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Who invented God? UP honours scholar asking one of religion’s biggest questions

29 May 2026

Who invented God? When, why, and where? World-renowned Swiss-German biblical scholar and theologian Professor Thomas Christian Römer has sought to answer these and other provocative questions during his career of scholarly courage and engagement in religious and social debates.

For his contribution as one of the world’s foremost scholars of the Hebrew Bible, UP’s Faculty of Theology and Religion has conferred an honorary doctorate on Prof Römer, whose work it says has transformed modern understanding of the origins of monotheism and has made biblical research accessible to audiences far beyond academia.

Prof Römer is one of the more than 13 221 students and honourees receiving certificates and honours during UP’s Autumn Graduation season, with ceremonies taking place across all faculties from Monday 4 May to Friday 29 May 2026. He received his honorary degree during the Faculty of Theology and Religion’s graduation ceremony on 26 May.

“For more than four decades, Prof Römer has explored some of the most enduring questions in religious history: How did the Hebrew Bible take shape? How were ancient traditions and texts edited and reinterpreted over the centuries? How did the God of ancient Israel become the universal deity worshipped by billions today?” says Professor Rantoa Letšosa, Dean of UP’s Faculty of Theology and Religion.

“His work has not only influenced generations of scholars but has also invited believers and non-believers alike to engage more deeply with biblical texts. His widely disseminated publications aimed at general readership, such as La Bible, quelles histoires! – or The Bible, what a story! – have successfully bridged scholarly discourse and public interest.”

Born in Mannheim, Germany, in 1955, Prof Römer studied theology and semitic languages at the Universities of Heidelberg and Tübingen, before completing advanced studies in Paris and earning his doctorate from the University of Geneva in Switzerland.

His academic journey took him from Geneva to the University of Lausanne, where he served as Professor of the Hebrew Bible and later Dean of the Faculty of Theology. In 2007, he was appointed to the Collège de France, one of Europe’s most distinguished research institutions, founded in 1530. His chair, Biblical Backgrounds (Milieux bibliques), marked the first time in the institution’s nearly five-century history that the word ‘Bible’ appeared in the title of a professorship.

In 2019, Prof Römer was elected Chairman and Administrator of the Collège de France, becoming the first non-French scholar to lead the institution. He continues to hold this position.

“Since 2019, Prof Römer has been pivotal in the partnership between the Collège de France and UP, creating opportunities for joint research and collaboration, and academic development and exchange,” Prof Letšosa says. “He has served as an Extraordinary Professor at UP since 2013, actively engaging with our academic community and regularly contributing to seminars, conferences and public lectures.”

Prof Römer has authored or co-authored 27 books, co-edited 31 volumes and published nearly 300 scholarly articles. His work has been translated into English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese and Korean. He has served as editor of major publications including the Encyclopedia of the Bible and its Reception, the series Ancient Israel and its Literature, and the journal Semitica .

His bestselling book The Invention of God brought his scholarship to a much wider audience. Published in English by Harvard University Press, the book asks a deceptively simple question: ‘Who invented God?’ Drawing on archaeology, philology, literary analysis and historical criticism, Prof Römer traces the development of God (also known as Yahweh in some faiths and regions) from a regional deity of the ancient Near East to the singular God of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Rather than diminishing faith, the book illuminates the human processes through which religious ideas evolve over time.

His books have tackled themes such as violence and sexuality in scripture. Works such as Dark God: Cruelty, Sex and Violence in the Old Testament and Homosexuality in the Ancient Near East and the Bible demonstrate his willingness to engage with controversial subjects while maintaining meticulous scholarly integrity.

Beyond his research, Prof Römer has substantially contributed to academic development by mentoring doctoral students who now occupy key positions internationally. This aligns closely with UP’s strategic priority to develop scholarly talent for leadership positions nationally and globally. His relationship with UP supports undergraduate and postgraduate teaching excellence and contributes to the University’s research culture and standing as a global centre for biblical scholarship.

In Prof Römer, UP honours a scholar who has deepened humanity’s understanding of one of its most influential texts, while exemplifying intellectual courage, academic excellence and international collaboration. His work reminds us that the Bible is not only a sacred text, but also a profound historical record of how communities sought and continue to seek meaning in times of chaos and upheaval. By conferring this honorary doctorate, UP recognises a scholar whose research has illuminated the origins and nuances of faith, and whose influence will continue to shape public debates and theological scholarship for generations to come.

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Kyk gou wat doen n blazer!!

From proud families and happy tears to loud cheers and unforgettable moments; graduation week was truly special.

A big congratulations to:

✨ Thomas Christian Römer on receiving a Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa)
✨ Mphikeleli George Mahlobo on receiving the Chancellor’s Medal
✨ Sarah Matseke, our very own Senior Human Resources Officer, who graduated with a Master of Theology with distinction
✨ Karel Ernst Albrecht on receiving the Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s Award

And of course congratulations to EVERY graduate who crossed the stage this week. We are so proud of you and grateful to have been part of your journey 🌟

A special thank you as well to Prof Loretta Feris for her continued support of the faculty, and to our Dean, Prof Rantoa Letśosa, for his steady leadership throughout it all!

Kommentaar

Daniel Louw

Die feit dat UP se teologiese fakulteit vir Thomas Römer vereer het met ‘n ere doktorsgraad is maar net weereens ‘n bewys daarvan dat hierdie teologiese fakulteit nie ‘n plek is om behoudende predikante op te lei nie.