Old Wine in New Wineskins: Applying Computational Methods in New Testament Hermeneutics

Abstract

New Testament studies has over the past years seen an increase in the use of digital methods, but some of the more advanced methods still lack proper integration. This article explores some of the advantages and disadvantages in employing computational/algorithmic approaches, such as so-called semantic models of word embedding and topic modelling analysis. The article is structured into three main parts. The first part (1) introduces the reader to the field of computational studies in literary, historical, and religious research areas and outlines the computational methods, namely topic modelling and word embedding. The second part, (2) showcases two computational tools in analyzing New Testament narratives. The third part (3) discusses and compares how the methodology of applying computational techniques can maintain and advance a focus on the historical and literary context of New Testament texts. The specific problem the article addresses is how computational methods can be wielded and not sacrifice the contact to the text and the historical context. We argue that applying computational methods in New Testament hermeneutics necessarily involves methodological pros and cons. These computationally assisted analyses can be regarded as old wine in new wineskins—classic, hermeneutical questions can be posed with new methods.