The problem was acutely described in 1909 in a penetrating…
““The problem was acutely described in 1909 in a penetrating essay by Adolf Schlatter: According to the sceptical position, it is true that the historian explains; he observes the New Testament neutrally. But in reality this is to begin at once with a determined struggle against it. The word with which the New Testament confronts us intends to be believed, and so rules out once and for all any sort of neutral treatment. As soon as the historian sets aside or brackets the question of faith, he is making his concern with the New Testament and his presentation of it into a radical and total polemic against it… If he claims to be an observer, concerned solely with his object, then he is concealing what is really happening. As a matter of fact, he is always in possession of certain convictions, and these determine him not simply in the sense that his judgments derive from them, but also in that his perception and observation is molded by them.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Historians cannot be neutral about the New Testament; their faith shapes perception and interpretation.
In simple terms: Faith influences how historians view texts.
Key Takeaway
Recognize personal bias when studying religious texts.
Themes
bias
interpretation
faith
history
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
scholarly
When to use this quote
- academic research
- seminary teaching
- public lectures
- textual analysis
Key Concepts
epistemology
theology
historical methodology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your own belief system affect your analysis?
- Can true objectivity ever be achieved?
A Different Perspective
Neutrality is impossible; scholars must disclose their presuppositions.