NTT Journal for Theology and the Study of Religion - Volume 58, Issue 1, 2004

Abstract In recent research a consensus seems to have emerged regarding the basic redactional and theological unity of the twelve books of the ‘minor prophets’. Although the thesis has been severely criticised, it has become almost self-evident for many scholars. If these twelve prophetic books belong to one redactional unity, literary relations between the first and last books of this corpus become interesting. Three of thes Read More

Abstract This article surveys the past year’s debate over the James ossuary. It argues that the report of the Israel Antiquities Authority (with its unanimous verdict of non-authenticity of the inscription) is deeply flawed and sketches the background of it. Without claiming authenticity for the inscription, the author argues that as yet no compelling reason has been put forward to reject it as a fake.

Abstract In his Demonstrationes (337-345 CE) Aphrahat gives an interpretation of the Parable of the Vineyard (Matt. 20:1-16) that fundamentally contradicts its intention: The labourers of the first hour have the right to ask for more wages (and do get more) than is promised them by the lord of the vineyard. The background of this exegesis is that for Aphrahat the value of asceticism devalues if there is an equal reward for all Read More

Abstract This article describes four of the twelve extant examples of the motif of human sacrifice in medieval Irish literature. One of these is extensively analysed: the narrative in prose and poetry about pre-Christian, annual child sacrifice on the Plain of Slécht from the dindshenchas, the collection of medieval etymological explanations of place names. The literary development of this narrative is investigated and it is argu Read More

Abstract In recent publications the Dutchman Dirk Volckertsz Coornhert (1522-1590) is honoured as the forerunner of religious tolerance and of the modern idea of the separation of church and state. This picture is one-sided and therefore mistaken. Coornhert feared the influence of the Dutch reformed church and was convinced that this church aimed at a new inquisition. Moved by this fear he urged the city-magistrates to set Read More