This post is part of an ongoing series examining Women in the Apostolic Fathers. A number of methodological presuppositions stand behind this study. Perhaps most central are the framing concerns of engaging ancient sources within their specific socio-cultural contexts and historical discourses, letting each particular writing and writer speak for themselves whenever possible, and consideringContinue reading “Women in the Apostolic Fathers: Method”
Tag Archives: Method
Reflections on Method, Women, and Early Christianity
Over the next several weeks, I’ll be running a series of reflections stemming from a doctoral seminar on Women and Gender in Early Christianity, taught at Saint Louis University by Carolyn Osiek. These posts will proceed in (more or less) chronological order, beginning with today’s reflections on methodology. Introducing a “special edition” of Method andContinue reading “Reflections on Method, Women, and Early Christianity”
MHT: Select Bibliography
Below is a select bibliography for the series I’ve been running for the past month on Method and Historical Theology. Any additional readings and resources that you have found useful would be appreciated. Select Bibliography Acton, John. “Inaugural Lecture on the Study of History.” In Essays on Freedom and Power. Edited by Gertrude Himmelfarb. NewContinue reading “MHT: Select Bibliography”
Method and Historical Theology: Conclusions
This post is part of an ongoing series reflecting on the appropriate approach to and method for historical theology. The perspective I have been outlining in this series does not to suggest that those who are not Christians cannot participate in historical truth, but rather the acknowledgement that wherever truth may be found is belongsContinue reading “Method and Historical Theology: Conclusions”
MHT: Operating Assumptions
This post is part of an ongoing series reflecting on the appropriate approach to and method for historical theology. Building upon the methodological principles I have been outlining, I wish to briefly offer some of the operating assumptions of my work in historical theology. Historical theological study must always engage other voices and perspectives—there isContinue reading “MHT: Operating Assumptions”
MHT: Applying Historical Theology
This post is part of an ongoing series reflecting on the appropriate approach to and method for historical theology. What does a methodology invested in both history and theology look like? First, this perspective suggests an examination of the past for the sake of the future. This means conceiving of historical theology as a toolContinue reading “MHT: Applying Historical Theology”
MHT: Integration of History and Theology
This post is part of an ongoing series reflecting on the appropriate approach to and method for historical theology. A final—and supremely important—methodological point for the study of historical theology engages the relationship of history and theology. Existing scholarship often takes a historical or contextual approach to the study of history. And while there isContinue reading “MHT: Integration of History and Theology”
MHT: Principle of Context
This post is part of an ongoing series reflecting on the appropriate approach to and method for historical theology. The fourth important factor in the study of historical theology involves a wide investigation of contexts. While Berkofer somewhat problematizes a context furnished by “thick description,”[50] the type of context sought here does not involve theContinue reading “MHT: Principle of Context”
MHT: Principle of Order
This post is part of an ongoing series reflecting on the appropriate approach to and method for historical theology. The third methodological foundation for historical theology incorporates aspects of an ordered approach to the study of the past. This is the great legacy of the Modern era on the study of history: a scientific approachContinue reading “MHT: Principle of Order”
MHT: Perspectivism
This post is part of an ongoing series reflecting on the appropriate approach to and method for historical theology. To satisfy both the postmodern critique and need for epistemological clarity, I suggest epistemological and methodological perspectivism. Perspectivism acknowledges the limits of the historian and their information, the selectivity of historical presentations, and the variability ofContinue reading “MHT: Perspectivism”
Pursuing Veritas 