditions... more
The journal Religion and Gender invites article proposals for a special issue on Gendering Jesus. The status of Jesus’ gender has long been a topic of interest within various forms of Christianity, as well as in other religious traditions and non-religious worldviews and/or cultural traditions. For instance, defense of a male priesthood is sometimes linked to the need for clergy to “represent” the male Christ, and proponents of “muscular Christianity” look to Jesus as their rugged male hero, a true “man’s man.” A famous feminist syllogism picks up
on this imagery to repudiate the traditional Christian doctrine of salvation on the grounds that a male savior can only save men. Alternatively, Jesus has been portrayed as the embodiment
of a feminist-friendly masculinity or as paradigmatically combining masculine and feminine traits in religious and non-religious discourses alike. The incorporation of critical gender theory into biblical studies, religious studies and theology has led to an outpouring of
scholarship on the topic, and recent writings variously interpret (representations of) Jesus as gender queer or hypermasculine or otherwise performing and presenting gender in notable
ways.
In this special issue of Religion and Gender the guest editors invite contributions that explore different facets of Jesus’ gender and/or puts the figure of Jesus into conversation with discourses about gender. Papers might, for instance, look at the presentation of Jesus as male
and/or masculine in sacred texts (e.g., the New Testament or the Qur’an), investigate the reception history of Jesus’ masculinity, compare Jesus qua masculine protagonist or “hero” with other religious figures, study the masculine character of Jesus’ identity as conceived of
within different religious traditions or world views (e.g., as savior, messiah, prophet, guru, Bodhisattva, or philosopher), or focus on interpretations and representations of Jesus “beyond masculinity,” e.g., in female or transgender ones. This list of topics is indicative, and
contributions are invited from a variety of fields, religious traditions and beyond, and theoretical and methodological approaches. We specifically welcome contributions that foreground intersectionality, examining Jesus’ gender with other categories and perspectives
such as embodiment, race, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, and postcoloniality.
on this imagery to repudiate the traditional Christian doctrine of salvation on the grounds that a male savior can only save men. Alternatively, Jesus has been portrayed as the embodiment
of a feminist-friendly masculinity or as paradigmatically combining masculine and feminine traits in religious and non-religious discourses alike. The incorporation of critical gender theory into biblical studies, religious studies and theology has led to an outpouring of
scholarship on the topic, and recent writings variously interpret (representations of) Jesus as gender queer or hypermasculine or otherwise performing and presenting gender in notable
ways.
In this special issue of Religion and Gender the guest editors invite contributions that explore different facets of Jesus’ gender and/or puts the figure of Jesus into conversation with discourses about gender. Papers might, for instance, look at the presentation of Jesus as male
and/or masculine in sacred texts (e.g., the New Testament or the Qur’an), investigate the reception history of Jesus’ masculinity, compare Jesus qua masculine protagonist or “hero” with other religious figures, study the masculine character of Jesus’ identity as conceived of
within different religious traditions or world views (e.g., as savior, messiah, prophet, guru, Bodhisattva, or philosopher), or focus on interpretations and representations of Jesus “beyond masculinity,” e.g., in female or transgender ones. This list of topics is indicative, and
contributions are invited from a variety of fields, religious traditions and beyond, and theoretical and methodological approaches. We specifically welcome contributions that foreground intersectionality, examining Jesus’ gender with other categories and perspectives
such as embodiment, race, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, and postcoloniality.
Research Interests:
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What does the Bible mean for the people actually reading it? This is the innovative question driving teaching and research in the MA track in “Contextual Biblical Interpretation.” How is the Bible a force for a more humane society? How is... more
What does the Bible mean for the people actually reading it? This is the innovative question driving teaching and research in the MA track in “Contextual Biblical Interpretation.” How is the Bible a force for a more humane society? How is it used in a harmful way? By addressing these
questions, the program trains you to be an expert in the use and significance of the world’s most widely read book. Only when
scholarship understands how this book functions, it can become clear what the Bible actually is. You can be part of the exciting scholarly adventure of exploring a text that really matters to its readers. The
track is offered through the Centre for Contextual Biblical Interpretation (in cooperation with the Protestant Theological University).
questions, the program trains you to be an expert in the use and significance of the world’s most widely read book. Only when
scholarship understands how this book functions, it can become clear what the Bible actually is. You can be part of the exciting scholarly adventure of exploring a text that really matters to its readers. The
track is offered through the Centre for Contextual Biblical Interpretation (in cooperation with the Protestant Theological University).
Research Interests:
Would you like to bring together an international group of students? Are you interested in the interpretation of the Bible in different cultures? Then this internship offers you a unique opportunity. The program “Bridging Gaps” brings... more
Would you like to bring together an international group of students? Are you interested in the interpretation of the Bible in different cultures? Then this internship offers you a unique opportunity. The program “Bridging Gaps” brings together a group of talented theologians from around the globe to explore the interpretation of the Bible together. What happens if you read the Scriptures from your own perspective and in dialogue with others, reading from their perspectives? The result is an exciting and enriching experience, academically and personally. In this internship you will work together with professors Klaas Spronk and Peter-Ben Smit in coordinating this program and making it work.
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In 1994, the Bridging Gaps program (formerly Breuken en Bruggen or Puentos y Roturas) started. The program aimed to facilitate intercultural and ecumenical exchange among participants from the Global South, and to foster contextual... more
In 1994, the Bridging Gaps program (formerly Breuken en Bruggen or Puentos y Roturas) started. The program aimed to facilitate intercultural and ecumenical exchange among participants from the Global South, and to foster contextual theology. Through contextual Bible studies, lectures on hermeneutics, individual research, and intercontextual exchange, the participants learned how context influences one’s understanding of theology, and how context can enrich theology. 25 years later, over 250 students from 40 countries, belonging to various denominations, have participated in the program. It is time to celebrate and harvest the fruits!
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Ter gelegenheid van het nieuwe boek: ‘verdiep je in het kerstverhaal’ presenteert auteur Peter-Ben Smit een aantal hoogtepunten in een korte lezing op dinsdagavond 26 november. Het VU Kamerkoor o.l.v. Krista Audere zingt aansluitend Hugo... more
Ter gelegenheid van het nieuwe boek: ‘verdiep je in het kerstverhaal’ presenteert auteur Peter-Ben Smit een aantal hoogtepunten in een korte lezing op dinsdagavond 26 november. Het VU Kamerkoor o.l.v. Krista Audere zingt aansluitend Hugo Distlers Weihnachtsgeschichte, dat de oude teksten ook opnieuw laat klinken.
Het boek verdiep je in het kerstverhaal staat vol met politieke en sociale uitdagingen. Het boek is ideaal voor wie het kerstverhaal met een frssie blik wil bekijken. Vlak voor de advents- en kersttijd is dit een goede gelegenheid om de teksten van deze tijd opnieuw tot je te laten doordringen. Voordat alle drukte losbarst.
Locatie: Oud-Katholieke kerk Amsterdam – Ruysdaelstraat 39
Datum: dinsdag 26 november
Tijd: 19.45 uur zaal open | 20.00 uur start programma
Toegang: gratis!
Aanmelding: https://www.bijbelgenootschap.nl/concert/
Het boek verdiep je in het kerstverhaal staat vol met politieke en sociale uitdagingen. Het boek is ideaal voor wie het kerstverhaal met een frssie blik wil bekijken. Vlak voor de advents- en kersttijd is dit een goede gelegenheid om de teksten van deze tijd opnieuw tot je te laten doordringen. Voordat alle drukte losbarst.
Locatie: Oud-Katholieke kerk Amsterdam – Ruysdaelstraat 39
Datum: dinsdag 26 november
Tijd: 19.45 uur zaal open | 20.00 uur start programma
Toegang: gratis!
