Lessons From Writing A Literature Review

The first and greatest lesson is less about the literature review, the data or the formation of the project. One learns more about himself, about dealing with presuppositions, adjusting expectations and goals. One learns patience as one learns to think differently, theologically and philosophically.

Another lesson in developing the review is the need to temper research. By this is meant that research has changed from using any and all available print resources found in a library (as in days-gone-by) to using the internet in addition to print resources. New material is published daily, weekly and one there runs the risk of information overload. This, in turn, brings constant revision to the outline and direction of the review. On one hand, the strongest section of the outline covers background material; on the other hand, the weakest section is found toward the end where the greatest consideration is given to the gaps in application, the area of greatest development.

The review is pointing the way to refinement by virtue of prompting more questions, many not considered before the review, such as: if Marcus Aurelius proved to be the ideal philosopher-king as suggested by Plato, what can the Christian leader learn from Aurelius’ personal writings? Since Marcus’ Aurelius personal journal demonstrates the application of an integrated philosophy, what approach is fitting for the Christian whose exposure to Stoicism through the writings may be introductory? What does the Christian leader need to find in his writings, and what is one to do with that information? Which parts of Marcus Aurelius’ Stoicism contain philosophical absolutes (theological essentials) and which are particulars (negotiable)? How does this philosophy harmonize with his or her practice of theology?

The greatest assistance at this stage is found in the nine guidelines described in Chapter 11 of Galvan and Galvan, where each principle serves to fine-tune the sharpness of the review.

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Galvan, Jose L. and Melisa C. Galvan. 2017. Writing Literature Reviews: A Guide for Students of the Social and Behavioral Sciences. 7th ed. New York: Routledge. iBooks.