Geschichte Als Argument? Historiographie und Apologetik

By Wallraff M.

Book Description

This scholarly exploration examines a fascinating intersection where history meets faith, revealing how early Christian writers used historical knowledge as a powerful tool for theological argument. The work investigates fundamental questions about the relationship between historical writing and religious apologetics in ancient Christianity, uncovering how historical narratives were shaped by specific purposes and interests.

The book brings together perspectives from patristic scholars, philologists, ancient historians, and medievalists to illuminate how Christian historiography emerged with apologetic motivations, particularly through what scholars call the "proof of antiquity." This approach demonstrates how early Christian writers strategically employed historical evidence to defend and promote their faith, establishing patterns that would influence religious writing for centuries.

Drawing from a 2013 conference of the Patristic Working Group in Basel, the collection traces these developments from ancient Christianity through the early modern period, examining how reformatory historiography and early Basel printing practices continued these traditions. The analysis reveals the complex ways religious communities have historically constructed narratives to serve theological, political, and cultural purposes.

For readers interested in understanding how spiritual traditions develop their historical consciousness and defend their beliefs through scholarly argument, this work offers valuable insights into the enduring relationship between faith and historical interpretation. The book provides a thoughtful examination of how religious communities have long recognized the power of historical narrative in shaping belief and identity.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)

📄 Length: 285 pages

What You'll Discover

✓ Explore Apologetics, history
✓ Explore Primitive and early church
✓ Explore Apologetics
✓ Explore Church history
✓ Explore Church history, primitive and early church, ca. 30-600
✓ Explore Historiography
✓ Explore Apologetik
✓ Explore Kirchengeschichtsschreibung

Topics Covered

Apologetics, history Primitive and early church Apologetics Church history Church history, primitive and early church, ca. 30-600 Historiography Apologetik Kirchengeschichtsschreibung Geschichtsschreibung Early church Patristik Church historians Church history, historiography History Congresses