Leuven, Belgium

The Contribution of Hebrews to Early Christian Theology

While relatively neglected for many years, the letter to the Hebrews has attracted considerable scholarly interest recently. The lack of clear data about the letter’s place within early Christianity invites speculation. We cannot know who the author is, and both the destination and nature of the audience are debated. Were the recipients of the letter Jewish Christians feeling a pull back to their Jewish religious views? Or were they perhaps Gentile Christians failing to progress in their faith? Whatever the specific circumstances addressed, the letter stands as perhaps the most rhetorically powerful exhortation to have emerged in the early Christian church.

Lectures will trace the literary development of the letter, putting special emphasis on the author’s innovative re-interpretations of OT texts and concepts and on his extensive use of sacrificial imagery to interpret the work of Jesus. Indeed, the author’s atoning theology has been the focus of intense debate in recent academic study of the letter and will be a particular focus of discussion. Students should emerge from the course with a deeper appreciation of this fascinating NT book and should be able to enrich their own theological views by integrating the distinctive approach of Hebrews into their theology.

Course leader

Dr. Douglas J. Moo is Kenneth T. Wessner Professor of Biblical Studies at Wheaton College, Illinois (USA).

Target group

Our Summer Colloquium is compulsory for ETF Open University students open to interested people with academic qualifications and can serve as additional in-service training for pastors, teachers, and other ministry professionals.

Fee info

EUR 460: without accommodation
EUR 630: with accommodation (student room)