Trial lecture - time and place
Trial lecture will take place on may 22 from 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM in auditorium U40
Adjudication committee
- Professor Wolfgang Breul, Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz (first opponent)
- Associate Professor Juliane Engelhardt, University of Copenhagen (second opponent)
- Professor Hallgeir Elstad, the Faculty of Theology, University of Oslo
Leader of the disputation
Dean Anders Runesson, Faculty of Theology, University of Oslo
Supervisor
Professor emeritus Tarald Rasmussen, Faculty of Theology, University of Oslo
Summary
This dissertation is a reading of the thirty-four homilies on the Litany of the Wounds by Zinzendorf and the main part is the analysis of these. Before the analysis I give an outline of the time and context in which the homilies were given. The Sichtungszeit has often been dated to the period 1743-1450 and has historically been considered as a controversial period. Thus, the relationship between text and context is an important aspect of this dissertation. I present some controversial possible predecessors who could be associated with the spirituality of the period. I also give a short presentation of previous research dealing with the Sichtungszeit
The liturgy
Another essential context for the homilies was the Litany of the Wounds. Therefore, a presentation of this liturgy is necessary before the analysis.
The homilies
I suggest a thematic division of the homilies which as a structure for the reading. As I analyse the homilies, I observe how significant features of Zinzendorf´s spirituality are expressed. I pay special attention to Zinzendorf´s uses of biblical texts and his dealing with gender language.
- I investigate how biblical pericopes are used, and I explore the choice of text and uses of metaphors.
- I also analyse the relationship between the gender of Christ and the gender of the believer. I have investigated whether Christ is presented as solely male in the homilies.
Furthermore, I observe how other central aspects of Zinzendorfs spirituality is expressed in the homilies. These include:
- Bridal Mysticism
- Blood and Wounds-theology
- The imitation of Christ
- The Passion of Christ
- Knowledge
- The simplicity of the believer