Lecturers  Dr. Aza Goudriaan, associate professor of church history (coordinator) Prof. Annette Merz, professor of new testament studies Prof. Klaas Spronk, professor of old testament studies Dr. Lieve Teugels, associate professor of Semitics and Jewish studies Content  Major crises have occurred throughout history. They have provoked responses that can be studied from different perspectives, including from the side of theology. Applying exegetical, literary, and historical methods, this course studies major crises from Old Testament times until the fifth century AD. For the Old Testament era, attention will be given to the prophet Jeremiah and to Lamentations. From the angle of Jewish Studies, excerpts of the Midrash on Lamentations, which reflects on the destruction of the two Jewish temples, will be analysed. From the early Christian perspective, we will also focus on the destruction of the (Second) temple and its theological interpretations as reflected in the New Testament and other Early Christian Literature. Finally, with regard to the late Roman Empire, we will read from responses by Augustine and Salvian of Marseilles to the disruptions (including the Sack of Rome in 410) that were caused by barbaric invasions. By studying these different texts about crises, this course will hopefully also provide a theological repertoire that can be used in contemporary theological responses to current crises. Lecture day Friday Venue PThU Amsterdam or Groningen