to evolutionary processes in different ways. Do they change so that they
become accommodated to the structure of the human mind? Which
tendencies of change can we observe in this process?- Cognitive factors at the synchronic analysis of texts.Can we understand
differences between types and forms of texts in terms of cognitive
categories? For example, metaphorical texts have a different relation to
their referents than non-metaphorical texts. - Cognitive factors at the reception of the text.How can we explain the
long-term success of some texts? Are some texts more successful than
others, because they are better adapted to our cognitive structures? - Cognitive factors at the meta-textual reception of texts, especially at the
ascription of sacredness and“canonical”status.How do some texts
become canonical? Which pre-scientific theories have the greatest
chance to validate the sacred status of texts successfully and promote
their acceptance?
The impetus that a cognitive perspective can give to the study of classical
problems in New Testament Studies is both important and valuable. However,
there are also reasons for seeing the introduction of cognitive methods as a
historical moment with the potential to bring about major changes in the
field. The deliberately interpretative and philosophical framework of Biblical
Studies is often challenged by the naturalistic, quantitative, and explanatory
nature of the cognitive approach. The cognitive turn can initiate a new
interdisciplinary revitalization of thefield and lead to its better integration
into the fabric of contemporary academic discourse. Beyond the utilitarian
considerations of gaining new insights about the New Testament and its
world, the cognitive turn in New Testament Studies can contribute to ongoing
efforts of building bridges between naturalistic and humanist approaches.
Importantly, however, the usefulness of the present book does not depend
on the reader’s prior acceptance of a naturalistic approach to religion. The new
perspectives on the text and cultural world of the New Testament introduced
in the individual chapters can be seen as extensions of the larger exegetical
toolkit and used alongside the existing hermeneutical repertoire of biblical
scholarship.
A Cognitive Turn 23