Aanmelding: https://www.bijbelgenootschap.nl/concert/
Research Interests:
The course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The topics covered by... more
The course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The topics covered by the course include the following aspects of Old Catholic theology and tradition: the history of Old Catholicism, spirituality, ecumenism, canon law and ecclesiology, liturgy, and systematic theology. The course includes excursions to a major collection of related religious art (Museum Catharijneconvent), to a liturgical celebration (Utrecht) and to the traces of Catholic presence and history in the episcopal city of Utrecht.
Old Catholic Theology in its Ecumenical Context logo
The course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in its ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches.
Students will be taught by experts in Old Catholic theology on the faculty of the Old Catholic Seminary, Utrecht, together with staff of the Institute of Old Catholic Theology, University of Bern. The topics covered by the course include the following: History of Old Catholicism, Old Catholic spirituality, Ecumenism and Old Catholicism, Old Catholic canon law and ecclesiology, Old Catholic liturgy, and Old Catholic systematic theology. The course will also include an excursion to a major collection of related religious art (Museum Catherijneconvent), an excursion to an Old Catholic liturgical celebration (Utrecht), and to the traces of Catholic presence and history in the episcopal city of Utrecht. The course will conclude with a lecture in the historical meeting room of the Metropolitan Chapter of Utrecht. The beginning of the course is marked by the participation in the Eucharist in St. Gertrud’s Cathedral, facilitating an encounter with ‘lived Old Catholicism.’
At the end of the course, students will have a broad overview of main topics and themes in Old Catholic theology and spirituality and will be able to pursue further independent study of the subject. The course is at the introductory level of an M.Div. curriculum;; good BA students may also apply, as well as others. Students may be expected to do advance reading for the course.;
This course can be combined with a second week of advanced studies: ‘The Early Church as Ideal – Old Catholic Theology Beyond the Basics.’ This course is offered in immediate connection with the introductory course; booking both courses leads to a reduced fee.
Old Catholic Theology in its Ecumenical Context logo
The course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in its ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches.
Students will be taught by experts in Old Catholic theology on the faculty of the Old Catholic Seminary, Utrecht, together with staff of the Institute of Old Catholic Theology, University of Bern. The topics covered by the course include the following: History of Old Catholicism, Old Catholic spirituality, Ecumenism and Old Catholicism, Old Catholic canon law and ecclesiology, Old Catholic liturgy, and Old Catholic systematic theology. The course will also include an excursion to a major collection of related religious art (Museum Catherijneconvent), an excursion to an Old Catholic liturgical celebration (Utrecht), and to the traces of Catholic presence and history in the episcopal city of Utrecht. The course will conclude with a lecture in the historical meeting room of the Metropolitan Chapter of Utrecht. The beginning of the course is marked by the participation in the Eucharist in St. Gertrud’s Cathedral, facilitating an encounter with ‘lived Old Catholicism.’
At the end of the course, students will have a broad overview of main topics and themes in Old Catholic theology and spirituality and will be able to pursue further independent study of the subject. The course is at the introductory level of an M.Div. curriculum;; good BA students may also apply, as well as others. Students may be expected to do advance reading for the course.;
This course can be combined with a second week of advanced studies: ‘The Early Church as Ideal – Old Catholic Theology Beyond the Basics.’ This course is offered in immediate connection with the introductory course; booking both courses leads to a reduced fee.
Research Interests:
This course offers the possibility to deepen your knowledge of Old Catholic theology by thematic and in-depth case-driven classes, linked to a key starting point of Old Catholic theology: the faith and order of the Early Church. How can a... more
This course offers the possibility to deepen your knowledge of Old Catholic theology by thematic and in-depth case-driven classes, linked to a key starting point of Old Catholic theology: the faith and order of the Early Church. How can a modern church be so ‘traditional’ at the same time? This apparent tension and paradox will be the core theme of this weeklong, intensive course.
COURSE AIM
The goals of the course are, the following; upon completing the course:
1) students will have a deepened knowledge of and insight in Old Catholic theology and her appeal on the Early
Church,
2) The student will be able apply this knowledge in theological reflexion and research,
3) The student will be able to undertake further independent study of aspects of Old Catholic theology.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Students who attended the course: 'Old Catholic Theology in its Ecumenical Context'; Students of theology interested in Old Catholicism and ecumenism; Clergy and theologians interested in Old Catholicism and ecumenism; Laypersons with formal or informal theological training interesting in Old Catholicism and ecumenism.
The course is of specific interest for students with Anglican, Orthodox, Lutheran, Old Catholic, and ecumenical backgrounds.
COURSE AIM
The goals of the course are, the following; upon completing the course:
1) students will have a deepened knowledge of and insight in Old Catholic theology and her appeal on the Early
Church,
2) The student will be able apply this knowledge in theological reflexion and research,
3) The student will be able to undertake further independent study of aspects of Old Catholic theology.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Students who attended the course: 'Old Catholic Theology in its Ecumenical Context'; Students of theology interested in Old Catholicism and ecumenism; Clergy and theologians interested in Old Catholicism and ecumenism; Laypersons with formal or informal theological training interesting in Old Catholicism and ecumenism.
The course is of specific interest for students with Anglican, Orthodox, Lutheran, Old Catholic, and ecumenical backgrounds.
Research Interests: Religion, Canon Law, Theology, Liturgy, Systematic Theology, and 14 moreSpirituality, Orthodox Theology, Anglicanism (Anglicanism), Catholic Theology, Ecumenical Theology, Church History, Sacramental Theology, Catholicism, Early Church Fathers, Ecumenism, Netherlands, Old Catholic Theology, Old Catholicism, and Utrecht
The Winter School addresses questions such as: Is becoming a vegetarian a conversion? Is a BBQ a kind of male outdoor religion? Why do we find things delicious or disgusting? Lecture highlights includ: "The Gift of Food. Manna and... more
The Winter School addresses questions such as:
Is becoming a vegetarian a conversion?
Is a BBQ a kind of male outdoor religion?
Why do we find things delicious or disgusting?
Lecture highlights includ:
"The Gift of Food. Manna and Meaning in the Theology of Louis-Marie Chauvet"
Prof. dr. Peter-Ben Smit, UniBern
"A Sense of Presence. Everyday Life, Food, and Religion as Critical Theology"
Em. Prof. dr. Maaike de Haardt, RUN
"Halal Dining in Rotterdam: Competing Claims of Cosmopolitanism"
Dr. Margreet van Es, UU
"Hunger for Food. A Literary Approach"
Joyce Rondaij, MA, PThU
"Christian and Jewish Food and Eating in a Roman World"
Jonathan Pater, MA, TST
Is becoming a vegetarian a conversion?
Is a BBQ a kind of male outdoor religion?
Why do we find things delicious or disgusting?
Lecture highlights includ:
"The Gift of Food. Manna and Meaning in the Theology of Louis-Marie Chauvet"
Prof. dr. Peter-Ben Smit, UniBern
"A Sense of Presence. Everyday Life, Food, and Religion as Critical Theology"
Em. Prof. dr. Maaike de Haardt, RUN
"Halal Dining in Rotterdam: Competing Claims of Cosmopolitanism"
Dr. Margreet van Es, UU
"Hunger for Food. A Literary Approach"
Joyce Rondaij, MA, PThU
"Christian and Jewish Food and Eating in a Roman World"
Jonathan Pater, MA, TST
Research Interests:
Klimaat en geloof. Hoe gaat dat samen? Daarover gaat het tijdens de Dom Hélder Câmaralezing 2019. Wat betekent de droogte die Timor en de rest van Indonesië treft voor het verstaan van de Bijbel? Kan de Bijbel ons helpen met dit effect... more
Klimaat en geloof. Hoe gaat dat samen? Daarover gaat het tijdens de Dom Hélder Câmaralezing 2019.
