The RESILIENCE webinar organized by the Theological University of Apeldoorn on March 17, 2021, was dedicated to the field of Early Modern Studies. The video is now available.
In the webinar, Prof. Herman Selderhuis of the Theological University of Apeldoorn, defined the Early Modern period from 1400-1700 as an essential and wide scale transitional period in European and global history. Central to this period is the transitional aspect: the many changes that have taken place in this era.
In the words of Selderhuis, religion discussions in the Early Modern period have shaped Europe the way it is and have been fundamental for the developments in Europe.
The state of research of Early Modern Studies can be characterized among others by a non-European and pan-European interest, by multidisciplinarity and interdisciplinarity, popular and intellectual biographies, particular attention to topics related to transfer of people, knowledge and culture and to national, political, social and religious identities.
Selderhuis emphasized that “Early Modern research offers historical knowledge, giving insights in developments and situations, you can only understand if you have insight in developments in historry. Currently and in general this historical knowledge is lacking, so this input is needed. That also counts to religious knowledge. The Early Modern period shows a multitude of delopments in religions and convictions The present day society also has to deal with it and with its challenges and needs. Therefore you need to have religious knowledge. Also practical knowledge is needed, for example when it comes to discussions with people from various convictions and various religions. We had these kind of Religionsgespräche in the Early Modern period and we can learn from it. And we can see: this has been there before, it is not new. This knowledge is important for a RI like RESILIENCE as well.”
Based on questions from the audience, Selderhuis reacted that a multitude of sources has not been unlocked yet. “There is so much out there, many collections in various places in Europe that still need to be discovered and made accessible: a long way to go, but RESILIENCE takes quite some years to make it accessible and to make your work easier.”