Isaiah and Ecology
| This is one of three inspiring courses offered in ETF’s Summer Colloquium, scheduled August 21–26, 2023. This international study week includes lectures, various workshops and times for meeting and reflection.
Registration is open until 1 June 2023. |
The book of Isaiah is a Bible in miniature. From the time of the Early Church, it has functioned as a fifth Gospel, a rich source for proclaiming the Christian message. Christians, while drawing comfort from it, often focus on personal faith, while the book itself deals with politics and righteousness as identity marker for the people of God.
One of our greatest social challenges today is the ecological crisis. Isaiah does not directly address that crisis, but offers much to help in reflecting on ecological issues. What does Isaiah communicate when read in light of today’s ecological challenges? How does the book speak about God? What does it reveal about man, human sin and the suffering of creation? How does Isaiah understand the relationship between God and non-human creation? What role does creation play in judgment and salvation and what will its future be in Isaiah’s eschatology? By addressing these questions, this course will explore the theology of Isaiah for its significance in dealing with the ecological crisis.
PROF. DR. JAAP DEKKER is Professor of Biblical Studies and Christian Identity (Henk de Jong Chair), as well as Director of Education at Theological University Kampen | Utrecht.
Summer ColloquiumETF’s Summer Colloquium in August 2023 features three inspiring courses which intersect theology, church and society. The two other courses are: ● “Religious Freedom & Religious Persecution” by Prof. Dr. Jelle Creemers (ETF Leuven) and Dr. Tatiana Kopaleishvili (ETF Leuven) ● “Mission in the Context of World Christianity” by Prof. Dr. Benno van den Toren (Protestant Theological University, Groningen) and Dr. Bosco Bangura (Protestant Theological University, Groningen & ETF Leuven) This international study week includes lectures, various workshops and times for meeting and reflection. 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. |