Wat betekent de droogte die Timor en de rest van Indonesië treft voor het verstaan van de Bijbel? Kan de Bijbel ons helpen met dit effect van de klimaatcrisis om te gaan? Op deze vragen zal hoofdspreker dr. Mery Kolimon ingaan tijdens haar lezing : 'Reading the Bible in Dry Land'. Kolimon is als eerste vrouw voorzitter van de synode van de Protestantse Kerk van Timor (GMIT Kupang) en docent missiologie.
Voorafgaand aan de lezing van Kolimon verzorgt Embert Messelink een inleiding over de Nederlandse context als het gaat om klimaat en geloof. Messelink is directeur van A Rocha Nederland, een beweging die zich inzet voor zorg voor de schepping. Eva van Urk zal op de lezing van Kolimon reageren vanuit de academische theologie: zij bereidt aan de Vrije Universiteit een proefschrift voor over het Bijbelse mensbeeld in de context van de klimaatcrisis.
Wat betekent de droogte die Timor en de rest van Indonesië treft voor het verstaan van de Bijbel? Kan de Bijbel ons helpen met dit effect van de klimaatcrisis om te gaan? Op deze vragen zal hoofdspreker dr. Mery Kolimon ingaan tijdens haar lezing : 'Reading the Bible in Dry Land'. Kolimon is als eerste vrouw voorzitter van de synode van de Protestantse Kerk van Timor (GMIT Kupang) en docent missiologie.
Voorafgaand aan de lezing van Kolimon verzorgt Embert Messelink een inleiding over de Nederlandse context als het gaat om klimaat en geloof. Messelink is directeur van A Rocha Nederland, een beweging die zich inzet voor zorg voor de schepping. Eva van Urk zal op de lezing van Kolimon reageren vanuit de academische theologie: zij bereidt aan de Vrije Universiteit een proefschrift voor over het Bijbelse mensbeeld in de context van de klimaatcrisis.
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Aartsbisschop Petrus Codde was vanaf 1689 de leider van de katholieken in de Republiek. Meer nog dan zijn voorgangers kreeg hij met tegenwerking te maken. Beschuldigingen van jansenisme leidden ertoe, dat hij zijn beleid bij paus Clemens... more
Aartsbisschop Petrus Codde was vanaf 1689 de leider van de katholieken in de Republiek. Meer nog dan zijn voorgangers kreeg hij met tegenwerking te maken. Beschuldigingen van jansenisme leidden ertoe, dat hij zijn beleid bij paus Clemens XI moest gaan verdedigen. Coddes verblijf in Rome duurde bijna drie jaar. Dankzij de dagboeken van hemzelf en van twee reisgenoten, nu integraal uit het Latijn vertaald en toegelicht, krijgen we inzicht in dit proces. De afloop was dramatisch: in 1702 werd Codde geschorst en in 1704 definitief afgezet. Deze maatregelen leidden in de Republiek tot protest en uiteindelijk tot twee gescheiden katholieke kerkgenootschappen.
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How is the Bible read in actual fact by people in a secular context? This question drives the course The Bible in a Secular Setting: Contextual Biblical Interpretation in the Netherlands. The course explores both research into the use of... more
How is the Bible read in actual fact by people in a secular context? This question drives the course The Bible in a Secular Setting: Contextual Biblical Interpretation in the Netherlands. The course explores both research into the use of the Bible and the approaches to the Bible by “ordinary readers”. The program includes discussions research into the factual use of the Bible and views of it, an exploration of methods for the empirical study of biblical interpretation, and seminars on the contextually sensitive use of the Bible in new missionary initiatives and in marginal parts of society.
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The course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The topics covered by... more
The course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The topics covered by the course include the following aspects of Old Catholic theology and tradition: the history of Old
Catholicism, spirituality, ecumenism, canon law and ecclesiology, liturgy, and systematic theology. The course includes excursions to a major collection of related religious art (Museum Catharijneconvent), to a liturgical celebration (Utrecht), and to the traces of Catholic presence and history in the episcopal city of Utrecht.
COURSE AIM
The goals of the course are, the following; upon completing the course:
- The student will be familiar with central aspects of Old Catholic identity and theology.
- The student will be able to contextualize Old Catholic theology within the broader spectrum of theology and religious studies.
- The student will be able to undertake further independent study of aspects of Old Catholic theology.
Catholicism, spirituality, ecumenism, canon law and ecclesiology, liturgy, and systematic theology. The course includes excursions to a major collection of related religious art (Museum Catharijneconvent), to a liturgical celebration (Utrecht), and to the traces of Catholic presence and history in the episcopal city of Utrecht.
COURSE AIM
The goals of the course are, the following; upon completing the course:
- The student will be familiar with central aspects of Old Catholic identity and theology.
- The student will be able to contextualize Old Catholic theology within the broader spectrum of theology and religious studies.
- The student will be able to undertake further independent study of aspects of Old Catholic theology.
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MAAKT HET VERSCHIL ALS JE DE BIJBEL MET EEN 'BEPERKING' LEEST OF NIET? Door ‘beperking’ te thematiseren kunnen de stemmen van mensen met een beperking gehoord worden. Wat betekent dit voor contextueel bewuste Bijbelinterpreta-tie? Hoe... more
MAAKT HET VERSCHIL ALS JE DE BIJBEL MET EEN 'BEPERKING' LEEST OF NIET?
Door ‘beperking’ te thematiseren kunnen de stemmen van mensen met een beperking gehoord worden. Wat betekent dit voor contextueel bewuste Bijbelinterpreta-tie? Hoe wijzen de stemmen van mensen die blind, doof, autistisch of anderszins ‘beperkt’ zijn op eenzijdigheden in traditionele exegese en welke perspectieven maken zij mogelijk? Wat voor aannames ov er ‘beperking’ spelen een rol in Westerse Bijbelinterpretatie en theologie en zijn die wel terecht?
NIEUWE INZICHTEN EN NEDERLANDSE PER-SPECTIEVEN
Prof. Louise Lawrence is één van de voortrekkers op het gebied van Bijbelintepretatie die de context van beper-king serieus neemt. Ze ziet beperkte perspectieven als verrijking voor Bijbelinterpretatie - en als een uitdaging voor bestaande, traditionele exegese. Dit zal in haar lezing centraal staan met voorbeelden uit de praktijk.
Vanuit Nederlands perspectief zullen mensen met pastorale en persoonlijke ervaring op de lezing van prof. Lawrence reageren.
Door ‘beperking’ te thematiseren kunnen de stemmen van mensen met een beperking gehoord worden. Wat betekent dit voor contextueel bewuste Bijbelinterpreta-tie? Hoe wijzen de stemmen van mensen die blind, doof, autistisch of anderszins ‘beperkt’ zijn op eenzijdigheden in traditionele exegese en welke perspectieven maken zij mogelijk? Wat voor aannames ov er ‘beperking’ spelen een rol in Westerse Bijbelinterpretatie en theologie en zijn die wel terecht?
NIEUWE INZICHTEN EN NEDERLANDSE PER-SPECTIEVEN
Prof. Louise Lawrence is één van de voortrekkers op het gebied van Bijbelintepretatie die de context van beper-king serieus neemt. Ze ziet beperkte perspectieven als verrijking voor Bijbelinterpretatie - en als een uitdaging voor bestaande, traditionele exegese. Dit zal in haar lezing centraal staan met voorbeelden uit de praktijk.
