Theology

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.«

As institutions of the state, publicly funded schools are obliged to remain neutral. At the same time, their educational mandate is not limited to the teaching of specialised knowledge. Schools are also places where values are formed. The contributors to this volume undertake an interdisciplinary reflection on this dimension of schools.

Christian nationalism is a phenomenon originating in the United States that is embedded in diverse global networks linked to similar developments worldwide and exerting influence on them, including in Germany. This volume examines theological guiding concepts and narratives that render right-wing political movements attractive to Christian groups.