The Unbelieved and Historians, Part II: Proposals and solutions. Issue 1 (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clossey, Luke; Jackson, Kyle; Marriott, Brandon; Redden, Andrew; Vélez, Karin
• Is Part Of: History compass. Volume 15:Issue 1(2017:Jan.)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: World history -- Periodicals; History -- Periodicals; 900
• DOI: 10.1111/hic3.12370
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-0542

Abstract

Abstract: Taking a cue from their less‐than‐marginal place in scholarship today, we call supernatural beings the "Unbelieved" and the explicit or implicit denial of them "Dogmatic Secularism." We argue that objective historians should not discount, in advance, evidence that points to the existence or involvement of the Unbelieved in history; instead, we should cultivate a sceptical attitude towards all sources. In this, the second half of a two‐part essay, we first highlight the work of recent scholars who have pioneered a trail beyond Dogmatic Secularism. We conclude with practical suggestions towards a more truly empirical attitude towards sources involving the Unbelieved.