Vanuit Nederlands perspectief zullen mensen met pastorale en persoonlijke ervaring op de lezing van prof. Lawrence reageren.
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We welcome papers on the 2018 topic of pleasure and pain in biblical and related texts, as well as in later reception of these texts
deadline February 14, 2018
deadline February 14, 2018
Research Interests: Religion, Christianity, New Testament, Hebrew Bible, Old Testament Theology, and 17 moreEarly Christianity, Old Testament, Second Temple Judaism, Christology, New Testament and Christian Origins, Bible, Judaism, Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near East, Hellenistic Judaism, Ancient Judaism, New testament exegesis, Early Judaism, New Testament Studies, Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, RELGION, History of Judaism In Antiquity, and Second Temple Judaism and Early Christianity
The course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The topics covered by the... more
The course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The topics covered by the course include the following
aspects of Old Catholic theology and tradition: the history of Old Catholicism, spirituality, ecumenism, canon law and ecclesiology, liturgy, and systematic theology. The course includes excursions to a major collection of related religious art (Museum Catharijneconvent), to a liturgical celebration (Utrecht), and to the traces of Catholic
presence and history in the episcopal city of Utrecht.
The course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches (www.utrechter-union.org).
aspects of Old Catholic theology and tradition: the history of Old Catholicism, spirituality, ecumenism, canon law and ecclesiology, liturgy, and systematic theology. The course includes excursions to a major collection of related religious art (Museum Catharijneconvent), to a liturgical celebration (Utrecht), and to the traces of Catholic
presence and history in the episcopal city of Utrecht.
The course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches (www.utrechter-union.org).
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Hebben voorgangers en pastores een eigen spiritualiteit? Wat het doet ambt met geloofs-beleving? Biedt het bronnen voor spiritualiteit of staat het spiritualiteit in de weg? Draagt het ambt de ambtsdrager – of is het een last? Deze vragen... more
Hebben voorgangers en pastores een eigen spiritualiteit? Wat het doet ambt met geloofs-beleving? Biedt het bronnen voor spiritualiteit of staat het spiritualiteit in de weg? Draagt het ambt de ambtsdrager – of is het een last? Deze vragen staan centraal op dit oecumenische symposium voor ambtsdragers, andere gemeenteleden en geïnteresseerden.
EABS/ISBL Annual Meeting – Berlin, Germany, August 7-11 2017 ‘Bodies of Communication’ is a research unit fostering conversations on the body as a location of religious expression. The 2017 session will have the theme 'The physical... more
EABS/ISBL Annual Meeting – Berlin, Germany, August 7-11 2017
‘Bodies of Communication’ is a research unit fostering conversations on the body as a location of religious expression. The 2017 session will have the theme 'The physical dimensions of ritual', focusing on the many ways in which bodies are involved in ritual practices. The body is always more than ‘just’ a body: it is inscribed with meaning. One of the ways in which bodies become meaningful is through ritual. For ritual, in turn, the body is essential. This observation poses a challenge to biblical scholars: is the physical dimension of ritual life in ancient Israel, early Judaism and early Christianity taken into account sufficiently? Or are the texts that emerge from, and address, ritual settings seen mainly as noetic, disembodied reflections on supposed meanings of ritual, rather than as part of ritual practices themselves? This session invites contributions that consider the bodily nature of ritual in relation to biblical texts. It is open to multi-disciplinary approaches and encourages connecting ancient sources to contemporary concerns.
We welcome papers on the 2017 topic of ‘The physical dimensions of ritual’, both in relation to biblical and related texts, as well as to the reception of these texts.
‘Bodies of Communication’ is a research unit fostering conversations on the body as a location of religious expression. The 2017 session will have the theme 'The physical dimensions of ritual', focusing on the many ways in which bodies are involved in ritual practices. The body is always more than ‘just’ a body: it is inscribed with meaning. One of the ways in which bodies become meaningful is through ritual. For ritual, in turn, the body is essential. This observation poses a challenge to biblical scholars: is the physical dimension of ritual life in ancient Israel, early Judaism and early Christianity taken into account sufficiently? Or are the texts that emerge from, and address, ritual settings seen mainly as noetic, disembodied reflections on supposed meanings of ritual, rather than as part of ritual practices themselves? This session invites contributions that consider the bodily nature of ritual in relation to biblical texts. It is open to multi-disciplinary approaches and encourages connecting ancient sources to contemporary concerns.
We welcome papers on the 2017 topic of ‘The physical dimensions of ritual’, both in relation to biblical and related texts, as well as to the reception of these texts.
Research Interests: New Testament, Ritual, Bodies and Culture, Biblical Studies, Second Temple Judaism, and 12 moreBiblical Theology, History of Biblical Interpretation, New Testament and Christian Origins, Biblical Interpretation, Judaism, Hellenistic Judaism, Biblical Exegesis, Ritual Studies, Ancient Judaism, Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, History of Reception of Biblical Texts, and History of Judaism In Antiquity
The journal Religion and Gender invites article proposals for a special issue on Gendering Jesus. Guest editors Jamie Pitts (AMBS) and Peter-Ben Smit (VU Amsterdam) invite contributions that explore different facets of Jesus’ gender... more
The journal Religion and Gender invites article proposals for a special issue on Gendering Jesus. Guest editors Jamie Pitts (AMBS) and Peter-Ben Smit (VU Amsterdam) invite contributions that explore different facets of Jesus’ gender and/or puts the figure of Jesus into conversation with discourses about gender. We specifically welcome contributions that foreground intersectionality, examining Jesus’ gender with other categories and perspectives such as embodiment, race, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, and postcoloniality. Submissions should be between 5000 and 8000 words in length and are due April 15, 2019. Please send all queries to Jamie Pitts (jpitts@ambs.edu) or Peter-Ben Smit (pst380@vu.nl).
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The notion of the passivum divinum, i.e. the use of an agentless passive in order to avoid mentioning the divine name or the deity YHWH directly, is highly prevalent in the field of New Testament scholars. Recent commentaries give the... more
The notion of the passivum divinum, i.e. the use of an agentless passive in order to avoid mentioning the divine name or the deity YHWH directly, is highly prevalent in the field of New Testament scholars. Recent commentaries give the impression that more and more instances of it are being found by scholars, and some of the standard grammars for New Testament Greek consider it to be a real syntactic phenomenon. Pascut (2013) recently provided criteria for its detection. This paper questions the existence of the passivum divinum as such, based on a historical survey of its invention in the late 19th century and considerations based on general (first century) Greek and Greek style. It also argues that, rather than doing justice to the intention of New Testament authors, the interpretation of agentless passives with God as implied agent, often distorts the meaning and emphasis of expressions in the NT. In doing so, it builds up on insights of Reiser and Wallace, which have failed, however, to make an impact on New Testament studies so far. The paper concludes with suggestions for the alternative interpretations of agentless passives with God as implied agent.
