原始基督教研究的历史方法论探赜——重读恩格斯《论原始基督教的历史》

Exploring the Historical Methodology of Primitive Christian Studies--Rereading Engels’“On the History of Primitive Christianity”

回顾恩格斯晚年研究原始基督教历史的初衷,以及后来发现原始基督教和社会主义运动的相似性,可以发现恩格斯在原始基督教研究中所运用的历史方法论。《论原始基督教的历史》在坚持唯物史观的基础上从实践活动出发,合理继承前人的研究成果;不以孤立、片面的观点看待历史,而是以历史合力论的多角度分析原始基督教的历史成因;通过比较法在原始基督教和社会主义运动的相似性上总结历史经验,发现历史规律,为社会主义运动的进一步发展指明方向。因此,研习恩格斯《论原始基督教的历史》中运用的历史研究方法,有助于丰富和发展马克思主义宗教观在宗教历史领域的应用。

Looking back at Engels’original intention of studying the history of primitive Christianity in his later years,as well as the later discovery of the similarity between primitive Christianity and the socialist movement,we can discover the historical methodology used by Engels in the study of primitive Christianity.“On the History of Primitive Christianity”starts from practical activities on the basis of adhering to the materialist conception of history,and reasonably inherits the research achievements of predecessors.It does not view history from an isolated or one-sided perspective,but analyzes the historical origins of primitive Christianity from multiple angles using the theory of historical synergy.By comparing the similarities between primitive Christianity and socialist movements,we summarize historical experience,discover historical laws,and provide direction for the further development of socialist movements.Therefore,studying the historical research methods used in Engels’“On the History of Primitive Christianity”can help enrich and develop the application of Marxist religious views in the field of religious history.