Biblical Studies (Jorunn Økland)

The Biblical Studies sessions will be focused on ancient (biblical) ideas about creation, (dis)ruptures/apocalypses that destroy the created order, and re-creation/renewal. “Biblical” stands in parentheses here for two reasons:

First, because biblical books mostly reiterated and reinterpreted other/previously existing creation myths in circulation at the time of writing. Second, because the biblical versions of these myths have in turn inspired later creation myths found in religion (e.g. Norse mythology) and literature. Seen this way, the Bible’s creation myths are significant links in a much longer chain of human existential reflection on beginnings, ends, ruptures, destructions, and new beginnings.

Not only the differences but also the similarities between the different reiterations of these myths are interesting and important, and deserve comparative analysis. This trajectory is a serious challenge to Francis Fukuyama’s “End of History” thesis, and this CfP also invites direct reflection on the two alternative ways of viewing dis/ruptures within or in connection with biblical literature.

Contributions on Noah’s Flood story will be particularly apt and encouraged in relation to the conference theme. Other contributions may focus on biblical or extra-biblical apocalypses (Daniel, Matthew, Revelation), with all their ruptures and raptures, etc.

Queries and abstract proposals of no more than 350 words should be sent to Jorunn Økland (University of Oslo) at jorunn.okland@stk.uio.no no later than 31st January, 2026.