18 October 2024

On Thursday evening, 17 October, the Sant’Anselmo community gathered for the second session of Conversazioni Anselmiane, a new series designed to bring insights from the Synod of Bishops directly to campus. This session featured Prof. Dr. Thomas Söding, a prominent German Catholic theologian and senior professor of New Testament exegesis at Ruhr University Bochum, who also serves as vice president of the Central Committee of German Catholics.

Dr. Söding’s academic background is distinguished: after completing studies in theology, German studies, and history in Münster, he became known for his work in New Testament studies, particularly his analyses of the Gospels of Mark, Paul’s letters, and the Gospel of John. His expertise extends to historical-critical and literary exegesis, with a focus on Christology and ecclesiology, and he has contributed to projects like the interdisciplinary “Bible – Economy – Ethics” summer school and the Catholic Youth Bible. As former dean of the Catholic Theological Faculty at Ruhr University, he played a key role in navigating structural changes that affected the faculty’s stability.

After supper, the Sala Studenti Interni filled with residents from Collegio Sant’Anselmo eager to hear Dr. Söding’s reflections on his experience at the Synod, where he shared both the challenges and the hopes he sees within the modern Catholic Church. The evening concluded with a lively discussion, allowing residents to engage directly with Dr. Söding’s insights.