The Historical-Critical Approach to Early Christian Literature

I. Introduction: Historical-critical and Confessional Approaches

A. The Simple Black and White Theory: Scientific Method vs. Authoritative Dogma

1. Data and Objectivity vs. Doctrine and Subjective Biases

(or, as Barton says, Critical vs. Canonical)

 

2. Unbelief vs. Belief (secularists vs. believers)

 

 

 

B. The Complex Gray Reality: The Interpretive Spectrum

1. Examples from Contemporary Biblical Scholarship

a. The Society of Biblical Literature

 

b. Missouri Synod Lutherans and the Bible (1, 2) vs. Evangelical   Lutheran Church in America and the Bible (click here)

 

 

2.  Examples from Early Modern and Ancient Biblical Scholarship

a. Martin Luther (early 16th century)

 

b. The Church Fathers (II-V C.E.)

 

II. Looking ahead: Getting to know the evidence