Anthropological Reformations -- Anthropology in the Era of Reformation

The volume explores the intersection of anthropological concepts with theological questions, emotions, scientific knowledge, and contemporary thought on the conditio humana, featuring selected papers and research work by experts and young scholars.

Format: Hardback
Length: 575 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2023
Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht GmbH & Co KG

Anthropological concepts have played a significant role in theological questions throughout the age of Reformation. They have touched upon issues such as the freedom of will, the human likeness to God, and the reflection on emotions. Scientific knowledge has also been received by theologians, and contemporary thought on the conditio humana has been presented in literature and poetry. The volume aims to encourage a transdisciplinary, international discussion focused on exemplary case studies as well as systematic points of view. It combines selected papers of relevant experts with the research work of young graduate or postgraduate scholars.

One of the key themes in the volume is the relationship between anthropology and theology. Anthropologists have studied the beliefs and practices of various cultures, and have found that they often have different perspectives on the nature of God, the soul, and the afterlife. This has led to a re-evaluation of traditional theological concepts and has opened up new avenues for theological inquiry.

For example, anthropologists have shown that many cultures believe in a form of animism, which involves the belief that all living things have a soul. This has challenged the traditional Christian belief in the soul as a separate entity that exists after death. Anthropologists have also shown that many cultures have a more holistic view of the world, which includes the natural environment and the human body. This has led to a renewed interest in environmental ethics and the role of humans in the natural world.

Another theme in the volume is the reflection on emotions. Anthropologists have shown that emotions are a fundamental aspect of human life and that they can have a significant impact on our behavior and beliefs. They have studied the different types of emotions, such as love, anger, and fear, and have found that they are shaped by our cultural and social environment. This has led to a re-evaluation of traditional theological concepts that emphasize the importance of rationality and the suppression of emotions.

Scientific knowledge has also been received by theologians, and has had a significant impact on their understanding of the world. Theologians have used scientific knowledge to develop new theories and interpretations of the Bible, and have also used it to address social and ethical issues. For example, theologians have used scientific knowledge to argue for the existence of God and to defend the idea of the soul.

However, the reception of scientific knowledge by theologians has been mixed. Some theologians have been skeptical of scientific knowledge, arguing that it is incompatible with the teachings of the Bible. Others have been more open-minded, and have used scientific knowledge to develop new insights into the nature of God and the world.

In addition to the relationship between anthropology and theology, the volume also explores the conditio humana. The conditio humana is a Latin phrase that refers to the human condition, and it has been a central theme in Western philosophy and theology for centuries. Theologians have used the conditio humana to explore the nature of human suffering, the meaning of life, and the possibility of salvation.

The volume includes a range of case studies that illustrate the relationship between anthropology and theology. For example, one case study examines the beliefs and practices of the indigenous peoples of the Amazon rainforest. Another case study examines the beliefs and practices of the ancient Greeks and Romans.

The volume also includes a range of systematic points of view. For example, one systematic point of view examines the relationship between anthropology and theology in the context of the Enlightenment. Another systematic point of view examines the relationship between anthropology and theology in the context of postmodernism.

In conclusion, anthropological concepts have played a significant role in theological questions throughout the age of Reformation. They have touched upon issues such as the freedom of will, the human likeness to God, and the reflection on emotions. Scientific knowledge has also been received by theologians, and contemporary thought on the conditio humana has been presented in literature and poetry. The volume aims to encourage a transdisciplinary, international discussion focused on exemplary case studies as well as systematic points of view. By combining selected papers of relevant experts with the research work of young graduate or postgraduate scholars, the volume provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in the relationship between anthropology and theology.

Weight: 1065g
Dimension: 232 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783525550588