Theology

Against the background of recent research, Christian Rose analyzes the speeches following the 435 »Thus-says-YHWH« formulas in the Old Testament, examines them with regard to the tenses in Hebrew and, drawing on newer linguistic methods (for example, view of action types), compares them structurally with one another.

The complex genesis of the Book of Jeremiah reflects a fundamental change in the understanding of the prophet. Jeremiah, who sees an as yet undetermined disaster approaching »from the north« towards the end of the state period and thus questions the traditional order, develops into a prophet of judgment in the editorial work of the book.

The contributors to this volume examine how fear and fear of God shaped religious practice, social relations, and identity in ancient Judaism and early Christianity. Through analysis of biblical, Rabbinic, and early Christian texts, plus Egyptian and Mesopotamian sources, they reveal fear's complex role in ancient religious emotion and theology.

Volker Leppin addresses the much-debated question of Luther's attitude toward the Jews by situating it within late medieval theology and exegesis. He shows how Luther's anti-Jewish polemics emerged from intra-Christian criticism and became embedded in the framework of early modern »proto-antisemitism.«