Chair of Historical Theology (Ancient Church History and Patrology)

We research the history and theology of ancient Christianity in all its dimensions, i.e. the constitutive phase of this religion in which its basic structures (Bible, theology, liturgy, hierarchy) emerged as well as the fundamental models of its relationship to culture, society and the state.

In addition to recent critical editions, literary primary sources (manuscripts, inscriptions, graffiti on papyrus, parchment, stone, plaster, clay or textiles) as well as the archaeological legacy of antiquity (sculpture, painting, buildings) form the basis of the research work.

On the one hand, the subject contributes to the exploration of the ancient world as one of the foundations of Europe in the context of classical studies. On the other hand, in the context of theology, it offers methodological and thematic reflection aids for religious and ecclesiastical questions of the present.