📘 Lexicon Entry: Historical Criticism

Short Definition
Scholarly method examining biblical texts through historical-critical tools, focusing on authorship, dating, and context, sometimes bracketing theological content
Definition
Scholarly method that examines biblical texts primarily through historical-critical tools, focusing on authorship, dating, sources, and historical context without necessarily engaging the theological content as truth claim. While historical investigation can legitimately serve theological understanding by illuminating the human context of divine revelation, historical criticism becomes problematic when it becomes the sole criterion for biblical authority, reducing Scripture to merely human document through methodological naturalism that excludes divine action.
Category
Theological Alternative
Keywords
source criticism, form criticism, redaction criticism, historical reconstruction, biblical scholarship, methodological naturalism
Citation Guide
Geevarghese-Uffman, Craig. “Historical Criticism.” *Political Theology Lexicon*. https://www.commonlifepolitics.com/p/lexicon. Accessed [date].
Orthodox Alternatives
Historical investigation serves theological understanding by illuminating human context of divine revelation, with historical tools becoming servant rather than master
Mutated Position
Historical criticism becomes sole criterion for biblical authority, reducing Scripture to merely human document through methodological naturalism
Key Characteristics
Emphasis on historical reconstruction through critical methods; focus on human authorship and editorial processes; methodological assumption of naturalistic explanation
Theological Foundations
Recognition of Scripture’s human dimension requiring careful analysis, proper historical criticism enhancing rather than undermining biblical authority
Biblical Foundation
Scripture’s human authors in historical contexts (<a href=”https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Peter%201:20-21&version=NIV”>2 Peter 1:20-21</a>), Gospel composition specificity (<a href=”https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%201:1-4&version=NIV”>Luke 1:1-4</a>), Jesus’s historical interpretation (<a href=”https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%204:16-21&version=NIV”>Luke 4:16-21</a>)
Contemporary Expression
Dominates academic biblical studies in universities and divinity schools, often creates tension between scholarly interpretation and faith community needs
Academic Research
Foundational methodology in biblical studies departments, influences seminary education through emphasis on critical methodologies
Key Authors
Julius Wellhausen, Hermann Gunkel, Karl Barth, Brevard Childs
Path Navigation
Related Primary Concepts: Analogical Reading, Analogical Metaphysics
Key Mutations: Practical Atheism (when methodologically naturalistic)
Theological Alternatives: Participatory Hermeneutics, Sachkritik
Historical Context: Fundamentalism (reaction against), Literary Criticism (complementary approach)
Last Updated
May 26, 2025
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*This entry is part of the Political Theology Lexicon, accessible exclusively to subscribers. View the complete lexicon to explore related concepts and the full theoretical framework.*
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