Recent publications

Key concepts developed by college lecturers in German-speaking countries

The approaches to the Bible taken by evangelical university lecturers in German-speaking countries have remained unexplored until now. This book is the first to systematically analyze their key concepts and contextualize them in terms of important basic terms, institutional settings, and key figures of demarcation. This brings into focus both the attachment of evangelical college professors to their institutions and their urge to clearly distinguish themselves from university approaches. The volume not only provides important fundamental reflections on evangelical biblical hermeneutics, but also examines their relevance in relation to the topic of ways of life

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A Festschrift in Honor of Klaus Tanner

This compilation of articles by colleagues, students, and close associates serves as a commemorative publication for Prof. Dr. Klaus Tanner, who served as Heidelberg University's Professor of Systematic Theology (Ethics) for many years. In exemplary highlights, they cover the broad spectrum of fundamental topics in Klaus Tanner's research and teaching. Overall, the volume outlines a theological ethic that places specific emphasis on the trustworthiness of reflection.

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Regional Case Studies and Linking Perspectives

Diaconia – the Christian practice of social service and care – plays a significant role in societies across the globe. Shaped by diverse contexts, it takes on a wide range of forms and purposes, organizational models and networks, and involves both professional and voluntary engagement. Its relationships with churches, as well as with public and private welfare systems, are equally varied.

This volume offers a comprehensive overview of the global landscape of diaconia, exploring its historical development, contextual expressions, organizational patterns, and theological foundations.

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An empirical dogmatics of religious communication in social welfare work (Loci diaconici)

Diaconia and diaconal institutions are theologically productive. Employees of diaconal institutions reflect on their experiences in their work context by relying on theological motifs, concepts, and narratives. Thus, one can find thoughtful and nuanced interpretations of relevant issues and challenges in the social sector. These reflection are not only important in explicitly religious practices such as devotions, but also in everyday situations, encounters, attitudes, roles, and organizational structures. Megan Arndt and Thorsten Moos systematically explore this “theology in the field” and bring it into dialogue with the Protestant tradition. Based on empirical study data, they develop a contextual theology of diaconia.

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A Comparative Analysis of Catholic and Orthodox Perspectives on Body Modification

Despite the widespread popularity of body modification, this study is the first to provide a comparative analysis of Catholic and Orthodox perspectives on tattoos and piercings. By examining historical, doctrinal, and ethical debates, the book explores scriptural interpretations, official Church teachings, and theological arguments. It also considers cultural and pastoral dimensions, shedding light on a controversial yet relevant issue in contemporary Christianity. As a comparative study, it not only deepens the understanding of Catholic and Orthodox traditions but also fosters interfaith and intercultural dialogue, promoting communication and mutual respect. By bridging historical perspectives with modern practice, this research offers valuable insights for theologians, scholars, and readers interested in an intersectional study of faith, identity, and personal expression.

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Theology in Dialogue

Under the heading “Networking” the first volume of the yearbook “Systematic-Theological Research” brings together contributions from scholars who highlight and reflect on the interdisciplinary nature of theological research based on their own research projects. Systematic theology, in dialogue with disciplines both within and outside theology, gains and provides new perspectives and insights into questions of Christian faith in the context of scientific and social discourse. The contributions discuss traditional theological topics such as creation, scripture, and charity in light of current challenges such as climate change, or incorporate scientific theoretical traditions from the

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From event to relationship-oriented assumption of responsibility

This book takes a critical and constructive look at the intellectual premises underlying previous definitions of the relationship between humans and animals. It shows that the complexity and significance of human-animal encounters has often been underestimated in scientific animal ethics due to egocentric prejudices, and argues for a relationship-oriented rethinking. In doing so, it highlights the binding nature of human responsibility towards animals by examining Martin Heidegger's ontological critique of metaphysics and Emmanuel Levinas' phenomenological philosophy of alterity. In addition, Dietrich Bonhoeffer's ethical theology is used to outline the basic principles of a (Christian) animal ethics that aims at a more just coexistence, cooperation, and conflict between humans and animals beyond moral simplifications and rigid ontologies. After all, social relationships between humans and animals are as numerous as they are complex and require differentiated attention