Posted on 01/09/2010 12:47:23 PM PST by Gamecock
Full Title: Theological FAQ: What does the term “grammatical-historical hermeneutic” mean, and why is it important?
In 1515 AD, Martin Luther rejected the elaborate four-fold hermeneutic that had been predominant throughout the Medieval centuries, and which led to some very far-fetched allegorizing of the bible, leaving scriptural interpretation in the hands of the experts, who alone were capable of figuring out the secret things that bible passages really meant. This would eventually lead to the great Protestant Reformation, which is therefore, most fundamentally, a hermeneutically-driven struggle. In place of this allegorical hermeneutic, Luther proposed what he termed a “grammatical-historical” hermeneutic.
According to Luther's new hermeneutic, which was actually just the recovered hermeneutic of the earliest Church Fathers, each bible passage had one basic meaning, which was firmly rooted in historical truth, and related accurately according to the common principles of human language. Thus, it was “historical,” relating real, interconnected historical events, that must be acknowledged and understood before the various teachings of the bible could make sense or have application; and “grammatical,” using language the way any normal person would. This grammatical-historical hermeneutic is absolutely vital, for it tethers the truth of the scriptures to real, historical events, that have a real impact on our life; and it gives us a way to study the scriptures with confidence, according to well-established dictates of human language.
Keep this coming, precious one. I love it. Sola Fide.
PING = LATER
thanks a lot for the postings regarding this information. up here in the great state of Upper Peninsula Michigan, my seminary days are long gone. miss the theological debates. still have my books from seminary days - dabneys Systematic theology. and many others thanks again. look forward to the posts
I don’t think people should use such language in proper company
Excellent Gammer..
It really explains a lot about the difference in the way we read scripture..
Love Luther!!
Fascinating. Having had 4 years at RTS Charlotte, training in the grammatical-historical method of hermanuetics, I have to say its very sad how many preachers in the evangelical world, have no clue about it, and give sloppy topical, or, allegorical sermons...as a routine. Many lay people don’t know the difference either, and find REAL preaching boring—and just can’t handle the right interpretation of the word.
Way too many ear ticklers out there....and ears looking to be scratched.
Next in a series
Upcoming topics might be a little more exciting (in the "defending ourselves from pitchfork wielding mobs" sense).
I have to say its very sad how many preachers in the evangelical world, have no clue about it, and give sloppy topical, or, allegorical sermons...as a routine. Many lay people don’t know the difference either, and find REAL preaching boring—and just can’t handle the right interpretation of the word.
Not a new problem:
"Nay, what one sermon was there from which old wives might not carry off more whimsies than they could devise at their own fireside in a month? For as sermons were then usually divided, the first half was devoted to those misty questions of the schools which might astonish the rude populace, while the second contained sweet stories, or not unassuming speculations, by which the hearers might be kept on the alert. Only a few expressions were thrown in from the Word of God, that by their majesty they might procure credit for these frivolities." J. Calvin, "Reply to Sadoleto"
In 1515 AD, Martin Luther rejected the elaborate four-fold hermeneutic that had been predominant throughout the Medieval centuries, and which led to some very far-fetched allegorizing of the bible, leaving scriptural interpretation in the hands of the experts, who alone were capable of figuring out the secret things that bible passages really meant
Does anyone know what the four-fold hermeneutic was? Just curious.
BWAAAHAAA!
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