The resurrection debate among South African new testament scholars : insights from social-scientific historiography

M.A. (Biblical Studies)Abstract: In this study, I review the trajectory of the methodology in the resurrection debate in South African New Testament scholarship. I critique the traditional/confessional and historical-critical methodologies to expose inherent flaws within them. I then propose that the only type of historiography that considers the fundamental cultural differences between the western 21st century and ancient Mediterranean where the resurrection visions are concerned is the social-scientific historiography. Notwithstanding the value of social-scientific methodology in general, I contend that there are at least two orientations within the social-scientific methodology one of which is crucial to the understanding of resurrection visions. My conclusion is that the social-scientific version which utilizes fieldwork in general and participant observation in particular as envisioned by John Pilch is the most useful tool in understanding post resurrection visions