Suffering in the New Testament from a Perspective of Honor and Shame
| This is one of the inspiring courses offered in ETF Leuven’s Summer Colloquium, scheduled August 17–22, 2026. This international study week includes lectures, various workshops and times for meeting and reflection.
Registration is open until 1 June 2026. |
“Rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings.” These are words the apostle Peter wrote two thousand years ago to followers of Jesus Christ in Asia Minor—now Turkey. Peter, as well as Paul, sometimes describes experiences of suffering in a surprisingly positive light.
During the Summer Colloquium, we will read several of these texts from a cultural-anthropological perspective. More specifically, we will delve deeper into research on the notions of honor and shame in the context of the New Testament and how these notions were intertwined with the painful experiences of Jesus and his followers. This perspective has proven fruitful in gaining a more refined understanding of the actual problem the apostles addressed. It can help us to better understand the positive interpretation they give to this suffering.
Furthermore, we reflect on what these insights contribute to our attempts to grapple with various situations of suffering here and now.
By DR. MYRIAM KLINKER-DE KLERCK (Theologische Universiteit Utrecht)
| ETF Leuven’s Summer Colloquium in August 2026 features inspiring courses which intersect theology, church and society. The two other courses are:
● “Mission in the Context of World Christianity”, by Dr. Bosco Bangura (ETF Leuven) and Prof. Dr. Benno van der Toren (Protestantse Theologische Universiteit) ● “Jonathan Edwards’ Ecotheology, Ecospirituality, and the Witness of Creation”, by Prof. Dr. Lisanne Winslow (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. |
