Scientific Rigor from a Surprising Source
Usually, I read just for work and sometimes just for fun. However, my idea of fun is sometimes not what others would think.
Recently, I have been wading slowly through the book Jesus of Nazareth by Joseph Ratzinger. Undoubtedly, the book would have been headed for the academic backroom (and never hit my electronic bookshelf) had it not been for the fact that Ratzinger had not become Pope Benedict XVI.
To be honest, I am only about only about one-third of the way through the book. It is not what most people would call “fun” reading so far. Since it is still early in the book for me, it is possible that the book will become a joyful romp through the life of Jesus but somehow I doubt it.
If I had thought about it, I would have expected what I found. Ratzinger was a well known theologian and the book reflects his strong academic tradition.
Now most of you know that I am a quantitative researcher. I have been lock in that tradition despite my respect for all means of research. However, I have never been able to understand the correct way to describe the methodology of a quantitative analysis.
Now, I have an excellent example. Ratzinger lays out the parameters of his study including the relationship between the religious faith and the historical figure. Further, he deals with the difficulty of nexus between the placing the original language of the Bible context and the belief in an everlasting meaning. Naturally, he includes his major influences and how the book can be used.
If someone needs a similar discussion of qualitative analysis, I can suggest the introduction of the book. Overall, I am pleasantly surprised by the academic rigor, thoughtful discussion, and realistic insight within the book. It is not easy but worth it.
