Hans-Christoph Schmitti pärandist ja Vana Testamendi alasest teaduskirjandusest Tartu Ülikooli raamatukogus

Abstract

Hans-Christoph Schmitt’s Legacy and Old Testament Scientific Literature at the University of Tartu Library

In spring 2023, the University of Tartu Library received a substantial book donation from Germany, comprising the personal library of Hans-Christoph Schmitt, a former Old Testament professor at Erlangen University. The donation significantly enriches the collection in the fields of biblical studies, Judaica, and Ancient Near Eastern science, as well as other related disciplines. The legacy was facilitated by Monika Schmitt (Hans-Christoph’s widow) and his students Jürgen van Oorschot and Markus Witte. The speaker, Urmas Nõmmik, a professor of Old Testament and Semitics, expresses gratitude to all involved.

Hans-Christoph Schmitt, born in 1941, was a theologian with a comprehensive approach, well versed in Old and New Testament studies, systematic theology, church history, practical theology, religious sociology, and general religious studies. His academic career included positions at Marburg, Augsburg, and Erlangen-Nuremberg universities. The legacy encompasses a vast array of German, English, and French literature, covering Old Testament studies, Ancient Near Eastern science, New Testament studies, and Judaica.

Schmitt’s extensive library, now at the University of Tartu, reflects his bold approach to Old Testament studies, emphasising historical-critical research. The collection includes significant contributions to fields such as Vetus Testamentum, Journal of Biblical Studies, and various monograph series. Noteworthy are the additions to commentaries on the Old Testament, a crucial genre in biblical studies.

The legacy also benefits areas beyond theology, including literature, feminist and liberation theology, and iconographic studies of ancient cultures. The collection complements existing resources in Tartu, filling gaps and expanding the scope of available literature. The significance of the donation is even greater considering Estonia’s relatively small academic community and limited resources.

In conclusion, the speaker highlights the indirect connection between Hans-Christoph Schmitt’s legacy and the earlier influence of Otto Kaiser, another significant Old Testament scholar, whose work and contributions have left a lasting impact in Tartu