Emerging from Silos of Analysis: A Complexity Theory Approach to the Study of Biblical Texts

Abstract

This chapter surveys a Complexity Theory (CT) approach applied in five areas of biblical scholarship: diachrony, language pedagogy, translation theory, syntax, and the Masoretic accents of the Hebrew Bible. A complexity approach to linguistic theory foremostly recog-nises that language is a complex system and accordingly aims to situate a particular subject of study within a context that more closely resembles the complex interactions of various dimensions of the system. CT is different from the other linguistic theories present-ed in this volume in that it functions as a metatheory. An under-standing of the general principles of CT can mitigate an inclination toward reductionist analysis and enable researchers to perceive fundamental properties and interactions of language phenomena that remain opaque to traditional theoretical frameworks. While an understanding of CT may not be necessary in order to appropriately account for the phenomena of complex systems, this metatheory can provide a helpful perspective for the scholar or practitioner, transforming an analysis via the questions it raises, the manner in which answers to these questions are pursued, and the conclusions ultimately drawn. A brief overview of CT is provided with particular attention to its application in the field of linguistics. Key words: Complexity Theory, complex systems, linguistics, bibli-cal studies