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Wie in de context van missiologie en interculturele theologie over ‘het jodendom’ begint, kan een flinke discussie verwachten. ‘Jodendom’ is wat politieke historici een ‘emotive’ noemen: een woord dat als het ware opgeladen is en direct... more
Wie in de context van missiologie en interculturele theologie over ‘het jodendom’ begint, kan een flinke discussie verwachten. ‘Jodendom’ is wat politieke historici een ‘emotive’ noemen: een woord dat als het ware opgeladen is en direct mensen tot een reactie brengt. Omdat TussenRuimte een tijdschrift voor missiologie en interculturele theologie is, zal het wel om ‘het jodendom’ in die context gaan. De vraag is: welke vormen van jodendom spelen daar op welke manieren een rol? We laten verschillende stemmen aan het woord komen, verschillende joodse stemmen, natuurlijk, een messiasbelijdende joodse stem ook, en diverse christelijke stemmen, over christelijk enthousiasme over de joodse traditie (en de grenzen ervan), over een experiment in solidariteit, over bijbelvertalen en over antisemitisme onder meer
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Der Beitrag untersucht am Beispiel der alt-katholischen Kirchen der Utrechter Union Dynamiken des Vergebens und Vergessens zwischen den Kirchen nach Ende des Zweiten Weltkriegs. Analysiert wird die Korrespondenz des mit dem... more
Der Beitrag untersucht am Beispiel der alt-katholischen Kirchen der Utrechter Union Dynamiken des Vergebens und Vergessens zwischen den Kirchen nach Ende des Zweiten Weltkriegs. Analysiert wird die Korrespondenz des mit dem Nationalsozialismus sympathisierenden Bischofs der deutschen alt-katholischen Kirche, Erwin Kreuzer, mit Andreas Rinkel, dem Erzbischof von Utrecht der niederländischen alt-katholischen Kirche. Als hermeneutischer Rahmen dienen die Formen des Vergessens von Aleida Assmann. Der Schriftwechsel zeigt, wie die Protagonisten zur Wahrung der Kirchengemeinschaft von einer unterschiedlichen Wahrnehmung der Vergangenheit zu einer bis zu einem gewissen Grad gemeinsamen Erinnerung sowie einem Eingeständnis deutscher (alt-katholischer) Verantwortung gelangen. Diese ermöglicht dann ein einvernehmliches »Vergessen«, das den Weg frei macht für Versöhnung, Zusammenarbeit innerhalb der Ökumenischen Bewegung und den Wiederaufbau Europas
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Although postmodern thinking has exerted some influence on exegesis and theology, it has not been integrated in any substantial way into mainstream historically-oriented biblical exegesis. This chapter develops an experimental argument... more
Although postmodern thinking has exerted some influence on exegesis and theology, it has not been integrated in any substantial way into mainstream historically-oriented biblical exegesis. This chapter develops an experimental argument based on postmodern historiography as its basic hypothesis, outlining the questions at stake and probing the depths of their consequences. The chapter focuses on the way these questions have (or have not) been integrated into the discussion of the historical Jesus, a rather particular field in biblical studies, as here the question of "historical truth" has arguably been regarded as more central than elsewhere. A question which is raised in the wider field of historiography, and will be of concern in the field of historical Jesus studies as well, is that of the ethics of interpretation. Keywords:biblical exegesis; historical Jesus; hypothetical argument; postmodern historiography; theology
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Research Interests: Philosophy, Rhetoric, Theology, Revelation, Eschatology, and 4 moreGospel, Honour, Heaven, and Last Supper
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Research Interests: Agriculture and Sowing
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Before the Covid-19 crisis, churches organized many activities in church building, De Nieuwe Stad in Amsterdam Zuidoost, including serving free meals for everyone who wanted them. When this was no longer possible because of the Covid-19... more
Before the Covid-19 crisis, churches organized many activities in church building, De Nieuwe Stad in Amsterdam Zuidoost, including serving free meals for everyone who wanted them. When this was no longer possible because of the Covid-19 measures, the international churches Treasures International Ministries and Maranatha Community Transformation Centre and Diaconie Evangelisch-Lutherse Gemeente Amsterdam decided to work together and start delivering meals to people’s houses. As one, relatively small project, operating alongside other aid initiatives, the meals project soon received many more enlistments than anticipated, and the Covid-19 crisis lasted longer than expected, which raised questions regarding the underlying needs and how to proceed in the long term. Together with researchers, they started a practical theological research project. On the basis of this project, that included action research, this article describes the meals project, its context and the research method tha...
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Research Interests: Christianity, History, New Testament, Ritual, Early Christianity, and 7 moreFood, Eucharist, Worship, Early Judaism, Paul, Jesus, and Meals
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'Willibrord through the ages' refers to an ancient hymn in honor of the Apostle of the Netherlands. It acclaims the fortitude and boldness of a hero of faith. Is this an image of the past in a country that seemingly has... more
'Willibrord through the ages' refers to an ancient hymn in honor of the Apostle of the Netherlands. It acclaims the fortitude and boldness of a hero of faith. Is this an image of the past in a country that seemingly has lost its Christian faith? And what to make of the criticism that violence was used in spreading the Good News? Scholars, clergy and even a film writer contribute their perspectives to this volume. Sometimes their perspectives clash but each own of them offers a window on the memory of saint Willibrord.
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The introduction to this special issue reviews the articles collected and presented in the volume. After an overview of the contents, the chapter turns to a more refined discussion of the insights resulting from the collection. These... more
The introduction to this special issue reviews the articles collected and presented in the volume. After an overview of the contents, the chapter turns to a more refined discussion of the insights resulting from the collection. These insights concern the productivity as well as limitations of canonicity, the importance of contextuality, the embodied practice of masculinity and the subsequent need to acknowledge intersectionality, and finally, it problematizes the rhetoric of ‘tradition(al)’ or ‘biblical’ masculinity. Mapping the future of the study of biblical reception and masculinities, the introduction identifies key issues and areas for further research. These are the necessity of a greater emphasis on multidisciplinarity, the need to demonstrating hermeneutical self-awareness, and a broadening of the scope of the field to include the Qur’an and Muslim cultures as well as newly emerging forms of Christianity in the global South. These features are key to the study of the recepti...
Research Interests: Philosophy and Judaism
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This paper compares and contrasts the notion of "actuosa participatio" as it is current in liturgical theology with the notion of "participatory society" (or "big society") as it... more
This paper compares and contrasts the notion of "actuosa participatio" as it is current in liturgical theology with the notion of "participatory society" (or "big society") as it occurs in the Dutch political debate.
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This paper surveys the use of memory in the work of Paul, positioning it in the ancient discourse on memory and providing two exegetical examples (Phil 1 and 1 Cor 11)
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The correspondence between archbishop Andreas Rinkel of Utrecht and bishop Erwin Kreuzer of the German Old Catholic Church from 1937 until the invasion of the Netherlands*
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This study researches the development of the self-understanding of the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente during the 20th century, with special attention for their ecclesiologies of the... more
This study researches the development of the self-understanding of the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente during the 20th century, with special attention for their ecclesiologies of the local and national church.
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In 1990 publiceerde John Milbank zijn manifesto Theology & Social Theory waarin hij een aantal fundamentele theologische overwegingen presenteert. Het is gericht aan aan theologen en sociale wetenschappers. In zijn boek probeert hij... more
In 1990 publiceerde John Milbank zijn manifesto Theology & Social Theory waarin hij een aantal fundamentele theologische overwegingen presenteert. Het is gericht aan aan theologen en sociale wetenschappers. In zijn boek probeert hij sociale theorievorming vanuit het perspectief van christelijke theologie te interpreteren (en te relativeren) om zo christelijke theologie te herpositioneren in relatie tot andere wetenschappelijke disciplines. Milbank stelt de these op dat sociale theorie eigenlijk theologie is en dat theologie zelf al een sociale theorie te bieden heeft. Uitgaande van deze stelling beargumenteert hij dat de theologie een sociale theorie biedt, waarin een ontologie van de vrede van centraal belang is. Deze bijdrage behandelt de kern van Milbanks vertoog en laat zien hoe het theologen van verschillende disciplines heeft uitgedaagd en nog steeds uitdaagt.
Research Interests: Philosophy and Theology
This study researches the development of the self-understanding of the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente during the 20th century, with special attention for their ecclesiologies of the... more
This study researches the development of the self-understanding of the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente during the 20th century, with special attention for their ecclesiologies of the local and national church.
