Handbook of Reading Theological German

Christopher Ryan Jones, Katharina Hirt

• Publisher: Zondervan Academic
• Year: 2021
• ISBN:
  9780310119395
• Topic: Teología y religión
• Subtopic: Referencia bíblica

The Handbook of Reading Theological German is the premier resource for equipping those interested in reading and translating original German source materials and preparing academics for German comprehension examination. The book is ideal for students in biblical studies, church history, Jewish studies, and theology.

Coauthored by Katharina Hirt, a native German speaker and professional linguist, and Christopher Ryan Jones, a native English speaker and doctoral candidate in biblical studies, this collaboration draws on the latest developments in linguistics to present a cutting-edge teaching methodology for graduate students learning to read German for research.

Attuned to the specific needs of English speakers learning German, this handbook is well suited for independent study or for use in the classroom. Providing abundant exercises and readings, Jones and Hirt's work provides an excellent entry point for students required to learn theological German.

The Handbook of Reading Theological German provides:

• An introduction to German grammar
• A demonstration of the role that German theology has had in the development of modern Jewish and Christian practices.
• Guided readings and biographies of six major German theologians and philosophers
• Further, advanced readings with minimal guidance from contemporary authors in the areas of Hebrew Bible, New Testament, Jewish studies, church history, and theology, so that students can focus on literature from their chosen field of study

PART I

Introduction to German Theology and Grammar

Overview

As you begin your journey into German theology and the grammar of the German language, you will receive an overview of the development of theology within Germany and its global influence over approximately a thousand years. Over the next four chapters, you will be given the tools necessary to appreciate original German sources and incorporate them into your research. Within chapters 2–4, you will develop a firm foundation of German grammar that is centered on the Mainz Method, presented in a ten-step checklist. Exercises will be provided for each step to reinforce the materials presented, enabling you to excel in parts II and III of this book.

Learning Objective

• Learners will discover the development and influence of German theology.

• Learners will only be introduced to essential grammatical concepts for reading and translating theological German texts.

• Learners will become familiar with the Mainz Method Checklist.

• Learners will begin to apply the Mainz Method Checklist to authentic materials.

1
Introduction to German Theology

Normally when the concept of theology is considered, the mind equates it with the theological perspectives held by members of particular religious communities, whereby it is possible to compare and contrast the theological ideologies of one particular faith group to those held by a different religious tradition. That is to say, it is possible to analyze the differences between sects within a religion, such as comparing Protestant and Catholic theology, or examining the theological differences between two different religions, such as Judaism and Christianity. In each of these instances, theology is always thought of in terms of its association with religion.

There are but a few examples of theology becoming linked to a nation. Israel, of course, would be the prime example, since the entire development of the nation is connected to a theological concept. Some may argue that the United States should be considered, as well, since its founding was based upon theological freedom. However, people do not speak in terms of “Israeli theology” or “American theology”; however, the term “German theology” is used. What then is German theology, and what is its significance? Within this chapter we will attempt to introduce the concept of German theology, its importance, and its influence both past and present. The term “German theology” does not speak to a concise set of beliefs or practices; instead it speaks to the massive impact Germany and its scholars have had on the development of theology worldwide. Regardless of your religious tradition or theological position, the influence that German scholars have had throughout the centuries within the theological sphere is irrefutable.

Theology and Its Development

In order to comprehend how and why there are so many different theological perspectives in the world, it is important to understand what theology is and how it evolved throughout time based upon a number of variables. The term “theology” comes from the Greek words θεός (theos, “God”), and λόγος (logos, “word,” “speech,” or “expression”). Thus, the term “theology” means a word about God. Or to put it in more common terms, it is a conversation about God. Therefore, when anyone dialogues about their perspective or conception of God, they are in fact doing theology, regardless of their educational or religious background (even if they have neither). As Charles Ryrie stated, “Even an atheist has a theology.”¹

Since theology is a composite of our thoughts about God that are then expressed, as our thoughts about God change, so then does our theology. Yet while theology may change over time, God does not; for it is not God who changes but rather our perspective and understanding of God that changes. This evolution in our cognition is the primar...