Textual Studies (EdExcel)

Textual Studies in Religious Studies

The academic examination of religious texts, focusing on their composition, transmission, interpretation, and impact within religious traditions.

Sacred Texts

Texts considered holy or authoritative within a religious tradition.

Canon

The officially accepted list of books that are considered authoritative within a religious tradition.

Manuscripts

Handwritten copies of religious texts critical for textual studies.

Exegesis

The process of interpreting and explaining the meaning of religious texts.

Redaction

The process of editing or compiling texts, reflecting theological changes over time.

Historical-Critical Method

A scholarly approach examining religious texts in their historical context.

Textual Criticism

The study of manuscript variations to determine the most authentic text.

Source Criticism

Identifies and analyzes the sources used in the composition of a text.

Form Criticism

Analyzes the genres and forms of individual sections within a text.

Redaction Criticism

Studies how texts have been edited and compiled.

Literary Criticism

Examines the literary features of religious texts.

Theological Interpretation

Focuses on interpreting texts based on theological principles.

Comparative Analysis

Compares religious texts from different traditions or versions.

Historical Contextualization

Situates a text within its historical and cultural background.

Thematic Analysis

Identifies and explores key themes and motifs within religious texts.

Intertextual Analysis

Examines how a religious text references other texts.

Reception History

Studies how a text has been interpreted and received over time.

Hermeneutics

The theory and methodology of interpretation, especially of religious texts.

Textual Tradition

The history of how a text has been transmitted and preserved.

Historical Jesus

The study of the historical figure of Jesus of Nazareth.

Canonization

The process through which texts are recognized as sacred within a religious tradition.