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Most characters in the Bible are men, yet they are hardly analysed as such.Masculinity and the Bibleprovides the first comprehensive survey of approaches that remedy this situation. These are studies that utilize insights from the field... more
Most characters in the Bible are men, yet they are hardly analysed as such.Masculinity and the Bibleprovides the first comprehensive survey of approaches that remedy this situation. These are studies that utilize insights from the field of masculinity studies to further biblical studies. The volume offers a representative overview of both fields and presents a new exegesis of a well-known biblical text (Mark 6) to show how this approach leads to new insights.By presenting the field of masculinity studies, the volume performs a service for those working in biblical studies and related disciplines, but do not have explored this approach yet. At the same time, the volume shows, by surveying the past two decades of publications in the field, what results have been achieved so far and where open questions remain. In the exegesis of Mark 6, it becomes clear that one of these challenges, the often very specific and intersectional character of masculinity, can be addressed successfully when...
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Paul's boasting is often considered to be problematic. This paper explores Pauline boasting from the perspective of Plutarch's views on self-praise. Outlining what kinds of self-praise were and were not acceptable to someone like... more
Paul's boasting is often considered to be problematic. This paper explores Pauline boasting from the perspective of Plutarch's views on self-praise. Outlining what kinds of self-praise were and were not acceptable to someone like Plutarch, the paper analyses and positions Paul's boasting in Phil 3 in this context, concluding that, however offensive it may be to modern ears, this boasting was probably less so to the ears of his contemporaries.
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The Epistle of James is not commonly seen in relation to early Christian common meals. At the same time, the work is preoccupied with the common life of an early Christian community, which in turn was, generally speaking, closely related... more
The Epistle of James is not commonly seen in relation to early Christian common meals. At the same time, the work is preoccupied with the common life of an early Christian community, which in turn was, generally speaking, closely related to the way in which it celebrated its meals. In other words, ethics, ecclesiology, and etiquette were closely related. Based on this consideration, this essay attempts to relate aspects of the epistle to symposiastic conventions as they were known in the first-century Mediterranean world.
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Focusing on 1 Cor. 11, this article argues that the early Christian meal can be understood as a cultural technique that enables new knowledge and insight, specifically about the world to come. The argument takes its vantage point from an... more
Focusing on 1 Cor. 11, this article argues that the early Christian meal can be understood as a cultural technique that enables new knowledge and insight, specifically about the world to come. The argument takes its vantage point from an understanding of the early Christian meal as a form of social experimentation that engages in prefigurative practices, thereby anticipating the world to come. To explore the latter phenomenon, this article makes use of a body of theory concerning prefigurative politics, a field not commonly associated with the study of religion. However, it is shown that this body of theory is a useful tool for considering that the kind of knowledge regarding the world to come is made possible through the performance of the early Christian meal, understood as a cultural technique. In this manner, the present article aims to make contributions at the levels of both the theory regarding the study of the early Christian meal and insights into it.
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In this article, Paul's remarks about the Corinthian Lord's Supper in 1 Cor 11:17–34 are discussed from the perspective of ritual studies, specifically from the perspective of ritual failure and ritual negotiation. After outlining... more
In this article, Paul's remarks about the Corinthian Lord's Supper in 1 Cor 11:17–34 are discussed from the perspective of ritual studies, specifically from the perspective of ritual failure and ritual negotiation. After outlining the appertaining analytical models, drawing on the thought of Roland Grimes and scholars working in his footsteps, it is argued that 1 Cor 11:17–34 can well be understood as an argument arising from (perceived) ritual failure on the part of the Corinthians that fits a number of Grimesian categories. Next, it is argued that Paul seeks to correct, or rather “renegotiate,” the Corinthian ritual by drawing on the narrative that governs the ritual's significance. By analyzing 1 Cor 11:17–34 from this perspective, it is argued that it is highly likely that Paul's concerns, as he formulates them there, stem from a reconsideration of the meaning of the ritual of the Lord's Supper, prompted by ritual failure and given rise to a renewed formulati...
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De Oud-Katholieke Kerk is vrij onbekend in Nederland. Deze bundel behandelt verschillende aspecten van leer en leven. Ten eerste de geschiedenis: de kerk is ontstaan uit de onduidelijkheid over de positie van de katholieken na de... more
De Oud-Katholieke Kerk is vrij onbekend in Nederland. Deze bundel behandelt verschillende aspecten van leer en leven. Ten eerste de geschiedenis: de kerk is ontstaan uit de onduidelijkheid over de positie van de katholieken na de Reformatie en de wens in de achttiende eeuw een eigen bisschop te kiezen. Daarna komen aspecten van de geloofsleer aan bod: de kerk oriënteert zich op de oude kerk van voor 1054, heeft een augustijnse spiritualiteit en is conciliair georganiseerd. Een groot hoofdstuk is gewijd aan de liturgie, die binnen de kerk naar eigen zeggen een belangrijke plaats inneemt – veel komt overeen met de bekende rooms-katholieke liturgie. Een volgend hoofdstuk geeft een beeld van het leven in een parochie. In het kerkrecht wordt een evenwicht gevonden tussen lokale kerkgemeenschappen en bisschoppen als deel van de universele kerk. Het laatste hoofdstuk beschrijft de indrukwekkende bijdrage van de kerk aan de oecumene. Ten opzichte van eerdere uitgaven is deze bundel geïllustreerd en van hoger niveau. Met voetnoten en verschillende literatuuroverzichten.
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Verdiep je in… het kerstverhaal duikt in het kerstverhaal zoals het is opgetekend in Matteüs, Lucas en Johannes. Het kerstverhaal leent zich namelijk uitstekend voor waardevolle bijbelstudie. Want hoewel het kerstverhaal bij veel mensen... more
Verdiep je in… het kerstverhaal duikt in het kerstverhaal zoals het is opgetekend in Matteüs, Lucas en Johannes. Het kerstverhaal leent zich namelijk uitstekend voor waardevolle bijbelstudie. Want hoewel het kerstverhaal bij veel mensen bekend is, is er nog zoveel meer te ontdekken en te leren dan je zou denken. Auteur Peter-Ben Smit is hoogleraar contextuele bijbelinterpretatie aan de Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. In dertien studies neemt hij je mee op ontdekkingstocht langs de bekende teksten. Daarbij daagt hij je uit om er met de ogen van de eerste hoorders van de tekst naar te kijken. Een waardevolle voorbereiding op het kerstfeest voor groepen en persoonlijke studie. Zo kun je dit boekje gebruiken binnen je parochie of gemeente, met je bijbelstudiegroep of bij je persoonlijke stille tijd. Niet alleen geef je met dit boekje een bijzondere invulling aan de komende adventsperiode, maar geeft het je ook nieuwe inzichten die elk jaar van pas komen.
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This article examines the significance of the notion of the ‘gift’ and ‘givenness’ in the account of Jesus’ last meal (‘last supper’) in the Gospel of Mark. It asks whether attention to the notion of the ‘gift’ can be a useful heuristic... more
This article examines the significance of the notion of the ‘gift’ and ‘givenness’ in the account of Jesus’ last meal (‘last supper’) in the Gospel of Mark. It asks whether attention to the notion of the ‘gift’ can be a useful heuristic for the exegesis of the Markan account of Jesus’ last meal with his disciples, particularly regarding the symbolic actions that Jesus performs during this meal. This question is answered affirmatively by highlighting how attention to the narrative representation of the ritual of Jesus’ last meal in the Gospel of Mark can enhance an understanding of Jesus’ violent death in terms of self-giving. The breaking of the bread at this meal becomes, then, a corollary to Jesus’ (bodily) giving of himself for others, as it is connected to the narrative of his violent death, and likely gains meaning beyond that of being a regular part of a meal and a necessary act that enables the sharing of bread.
