Introduction
The evaluation of the same religion from two different positions makes it possible to assess the perception of individual concepts and dogmas and describe specific approaches to the interpretation of relevant opinions. As a background for analysis, Protestantism as a branch of Christianity will be used, and etic and emic perspectives will be applied as two distinctive views on it. As an outsider’s, or etic opinion, Folk’s (2018) reasoning will be presented, which includes the analysis of the elements of the religion in question and its key aspects. An insider’s, or emic view, is based on Luther’s (1659) work, who was one of the founders of Protestantism. The assessment of both positions allows comparing the perspectives of the religion under consideration and determining how the representatives of different eras perceive its dogmas.
Etic Perspectives
The outsider’s view on Protestantism and its foundation cannot be regarded as an unambiguously correct position since a personal judgment is based on the analysis but not immersion in the religion. According to Folk (2018), one of the features of Protestantism is the expression of the will and nature of God through nature. The author notes that divine messages that a person can recognize are often found in the surrounding world, and supernatural forces should not be taken into account (Folk, 2018). From an etic perspective, a Protestant approach to the relationship between God and human is standard for Christianity as a whole: any sinner is punished for unrighteous deeds (Folk, 2018). Such a position is fundamental and cannot convey the difference between Protestantism and Catholicism or Orthodoxy. As Hoffmann et al. (201s) state, the theology of this religion has metaphysical interpretations, but the unity of the human with nature and the knowledge of the divine essence through the surrounding world are the basic concepts. Therefore, such an etic perspective does not describe the nature of Protestantism comprehensively.
Emic Perspectives
Many Protestant creeds emerged due to Martin Luther, one of the founders of this theological doctrine. His insider’s position is credible as a rationale for the religion. According to Luther (1659), the reformation of the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century was necessary due to the fallacy of many provisions. The theologian believed that erasing clear boundaries between priests and laity was essential along with the denial of icon veneration and a reduction in the number of sacraments (Luther, 1659). Also, Luther (1656) insisted on a free interpretation of the Bible as a source of moralizing but not an object of worship. These approaches have provided the background to modern Protestantism and formed the key ideas about this religion.
Conclusion
Etic and Emic perspectives on Protestantism are distinguished by outsider’s and insider’s statements, respectively, and help compare specific approaches to this religion. Both authors’ positions differ in the degree of immersion in the topic of the foundations of this theological doctrine. The insider’s view is deeper and more accurate, while the outsider’s opinion is an individual view on the concept of Protestantism and its background.
References
Folk, H. (2018). Protestant continuities in The Church of Almighty God. The Journal of CESNUR, 2(1), 58-77.
Hoffmann, J. P., Ellison, C. G., & Bartkowski, J. P. (2017). Conservative Protestantism and attitudes toward corporal punishment, 1986-2014. Social Science Research, 63, 81-94.
Luther, M. (1659). Dris Martini Lutheri colloquia mensalia: Or, Dr Martin Luther’s divine discourses (2nd ed.). William Throppe.