Dr Jutta Noetzel (Pastor of the Evangelical Reformed Cathedral Parish in Halle)

Children are the epitome of fullness of life, the promise of life and blessing at the same time. The close link between blessing and the gift of children could suggest: "A childless person cannot be a person loved by God" (Rosenberger). Childlessness is an unfulfilled promise, depriving those affected of future prospects and the hope of continuing to live in children after death. For women, it is an economic and social catastrophe and often leads to discrimination. This is relativised in one respect in the late texts of the Hebrew Bible: Abundance of children is not yet fulfilment, they must also be well advised. The situation is completely different in the New Testament. Jesus was childless. Paul too. How did this change come about?

As part of the exhibition "Childless"

Free admission