Jonny Rowlands – The Metaphysics of Historical Jesus Research
Oct 23, 2024
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Jonny Rowlands, a graduate tutor and theology lecturer at St. Miletus College, dives into the intriguing world of historical Jesus research. He discusses how one's worldview influences interpretations of Jesus' life, exploring insights from Nietzsche and Collingwood on historiography. Rolands also highlights N.T. Wright's methods, emphasizing the blend of critical realism and diverse faith perspectives. With a dash of humor, he shares personal tidbits in a quick-fire round, showcasing the human side of theological inquiry.
Jonny Rowlands reflects on his transformative academic journey from a Catholic upbringing to rigorous theological scholarship and historical Jesus research.
He argues that metaphysical assumptions fundamentally shape our understanding of history, asserting metaphysics must precede historiography in research.
Rowlands critiques secular metaphysical frameworks in historical Jesus studies, advocating for a pluralistic approach that includes diverse theological insights.
Deep dives
Johnny Rollins' Academic Journey
Johnny Rollins shares his academic path, reflecting on his transformation from a Catholic upbringing to becoming a scholar with a focus on theological interpretation and historical Jesus research. He began his education with hopes of an easy degree in theology, only to find deeper questions about faith and history. His journey led him to re-embrace Christianity during his university years, ignited by profound personal reflections on reality and history's impact on faith. This experiences ultimately shaped his desire to explore rigorous academic standards in theology, culminating in his book on the metaphysics of historical Jesus research.
Metaphysics as a Foundation for Historiography
The central thesis of Rollins' work argues that metaphysical assumptions shape historical understanding; thus, metaphysics must precede historiography. He posits that one cannot study the past without an underlying metaphysical framework that informs what is deemed plausible. Rollins illustrates this point by discussing the profound intersection of metaphysics and historical Jesus research, contending that personal beliefs significantly influence historical methodologies. By identifying how one perceives Jesus inevitably affects theological and historical interpretations, he opens important discussions about the underlying beliefs in historical analysis.
The Role of Worldview in Historical Research
Rollins defines worldview as a series of metaphysical claims that individuals hold as they interpret new information, which affects their historical research, especially regarding the historical Jesus. He warns against conflating personal worldviews with historiographical worldviews, which can lead to biased interpretations. The clarity between these two perspectives is essential for a rigorous approach to historical Jesus research, as it acknowledges the influence of metaphysical beliefs while allowing for critical engagement with the historical data. Ultimately, he insists that both worldviews interact to shape the development of historiography in significant ways.
Engaging with Secular Metaphysical Frameworks
Rollins critiques the predominance of secular metaphysical frameworks in modern historical Jesus research, suggesting that this limits theological perspectives in scholarship. He emphasizes that religious beliefs should inform rather than be sidelined in historical methodologies, arguing for the legitimacy of faith-informed historiography. This perspective aligns theology with history rather than treating them as separate disciplines, allowing for a richer understanding of scriptural contexts and implications. By exposing the often implicit biases in secular approaches, he advocates for a more transparent and pluralistic academic conversation that includes theological frameworks.
Future Directions in Historical Jesus Research
In concluding his discussions, Rollins highlights the need for more diverse methodologies within historical Jesus scholarship. He passionately calls for greater transparency and dialogue among varying metaphysical frameworks, so historians can engage deeply and critically with different perspectives. By permitting a multitude of theological insights at the academic table, he believes the examination of history could yield a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the past. His upcoming projects focus on practical applications of these concepts, aiming to transition from theory to concrete historiographical practices in future research.
Episode: In this episode Chris Tilling interviews Jonny Rowlands about his new book, The Metaphysics of Historical Jesus Research. In many ways it builds on earlier discussions with Seth Heringer, Austine Stevenson, and others here […]
