What does the phrase "Theologized History" mean? How does viewing the narrative parts of the Bible in this way change how we interpret them?
Unlike most modern ways of approaching history, which prides itself on accuracy, theologied history is placing the emphasis on the point it is trying to make. This means that the accounting of the creation of all things, for instance, may be less focused on the intricacies of the scientific explanation for how it was carried out, but may rather focus on who it was that was that did it. This also means that certain literary and narrative devices, such as emphasizing certain details of a story, or the structure and cadence of the story itself may be done so in a way that most highly values the lessons to be learned.
By understanding this format of historical accounts, we cannot simply view the Bible’s history through the same lens as our modern history. Our interpretation needs to first have an awareness of why the authors chose to write in the format and mannerisms that they did, and what those styles of storytelling meant within their context. This also implies that perhaps our obsession with exactness needs to be lessened, and our attention to the bigger picture needs to be sharpened.
Which of the characteristics or principles of biblical letters was new to you? How does that principle inform your understanding of these letters?
Although I’ve subconsciously recognized the similar structuring of the New Testament letters, I did not realize that they were following a normative structure for the time, similar to how our letters today would have a proper structure. This actually helps me approach the letters, in all candidness, with less frustration. There were times when I would find myself being irritated or confused as to why all these authors would spend a good chunk of time writing these goofy sounding introductions, and I would want to skip past them like the opening theme song to a tv show. However, understanding that this was expected, helps me to dig into it with a more patient attitude.