Restoring the Spirit through the Redemption of Memory
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis article argues that neuroscience and psychology provide us with useful tools for studying the New Testament. The author’s reflection on the intersection between the study of memory and the New Testament is a laudable effort.
It might be helpful to mention two areas in which the article might be improved.
First, in section 5 (“Memory in New Testament”), I am sympathetic to what this article is seeking to do, but it seems to be spread too broadly over its various points of discussion(e.g., Jesus’s death, Eucharist, Journey to Emmaus, In Christ, transformation). It would be better to focus on one or two topic(s) and to reflect on it more synthetically as a case study.
Second, I wonder if the author might be able to access a book by Dale C. Allison Jr. (Constructing Jesus: Memory, Imagination, and History). Allison articulates social memory approach which might be relevant to the author’s research. If access to this book is not readily available, however, this suggestion might be held for later research opportunities.
Author Response
First, in section 5 (“Memory in New Testament”), I am sympathetic to what this article is seeking to do, but it seems to be spread too broadly over its various points of discussion(e.g., Jesus’s death, Eucharist, Journey to Emmaus, In Christ, transformation). It would be better to focus on one or two topic(s) and to reflect on it more synthetically as a case study.
- Thank you for your comments. I understand the perspective, but the passages chosen and explored demonstrate a path connecting discoveries in neurobiology, observations in psychology, and the New Testament in such a way that the reader is led from basic correspondence of the impact of social networks to the influence of Scripture in the process of renewing the mind through addressing specific aspects of memory. Leaving one of these out would streamline the article but leave gaps in the logic.
Second, I wonder if the author might be able to access a book by Dale C. Allison Jr. (Constructing Jesus: Memory, Imagination, and History). Allison articulates social memory approach which might be relevant to the author’s research. If access to this book is not readily available, however, this suggestion might be held for later research opportunities.
- Thank you for the recommendation. I read the volume years ago but was glad to incorporate it into the current article.
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsHello,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback.
Strengths:
1. Interdisciplinary approach: The article effectively integrates insights from neuroscience, psychology, and biblical studies. This interdisciplinary approach provides a comprehensive examination of memory, identity, and spiritual renewal. For example, the discussion of memory formation (lines 76-103) seamlessly transitions into its relevance for biblical interpretation and spiritual transformation.
2. Thorough literature review: The author demonstrates a strong command of relevant literature across multiple fields. This is evident in the detailed explanations of memory processes (lines 76-114) and the nuanced discussion of biblical passages (lines 232-275).
3. Clear structure and logical flow: The article is well-organized, with each section building upon the previous one. The progression from neuroscience to psychology to biblical analysis is logical and helps the reader follow the argument.
4. Compelling integration of scientific and theological perspectives: The author successfully bridges scientific understanding of memory with theological concepts. This is particularly evident in the discussion of Paul's personal narrative (lines 298-319) in light of memory reconsolidation.
5. Practical implications: The conclusion effectively ties the theoretical discussion to practical applications for spiritual renewal, providing valuable insights for readers.
Weaknesses:
1. Lack of explicit research questions or hypotheses: While the overall purpose is clear, the article would benefit from explicitly stating research questions or hypotheses at the outset. This would help frame the subsequent analysis more clearly.
2. Limited critical engagement with sources: While the literature review is thorough, there is limited critical engagement with conflicting viewpoints or potential limitations of the cited studies. Including more critical analysis would strengthen the argument.
3. Uneven treatment of neuroscience and psychology: The neuroscience section (lines 76-114) is more detailed than the psychology section. Expanding the psychological aspects of memory and identity formation would provide a more balanced approach.
4. Lack of discussion on potential challenges: The article does not address potential challenges or limitations to applying neuroscientific and psychological insights to spiritual practices. Acknowledging these would enhance the credibility of the argument.
5. Limited exploration of alternative interpretations: While the biblical analysis is thorough, it could benefit from considering alternative interpretations of key passages, particularly in the discussion of memory in the New Testament (lines 232-275).
Suggestions for improvement:
1. Include explicit research questions or hypotheses in the introduction.
2. Incorporate more critical analysis of cited sources, acknowledging limitations where appropriate.
3. Expand the psychological aspects of memory and identity to balance with the neuroscience section.
4. Address potential challenges or limitations to applying these insights in spiritual contexts.
5. Consider alternative interpretations of key biblical passages to provide a more comprehensive analysis.
Overall, the article presents a compelling and well-researched argument, but addressing these points could further strengthen its academic rigor and impact.
All the best
Author Response
- Include explicit research questions or hypotheses in the introduction.
- I appreciate the criticism; I've added clarification in that regard.
2. Incorporate more critical analysis of cited sources, acknowledging limitations where appropriate.
- Where possible, I've added some critical analysis; this process is more difficult because of the lack of analogous models and published material reading the NT with the particular aspects of memory formation, retrieval, and reconsolidation in mind (and their psychological impacts).
3. Expand the psychological aspects of memory and identity to balance with the neuroscience section.
- Some expansion has been added, as well as clarification regarding the differences in approach (detail vs broader strokes) in the neurobiology and psychology sections.
4. Address potential challenges or limitations to applying these insights in spiritual contexts.
- Some limitations have been addressed within the purview of the article.
5. Consider alternative interpretations of key biblical passages to provide a more comprehensive analysis.
- Where applicable, strong alternative interpretations have been included and engaged.
