Digital and Network-Based Methods for Narrative Criticism

The exegesis of biblical texts is usually a manual task. However, in computational linguistics, automated and artificial-intelligence-based methods are an emerging trend. This paper discusses possible intersections between computer-based natural language processing, analysis of narrative and literary texts, and narrative exegesis of biblical texts and in particular network-based methods. The problem with applying narrative criticism is its variety. The approaches differ slightly, not only due to the different original languages between OT and NT, but also between different literary approaches and schools in different countries. However, narrative approaches are a bridge to digital and network-based methods used in the humanities and computer linguistics. Thus, this paper provides an overview of already established methods and discusses a critical evaluation of possible synergies towards linked data, social network analysis, and knowledge graph approaches. Despite limitations regarding data management and accessibility several methods could be suitable for interdisciplinary research: The detection of time and space, sentiment analysis and the integration of social network analysis into narrative exegesis. Besides, the discussion with computer linguistics may give new perspectives for narrative exegesis.