From the introduction to the University of Chicago Press’s Critical Terms for Literary Study:
Theory isn’t difficult out of spite. It is difficult because it has proceeded on the premise that language itself ought to be its focus of attention; that ordinary language is an embodiment of an extremely powerful and usually unquestioned system of values and beliefs; and that using ordinary language catches you up in that system.
Thomas McGalaughlin
To which the covenantal reader says, “Amen!” Language is not neutral. It represents a host of metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical presuppositions.
But why does literary theory matter?
[F]reedom from terminology is not the goal. A more modest and attainable goal is learning to negotiate the complexities of life in language.
Thomas McGlaughlin
The goal of covenantal literature is not just negotiating with words, but reckoning with The Word.
The editors of Critical Terms want literary critics to be aware. Similarly, covenantal readers should be self-conscious and consistent. Of course, these parallel tracks will never converge.
A covenantal and self-conscious unpacking of terms like “representation” or “author” or “ethics” or “desire” demands a Critical Terms for Covenantal Study.
Experiments in Criticism 