Ricoeur on History, Fiction, and Biblical Hermeneutics
Ricoeur on History, Fiction, and Biblical Hermeneutics
Written by Dr Gregory J. Laughery
Copyright 2006: Dr Gregory J. Laughery
Download the Full 35 Page PDF File of the Paper.
Published in 'Behind' the Text: History and Biblical Interpretation' this paper addresses the radical historiographical challenge of postmodernism. Many today argue that history is not what is used to be.
"Postmodern theories have not only had an impact on the disciplines of history and literature, but they are funding much of the discussion in biblical studies, biblical hermeneutics, and theology." Dr Laughery draws on the work of Paul Ricoeur in responding to these new approaches, and contributes insightful conclusions.
Introduction
Jean-François Lyotard's volume, The Postmodern Condition and its 'incredulity toward metanarratives', broke open a large fissure of uncertainty in many disciplines. The rising force of such postmodern ideas is having a profound impact on the discipline of history. In recent years debate among historians has taken new directions. At present, serious challenges pertaining to the truth of written history and the knowledge of the historian are in evidence. While controversy concerning the truth-value of history has a long tradition, postmodern theories argue for new ways of viewing and doing history. Historical truth, objectivity, facts, events and knowledge are all targets for revision. Marc Trachtenberg expresses his concern in the following manner:
Continue reading "Ricoeur on History, Fiction, and Biblical Hermeneutics" »