On the culturality of theology Or: What is history of theology and why does one study it?

Abstract

Over the last decades, cultural studies have engaged in fervent method discussions on historical research. Yet, systematic theology has not taken up this mantle. Thus, questions as to what impact the legacies of the history of theology have on the present and what constitutes normativity in the theological tradition remain unanswered. In order to investigate both, scientifically and genuinely, theology has to learn from the processes undertaken by cultural studies, draw on the methods they have developed and reflect on the sensibilities they have gained. Their interest in cultural difference and plurality as well as the awareness of the cultural situatedness of any knowledge opens up new potential for the history of theology: Looking at the historic other can reveal new perspectives on how humanity understands and communicates itself in and through theology and cultural studies in the question of a good life.