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""Unter den biblisch-hermeneutischen Entwürfen, die im letzten Jahrhundert vorgestellt worden sind, ragt die «kanonische Hermeneutik» Brevard S.Childs' heraus. Sie ist der... more
""Unter den biblisch-hermeneutischen Entwürfen, die im letzten Jahrhundert vorgestellt worden sind, ragt die «kanonische Hermeneutik» Brevard S.Childs' heraus. Sie ist der Versuch, die Bibel wieder in ihrem ursprünglichen, d.h. kanonischen, Kontext zu lesen. Dieser Kontext ist der Glaube der Kirche, wie er in ihrer Glaubensregel («Regula Fidei») festgehalten ist. Es ist aber merkwürdig, dass Childs diese Glaubensregel, die für seinen Entwurf von zentraler Bedeutung ist, nirgends definiert. Das Gleiche trifft auf die ebenso wichtige Grösse «Kirche» zu. Eine mögliche Folge davon ist, dass die Korrelation «Glaubensregel der Kirche» - «Auslegung der Bibel» je nach Kirche wechselt, womit der (konfessionellen und kulturellen) Kontextualität der Bibelauslegung Rechnung getragen wird. Dies dürfte z.T. wohl nicht der Intention Childs' entsprechen.""
Research Interests:
ONLINE MINOR BIBLE TRANSLATION If you are fascinated by the complex and delicate process of translating the Bible, the minor Bible Translation in the Digital Age is an enriching academic and personal experience for you! This minor... more
ONLINE MINOR BIBLE TRANSLATION
If you are fascinated by the complex and delicate process of translating the Bible, the minor Bible Translation in the Digital Age is an enriching academic and personal experience for you! This minor introduces you to the digital tools that make it possible to access and understand many contexts relevant to translating the Bible, while at the same time critically reflecting on the inherent limitations and biases of those tools that are now used by almost all Bible translators and biblical scholars all over the world. The minor program is completely online and at the same time aimed at interaction both between students and between students and professors. The minor is open for students of VU university as well as other universities in the Netherlands or abroad, for exchange student. For postgraduate students and contract students there are arrangements that do not involve enrollment with tuition fees but payment in terms of the number of ECTS credits of the minor program. VU.NL/BIBLE-TRANSLATION
If you are fascinated by the complex and delicate process of translating the Bible, the minor Bible Translation in the Digital Age is an enriching academic and personal experience for you! This minor introduces you to the digital tools that make it possible to access and understand many contexts relevant to translating the Bible, while at the same time critically reflecting on the inherent limitations and biases of those tools that are now used by almost all Bible translators and biblical scholars all over the world. The minor program is completely online and at the same time aimed at interaction both between students and between students and professors. The minor is open for students of VU university as well as other universities in the Netherlands or abroad, for exchange student. For postgraduate students and contract students there are arrangements that do not involve enrollment with tuition fees but payment in terms of the number of ECTS credits of the minor program. VU.NL/BIBLE-TRANSLATION
Research Interests:
Prof. Dr. Herwig Aldenhoven (1933 Wien–2002 Bern) lehrte an der Christkatholisch-Theologischen Fakultät der Universität Bern rund drei Jahrzehnte lang systematische Theologie und Liturgik. Die für diesen Band ausgewählten Arbeiten wurden... more
Prof. Dr. Herwig Aldenhoven (1933 Wien–2002 Bern) lehrte an der Christkatholisch-Theologischen Fakultät der Universität Bern rund drei Jahrzehnte lang systematische Theologie und Liturgik. Die für diesen Band ausgewählten Arbeiten wurden teils für Fachgremien, teils für mitdenkende Glieder der Kirche geschrieben. Sie alle beruhen auf einem altkirchlichen Grundgedanken, auf den der Titel des Buches verweist: Die Liturgie der Kirche steht in einem wechselseitigen Zusammenhang mit der Glaubenslehre. Die akademische Theologie als Beitrag zur Explikation des Glaubens ist in diesem Kontext rational-weltzugewandt, doch sie ist sich zugleich ihrer Grenzen, letztlich ihrer Unmöglichkeit bewusst. In diesem Rahmen berücksichtigt Aldenhoven häufig ostkirchliche Stimmen in der Überzeugung, dass die Orientierung an einer für Ost-und Westkirchen gemeinsamen Tradition auch für ein vertieftes ökumenisches Gespräch unter den Kirchen fruchtbar ist.
Mit diesem Ansatz repräsentiert das Werk Aldenhovens ein Grundanliegen im klassischen Selbstverständnis der Altkatholischen Kirche. Die einzelnen Arbeiten lassen sich drei Themenfeldern zuordnen: Sie handeln von der Struktur des eucharistischen Gebets, vom paradoxen Charakter der Rede vom dreifaltigen Gott und vom Verständnis der Kirche als einer nicht-autoritären verbindlichen Gemeinschaft.
Mit diesem Ansatz repräsentiert das Werk Aldenhovens ein Grundanliegen im klassischen Selbstverständnis der Altkatholischen Kirche. Die einzelnen Arbeiten lassen sich drei Themenfeldern zuordnen: Sie handeln von der Struktur des eucharistischen Gebets, vom paradoxen Charakter der Rede vom dreifaltigen Gott und vom Verständnis der Kirche als einer nicht-autoritären verbindlichen Gemeinschaft.
Research Interests:
This track consists of two connected courses that offer in the first week an introduction to Old Catholic theology in its ecumenical context and in the second week the possibility to deepen your understanding of Old Catholic Theology by... more
This track consists of two connected courses that offer in the first week an introduction to Old Catholic theology in its ecumenical context and in the second week the possibility to deepen your understanding of Old Catholic Theology by thematic and in-depth case-driven classes. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in the Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The first week will offer a broad overview of main topics and themes in Old Catholic theology and spirituality which will be deepened in the courses of the second week.
The courses in the second week are especially linked to an apparent paradoxical key starting point of Old Catholic theology: the faith and order of the Early Church. How can a modern church be so 'traditional' at the same time?
The topics covered by the course include the following aspects of Old Catholic theology and tradition: the history of Old Catholicism, fundamental and liturgical theology, spirituality, ecumenism, canon law and ecclesiology, liturgy, and systematic theology. Case studies that will be explored cover topics such as marriage, the ordination of women and mission.
The courses will be taught by experts in Old Catholic theology on the faculty of the Old Catholic Seminary, Utrecht, together with staff of the Institute of Old Catholic Theology, University of Bonn.
The course includes excursions a.o. to a major collection of related religious art (Museum Catharijneconvent). The beginning of the course is marked by attending the Eucharist in St. Gertrud’s Cathedral, facilitating an encounter with ‘lived Old Catholicism’.
Besides the programme of lectures and seminars social activities will be organised to meet and get to know each other. This, we believe, is important because studying theology is also studying in practice, in relation with the other students from all different contexts.
At the end of the course, students will have a deepened knowledge of, and insight in Old Catholic theology and her appeal on the Early Church and will be able to apply this knowledge in theological reflection and research. The course is partly at the introductory level of an M.Div. curriculum and partly at the advanced level of a MA curriculum. Good BA students may also apply, as well as others. Students may be expected to do advance reading for the course.
This track combines the two courses of Old Catholic Theology in its Ecumenical Context and The Early Church as Ideal. It is also possible to participate in only one of the two weeks.
The courses in the second week are especially linked to an apparent paradoxical key starting point of Old Catholic theology: the faith and order of the Early Church. How can a modern church be so 'traditional' at the same time?
