Hans-Josef Klauck, a prominent scholar in biblical studies known for his expertise in early Christian literature and the Greco-Roman world, has passed away at the age of 78. He died on March 27 in Munich, Germany. Klauck served as the Naomi Shenstone Donnelley Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Early Christian Literature at the University of Chicago.
Klauck joined the University of Chicago faculty in 2001 and was acknowledged as one of the leading New Testament scholars of his generation. With over 30 books and a multitude of articles to his name, he applied historical-critical analysis to early Christian texts, placing them within their larger cultural and literary contexts. His influential publications, such as "The Religious Context of Early Christianity" and "Studien zur Geschichte und Theologie der Kirche," have significantly influenced contemporary interpretations of the ancient world’s societal and religious dynamics.
Margaret Mitchell, the Shailer Mathews Distinguished Service Professor of New Testament and Early Christian Literature, reflected on his contributions: “Hans-Josef Klauck possessed an extraordinary knowledge of ancient literature in Greek and Latin, both Christian and non-Christian. He carried his formidable learning with humility and with a deep commitment to advancing research in our field, whether through reference works, dissertations he directed, editing contributions, or his own carefully crafted and presented monographs. His legacy is lasting and profound.”
Born in Germany in 1946, Klauck entered the Franciscan order and was ordained as a priest before transitioning to academia. He obtained his doctorate from the University of Munich and held teaching positions at several institutions, including the University of Würzburg and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.
Apart from his scholarly achievements, Klauck was a dedicated mentor, guiding numerous doctoral students both in Germany and at the University of Chicago. He was admired for his knowledge, warmth, wit, and support. Andrew Langford, a former student who earned his PhD in 2018, noted: “As is the case with all good teachers, what Prof. Klauck imparted to me took good root in the soil of my heart and mind and continues to shape my practice of reading and interpreting sacred texts to this day.”
Klauck’s retirement from the Divinity School came in 2016. His influence as a scholar and mentor is expected to continue impacting the study of early Christianity.
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