Belief in angels: religious-historical explanations of a contemporary phenomenon

The Eckernförde section of the Schleswig-Holstein University Society is hosting a series of lectures at the Schleswig-Holstein Artists’ House otte1. On Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at 7 p.m., Prof. Dr. Enno Edzard Popkes from the Institute for New Testament Studies and Jewish Studies at Kiel University will speak on a topic that is particularly fitting for this time of year: Belief in Angels: Religious-Historical Explanations of a Contemporary Phenomenon.

Various studies in the history of religion show that belief in angels and personal guardian angels is one of the elements that has increased massively in contemporary religiosity. This phenomenon is reflected in the fact that belief in angels is now even being exploited commercially
(think, for example, of so-called “angel conventions”). The lecture will explain the specific forms and content that such a belief in angels can take. It will also explain the religious-historical background on which these figures of contemporary religiousness are based.

The lecture will take place at the Schleswig-Holstein Artists’ House, Ottestraße 1, 24340 Eckernförde.
Admission: Non-members €5. Members of all sections, school pupils, students and trainees free of charge.
Admission: from 6.30 p.m.