Hearing the Word: Lutheran Hermeneutics--A Vision of Life Under the Gospel

By David C. Ratke

In every generation the church struggles with the issues surrounding the authority of Scripture, the development of a coherent and credible hermeneutic. For Lutherans the questions on the authority of scripture have been part and parcel of Lutheran theology from Reformation itself. Luther declared at Worms, Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the scriptures or by clear reason ¿. I am bound by the scriptures ¿ and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. Luther makes his appeal to scripture. Scripture shall be the foundation of Christian faith. This much is clear. In this same statement, however, he also appeals to ¿clear reason,¿ which is not always equally clear to everybody. What seems clear in one time and one place does not seem so clear in another time and place. One can accept scripture as literal, inerrant, and infallible, or one can reject it as fabricated fiction. If the church claims a middle ground, then how does it determine the meaning and authority of scripture for Christian life and discipleship? The papers of this book seek to contribute to an ecclesial climate, process, and means for fostering healthy and spirited conversation which faithfully relates the truths revealed in the Scriptures.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1932688196
• ISBN13: 9781932688191
• Release Date: December 2006
• Publisher: Lutheran University Press
• Length: 107 Pages