Cognitive Science in the Study of Early Christianity

Why It Is Helpful – and How

Bibliographic Data

ID19293181
AuthorsRisto Uro (0000-0002-0358-8650, University of Helsinki, corresponding author)
Year2017
Volume63
Issue4
Pages516-533
Publication date2017-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueNew Testament Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0028-6885 • E-ISSN: 1469-8145
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0028688517000182
OpenAlexW2756399475
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited57

In recent years, a number of New Testament and early Christian scholars have begun to use cognitive science approaches in their work. In this paper, I situate those efforts within the larger framework of the changing humanities, and the increased interest among humanistic scholars and social scientists in drawing on the growing body of knowledge on the cognitive and evolutionary roots of human thinking and behaviour. I also suggest how cognitive historiography can be helpful in shedding new light on issues discussed by New Testament scholars, by elaborating a case study: an analysis of the rite introduced by John the Baptist

Christianity · Cognition · Early Christianity · Epistemology · Historiography · Humanism · New Testament · Rite · Sociology · Theology · Biblical Studies and Interpretation · History · Medieval Literature and History · Philosophy · Psychology · Religion and Society Interactions · Religious studies