The Holy History as a Model of Generalization and Systematization of Biblical Knowledge in Russian Biblical Studies (XIXth — Early XXth Centuries)

Abstract

The article presents an experience of epistemological description of some aspects of the development of Russian biblical studies. The author applies the model of scientific development and the theory of social relays by M. Rozov to the history of Russian biblical studies. From this point of view, Russian biblical studies in the 19th century - early 20th century underwent a process of disciplinary specialization. An epistemological analysis of scholarly texts from the fields of biblical studies and spiritual education of that time reveals facts that provide insight into how this process unfolded. A key issue in this process was the problem of generalizing and systematizing accumulated biblical knowledge. The author analyzes the facts presented in the article and makes an assumption that the generally accepted model of systematization of biblical knowledge was holy biblical history. The study of this phenomenon, widely represented in biblical science of that time, is complicated by its historical and scientific versatility. The article notes the need to distinguish between those objects and phenomena that belonged to the academic scientific and educational environment, which were usually called holy history.