TP 3

I took several items from Ben Witherington home from the uni library the other day. I was going to borrow only "New Testament theology : A Narrative Account" since it's theme is most related with my dissertation. However, there was room for few more in my back back, and the search engine listed so many alluring books (I borrowed also Tom Wright's Jesus and the Victory of God).

Anyway, back to the topic, or into it! Witherington says something that all authors - and readers alike - should come across and keep in mind:

I as the author of this monograph believe a good deal more than I can prove.

Of course one can fool to be honest by writing something like this, but putting cynicism aside for a while this is absolutely crucial for objective writing/science/anything. Anyone claiming to be unbiased is blinded by his own bias(es).

This awareness, or realization, can be paralyzing - how on earth am I to write anything original that is at the same time honest and true? I am confident that we must begin with what we believe, and see if we can honestly prove it. After all, without conviction, who would want to write anything (unless paid hugely)? Moreover, who would ever want to read it?!

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Quote is from Ben Witherington III, New Testament theology : A Narrative Account (Grand Rapids MI: Baker, and Carlisle, Cumbria: Paternoster Press, 2001), 17.