Timo Veijola’s Finnish Publications and Their Influence

Abstract

ABSTRACT Timo Veijola (1947-2005) is internationally well known because of his numerous studies on Deuteronomy and the Deuteronomistic History. Less known, however, are his contributions to biblical studies that he wrote in his native language Finnish. This article aims to shed light on this part of Veijola’s publications. A characteristic feature in Veijola’s Finnish publications is his endeavor to address his essays to a wider audience, not just for professional biblical scholars. This leads to topics and emphases that sometimes differ from his international studies. For instance, Veijola often examines the reception history of biblical passages in his Finnish essays. Furthermore, he pays attention to the hermeneutics and underlines repeatedly the significance of the Old Testament in the modern world. Veijola was famous for his interest in environmental issues. Due to his own personal experience Veijola attempts to explain to his Finnish readers what depression means as a biblical and present-day phenomenon.