The topics covered by the course include the following aspects of Old Catholic theology and tradition: the history of Old Catholicism, fundamental and liturgical theology, spirituality, ecumenism, canon law and ecclesiology, liturgy, and systematic theology. Case studies that will be explored cover topics such as marriage, the ordination of women and mission.
The courses will be taught by experts in Old Catholic theology on the faculty of the Old Catholic Seminary, Utrecht, together with staff of the Institute of Old Catholic Theology, University of Bonn.
The course includes excursions a.o. to a major collection of related religious art (Museum Catharijneconvent). The beginning of the course is marked by attending the Eucharist in St. Gertrud’s Cathedral, facilitating an encounter with ‘lived Old Catholicism’.
Besides the programme of lectures and seminars social activities will be organised to meet and get to know each other. This, we believe, is important because studying theology is also studying in practice, in relation with the other students from all different contexts.
At the end of the course, students will have a deepened knowledge of, and insight in Old Catholic theology and her appeal on the Early Church and will be able to apply this knowledge in theological reflection and research. The course is partly at the introductory level of an M.Div. curriculum and partly at the advanced level of a MA curriculum. Good BA students may also apply, as well as others. Students may be expected to do advance reading for the course.
This track combines the two courses of Old Catholic Theology in its Ecumenical Context and The Early Church as Ideal. It is also possible to participate in only one of the two weeks.
Research Interests:
This course offers the possibility to deepen your knowledge of Old Catholic theology by thematic and in-depth case-driven classes, linked to a key starting point of Old Catholic theology: the faith and order of the Early Church. How can a... more
This course offers the possibility to deepen your knowledge of Old Catholic theology by thematic and in-depth case-driven classes, linked to a key starting point of Old Catholic theology: the faith and order of the Early Church. How can a modern church be so ‘traditional’ at the same time? This apparent tension and paradox will be the core theme of this weeklong, intensive course. The course will be taught by experts in Old Catholic theology affiliated with the Old Catholic Seminary in Utrecht and beyond. After the online edition of this summer school last summer the organisation aims to offer the course face-to-face again in Utrecht in the summer of 2022.
The topics and disciplines covered by the course include: fundamental and liturgical theology, spirituality, and ecumenism. Case studies that will be explored cover topics such as marriage, the ordination of women, spirituality, and mission. The course will also engage with Old Catholic worship as it is being celebrated today.
At the end of the course, students will have a deepened knowledge of, and insight in Old Catholic theology and her appeal on the Early Church and will be able to apply this knowledge in theological reflexion and research. The course is at the advanced level of a MA curriculum. Students may be expected to do advance reading for the course.
Entry requirements for this course are having attended the course ‘Old Catholic Theology in an Ecumenical context’, advanced knowledge of theology or a similar qualification. The course ‘Old Catholic Theology in an Ecumenical context’ is offered in immediate connection with this advanced course. Are you interested in participating in both courses? You can apply for the combination track here: Old Catholic Theology: The Early Church as Charism and Challenge. Combining both courses also leads to a reduced fee.
Old Catholic theology is understood as the theological discourse within the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht.
The topics and disciplines covered by the course include: fundamental and liturgical theology, spirituality, and ecumenism. Case studies that will be explored cover topics such as marriage, the ordination of women, spirituality, and mission. The course will also engage with Old Catholic worship as it is being celebrated today.
At the end of the course, students will have a deepened knowledge of, and insight in Old Catholic theology and her appeal on the Early Church and will be able to apply this knowledge in theological reflexion and research. The course is at the advanced level of a MA curriculum. Students may be expected to do advance reading for the course.
Entry requirements for this course are having attended the course ‘Old Catholic Theology in an Ecumenical context’, advanced knowledge of theology or a similar qualification. The course ‘Old Catholic Theology in an Ecumenical context’ is offered in immediate connection with this advanced course. Are you interested in participating in both courses? You can apply for the combination track here: Old Catholic Theology: The Early Church as Charism and Challenge. Combining both courses also leads to a reduced fee.
Old Catholic theology is understood as the theological discourse within the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht.
Research Interests:
This course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in the Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The topics covered... more
This course offers an introduction to Old Catholic theology in an ecumenical context. Old Catholic theology is understood as the main theological currents as they exist in the Union of Utrecht of Old Catholic Churches. The topics covered by the course include the following aspects of Old Catholic theology and tradition: the history of Old Catholicism, spirituality, ecumenism, canon law and ecclesiology, liturgy, and systematic theology. After the online edition of this summer school last summer the organisation aims to offer the course face-to-face again in Utrecht in the summer of 2022 (pending the development of the pandemic - a final decision will be made towards the end of May 2022).
Students will be taught by experts in Old Catholic theology on the faculty of the Old Catholic Seminary, Utrecht.The topics covered by the course include the following: History of Old Catholicism, Old Catholic spirituality, Ecumenism and Old Catholicism, Old Catholic canon law and ecclesiology, Old Catholic liturgy, and Old Catholic systematic theology.
The course includes an exploration of religious art in cooperation with the main Dutch museum on this topic, Museum Catharijneconvent. Participants will also engage with Old Catholic liturgy and church music. Furthermore, attention will be given to the episcopal city of Utrecht, as a key site of the history of Dutch Christianity in general and of Old Catholicism in particular. A new feature will be an excursion to the city of Amsterdam and its fascinating history of both religious tolerance and hidden Catholicism. Besides attending lectures and excursions there will also be the possibility to participate in social activities in which you can learn from the knowledge and background of your fellow students and have a good time together as well.
At the end of the course, students will have a broad overview of main topics and themes in Old Catholic theology and spirituality and will be able to pursue further independent study of the subject. The course is at the introductory level of an M.Div. curriculum; good BA students may also apply, as well as others. Students may be expected to do advance reading for the course.
More information about the programme and lecturers can be found in the Day-to-day programme that can be downloaded by the button below.
This course can be combined with a second week of advanced studies: 'The Early Church as Ideal - Old Catholic Theology Beyond the Basics'. This course is offered in immediate connection with the introductory course. Combining both courses leads to a reduction of the total course fee. You can apply for the combination track here: Old Catholic Theology: The Early Church as Charism and Challenge.
Students will be taught by experts in Old Catholic theology on the faculty of the Old Catholic Seminary, Utrecht.The topics covered by the course include the following: History of Old Catholicism, Old Catholic spirituality, Ecumenism and Old Catholicism, Old Catholic canon law and ecclesiology, Old Catholic liturgy, and Old Catholic systematic theology.
The course includes an exploration of religious art in cooperation with the main Dutch museum on this topic, Museum Catharijneconvent. Participants will also engage with Old Catholic liturgy and church music. Furthermore, attention will be given to the episcopal city of Utrecht, as a key site of the history of Dutch Christianity in general and of Old Catholicism in particular. A new feature will be an excursion to the city of Amsterdam and its fascinating history of both religious tolerance and hidden Catholicism. Besides attending lectures and excursions there will also be the possibility to participate in social activities in which you can learn from the knowledge and background of your fellow students and have a good time together as well.
At the end of the course, students will have a broad overview of main topics and themes in Old Catholic theology and spirituality and will be able to pursue further independent study of the subject. The course is at the introductory level of an M.Div. curriculum; good BA students may also apply, as well as others. Students may be expected to do advance reading for the course.
More information about the programme and lecturers can be found in the Day-to-day programme that can be downloaded by the button below.
This course can be combined with a second week of advanced studies: 'The Early Church as Ideal - Old Catholic Theology Beyond the Basics'. This course is offered in immediate connection with the introductory course. Combining both courses leads to a reduction of the total course fee. You can apply for the combination track here: Old Catholic Theology: The Early Church as Charism and Challenge.