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.