When I talk about Critical Realism, I am referring to the work of Bernard Lonergan, Ben F. Meyer, and N.T. Wright. Here are some of their writings:
Lonergan, Bernard J. F. Method in Theology. Minneapolis : Seabury Pr, 1979.
In Method in Theology Lonergan lays out his proposed method for constructive, collaborative theological work based on his cognitional theory and critical realist epistemology which is laid out in his earlier work Insight: A Study of Human Understanding.
Meyer, Ben F. Reality and Illusion in New Testament Scholarship: A Primer in Critical Realist Hermeneutics. Collegeville, Minn : Liturgical Pr, 1994.
Meyer utilizes the thought of Lonergan and applies it specifically to New Testament scholarship. This book is a good introduction to Lonergan's thought as well as a good study of its implications for biblical study. Many of the ideas in Critical Realism and the New Testament are brought together in this book.
Meyer, Ben F. Critical Realism and the New Testament. Allison Park, Pa : Pickwick Pubns, 1989.
This book is a collection of essays and articles written by Meyer especially concerned with applying Lonergan's thought to New Testament studies.
Meyer, Ben F. The Aims of Jesus. [S.l.] : SCM Pr, 1979.
Ben Meyer's study of the historical Jesus. Many of Lonergan's insights have specific applications for Meyer. Meyer lays out many of the significant philosophical issues and shows how critical realism lays bare many unfounded enlightenment biases which have had a profound impact on historical Jesus studies. Critical realism provides a philosophical framework for his study of Jesus, whose principal aim according to Meyer was to gather the eschatological people of God.
Wright, N. T. The New Testament and the People of God. Minneapolis : Augsburg Fortress, 1989.
Wright's first volume in his series, Christian Origins and the Question of God. This work is devoted to Wright's methodology. Wright is strongly influenced by Meyer (and in turn Lonergan) although his critical realism is highly original. Wright posits critical realism over and against positivistic and phenomenalist epistemologies. His method utilizes 'story' (and metanarrative) as a fundamental category of knowing and proceeds as a combination of historical, literary and theological study of the New Testament.
Another Critical Realist approach (not influenced by Lonergan):
Vanhoozer, Kevin. Is There a Meaning in This Text? Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998.
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4 comments:
The threesome Lonergan, Meyer, Wright is a great starting point. Many know Wright, but not the other two. If you can help people appreciate Lonergan and Meyer, you will have done theology (students) a great service. Keep up the good work.
I have read Wright's "New Testament and the People of God" and "Jesus and the Victory of God"... Incredible! I knew since the beginning of my faith there was something terribly wrong with how most Christians approach scripture, and I couldn't put my finger on it until I read these books. Critical Realism is the answer! It has changed my entire faith and life! I own Ben Meyer's "Critical Realism and the New Testament", but have not yet read it.
I agree for the most part. I wouldn't say in itself Critical Realism is the answer, but it is a good way forward. One of the things I am drawn to in critical realism that it is a method with built in humility, and it forces all of us to acknowledge our limitation as readers and interpreteres.
I would also suggest the book _Transcendence: Critical Realism and God_ by Andrew Collier, Margaret Archer, and Douglas Porpora.
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