The Metaphysics of Historical Jesus Research: A Prolegomenon to a Future Quest for the Historical Jesus

In this book Rowlands interrogates the theological and philosophical foundations of the 'Quest' for the historical Jesus, from Reimarus to the present day, culminating in a call for greater metaphysical transparency and diversity in the discipline. This multidisciplinary approach to historical Jesus research, drawing on historiography, sociology, philosophy, and theology, makes a significant and original contribution to the field. Part I outlines the implicit role of metaphysical presuppositions in historical methodology by examining the concept of an historiographical worldview. Part II provides an overview of the 'Quest' for the historical Jesus, demonstrating that the disparate historiographical worldviews operative in the 'Quest' evidence a particular shared characteristic, in that they might accurately be described as ‘secular.’ Rowlands’ study concludes with a call for a greater plurality and openness regarding the philosophical and theological presuppositions at work in historical Jesus research. The Metaphysics of Historical Jesus Research is of interest to students and scholars working on New Testament studies and historical Jesus research. Cover Endorsement Page Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents Preface List of Abbreviations Part I Worldviews and Historiographical Decision-Making Chapter 1 Theology and History, Then and Now Chapter 2 Defining Metaphysics Chapter 3 The Concept of a Worldview Chapter 4 Worldviews and Historiographical Decision-Making Chapter 5 Characterising Secular Scholarship Part II Worldviews and Historical Jesus Research Chapter 6 Metaphysics and the First ‘Quest’ Chapter 7 Metaphysics and the Second ‘Quest’ Chapter 8 Metaphysics and the Third ‘Quest’ Chapter 9 Metaphysics and N.T. Wright Chapter 10 Expanding the Boundaries of Historical Jesus Research Bibliography Author Index Subject Index