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Working as an Historian of Religions

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George M. Williams

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Working as an Historian of Religions

  • Dealing with another religion (its beliefs, practices, community) in its own integrity

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Working as an Historian of Religions

  • Dealing with another’s religion as if it is true

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Working as an Historian of Religions

  • Studying the very best presentations of a tradition in its scriptures, interpreted by its commentaries, theologians and philosophers before studying the detractions and contradictions found among its dissidents and heretics

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Working as an Historian of Religions

  • Studying in the religious tradition’s sacred language (never privileging English even though I write and think in it)

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Working as an Historian of Religions

  • Dealing with the “other” not as stranger or an “it” (or “them”) but as “thou”

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Working as an Historian of Religions

  • Dealing with another’s religion on its ideal level first -- before ever describing or critiquing its reality

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Working as an Historian of Religions

  • Looking at those who practice the religion according to their intention before ever describing or critiquing their omissions or compromises

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Working as an Historian of Religions

  • Trying to find and learn from living “saints” or exemplars of a religious tradition, if at all possible

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Working as an Historian of Religions

  • Attempting to find out why this religious tradition matters so much to its followers (asking the “so what?” question)

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Working as an Historian of Religions

  • Trying to comprehend some of the experiential aspects of another’s religious practices and experience of community

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