Theology and Religious Studies: Exploring a Discipline

The study route in Bible Translation brings together theory and practice relevant for translating the Bible. In the Working Sessions students learn to analyze translations and to practise translation themselves. The programme furthermore consists of courses of choice that support critical study of the Hebrew and Greek biblical texts from a variety of methods and perspectives, such as linguistic, historical and exegetical study, digital analysis, and reception history. In addition, it is optional to combine this with a study route in contextual biblical interpretation to enhance self-awareness in the process of Bible interpretation and translation. The aim of this study route is to gain experience in Bible translation, to be trained in Biblical exegesis (from a linguistic or from a historical angle), and to become aware of the contextual and hermeneutical processes involved in interpretation and translation.

Questions? Please contact Prof. dr. Matthijs J. de Jong, m.j.de.jong@vu.nl

The study route in Biblical Studies and Digital Humanities combines the versatile tools of computational analysis with critical study of the Hebrew and Greek biblical texts. Research into complex linguistic or hermeneutical issues often requires more powerful tools and more data than traditional methods offer. Tagged databases, language processing tools, and statistical analyses enable researchers to gather, test, and present that data. Students may also apply these to Targums, Dead Sea Scrolls, or Septuagint studies. The programme additionally entails the language, history, transmission, and reception of the biblical texts themselves.

During this study route you will study the writings of the New Testament in their historical, cultural, and religious contexts and focuses on the ways in which these and other writings functioned within the formation of Christianity as a world religion.

The twenty-seven writings known as the New Testament were all written in the first or early second century. They became authoritative Scripture in a process that resulted in the first mention of this list in the year 367. Bisshop Athanasius of Alexandria lists these particular writings as authoritative, and does so in his 39^th Easter Letter. How did Christianity-in-the-making relate to Judaism-in-the-making? How did it relate to its pagan contexts? We study the New Testament from a variety of perspectives, with historical, but also hermeneutical and contemporary questions in mind. From textual criticism to reception history, from theological exegesis to philology, we practice it all.

Questions? Please contact Prof. dr. Bert Jan Lietaert Peerbolte, l.j.lietaert.peerbolte@vu.nl.

If you are a student enthusiastic about your Christian faith, the church and Gods mission, and are looking for ways to serve in an evangelical Protestant church or organisation, this master’s programme is for you!

The programme is designed for students who have an affinity with an evangelical spirituality, and/or more specifically have an affinity with the baptistic tradition (although the latter is by no means a requirement). Throughout the modules, a continuous interaction is sought between the study of faith practices, the deepening of theological knowledge and the personal and professional formation of the student. It is coordinated by the Dutch Baptist Seminary and linked to the James Wm. McClendon Chair for Baptistic and Evangelical Theologies at VU Amsterdam.

During the programme – one year (fulltime) or two years (part-time) – Dutch-speaking students take part in the learning community of the Baptist Seminary, which involves sharing your life with peers, weekly times of prayer and three days annually set apart for exploring ‘doing theology’ around an actual topic. For international (English speaking) students, there are possibilities to become involved in the learning network of the International Baptist Theological Seminary (IBTS).

Click here for more information about Evangelical & Baptistic Leadership.

This study route equips the student with sufficient knowledge and tools to explore important academic and societally relevant issues at the intersection of philosophy and religion, such as various challenges in contemporary hermeneutics, philosophy of religion, apologetics, and analytic theology. By the end of this year, the student will have an MA in theology and has the opportunity to continue his or her studies in the second year of a Research Master in Theology or a Research Master in Philosophy.

With deep roots and a broad geographic presence, Reformed and Evangelical theologies form a robust and vibrant tradition within global Christianity. Confronted with the complexities and intrigues of modern life, this study route sets out to explore this rich tradition in the challenges it faces, as well as the opportunities, for theological contemplation, it offers.

This study route explores the history of the Reformed and Evangelical tradition within Christianity, and teaches students to reason theologically (as Reformed/Evangelical theologians). Contemporary issues that are hotly debated within Evangelicalism – like evolutionary theory – are discussed. The same goes for theological questions raised by practices and spiritualities within faith communities; topics like providence and God’s presence are related to divine guidance in believer’s lives and the gifts of the Spirit in charismatic circles.

Are you looking to deepen (critical) insight in your own tradition? Think through complex theological queries? Or, explore a way of doing theology that is characteristic for a growing and global branch of Christianity? Then this is the study route for you!