Ernst Troeltsch, Historical Method, and Comparative Theology

Abstract

This chapter explores Troeltsch’s contribution to public comparative theology in a historical-critical method. Investigating his sociological method, I seek to renew and improve on the limitations of Troeltsch through a critical hermeneutic lens provided by Hans G. Gadamer’s hermeneutics and Jürgen Habermas’ sociology of lifeworld. Through this social hermeneutic mediation, I conceptualize Troeltsch’s project in a more qualified manner, bringing it relevancy to public comparative theology in our pluralist context. In this hermeneutical long route, it is significant to critically appraise the contribution of Troeltsch, while revising his insight in a phenomenologically refined and socially responsible manner for the reality of multiple modernities and religious humanism in our context. Based on the analysis and clarification, it is substantial to compare Troeltsch’s achievement with Barth and Clooney.