Journal: Conservative Theological Journal
Volume: CTJ 03:10 (Dec 1999)
Article: Catholic Hermeneutics
Author: Mike Gendron

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CTJ 3:10 (December 1999) p. 304

Catholic Hermeneutics

Mike Gendron

Proclaiming the Gospel Ministry
PO Box 940871, Plano, TX 75094

Hermeneutics-Plus

It should come as no surprise that when we come to the subject of hermeneutics the Roman Catholic Church is consistent in its reputation of being the “plus” religion, throughout its history, the Vatican has added much to the teachings and practices of biblical Christianity. To the Bible they added tradition; to Christ’s headship they added the pope; to His unique role as mediator they added Mary; to His finished and complete sacrifice they added the Mass; to His high priestly office they added the confessional box; to His righteousness they add their own; to grace they add merit; to faith they add works and to heaven and hell they added purgatory. Finally, to the subject at hand, we see, to the basic rules of hermeneutics, the Roman Catholic Church has added another rule - a most significant qualifier, that diminishes the objectivity provided by following other widely accepted principles.1

Grammatical interpretation. Since the Scriptures were written in ordinary human language, they should be read and interpreted by the same rules which we employ when reading other books.

Historical interpretation. We must study the scriptures in the light of the historical circumstances in which the different books were written.

Philological interpretation. We must determine carefully the meaning of words and if a word has more than one meaning, apply the meaning which is most appropriate to the context.

Scriptural interpretation. The Scripture is its own interpreter, in that: no part of scripture can be interpreted in such a way as to contradict what is clearly taught elsewhere in scripture. Also, what may be obscure in one part of scripture is often stated more clearly in another.

To these four hermeneutical rules the Vatican has added a rule which establishes the Roman Catholic Church as the sole authority for the authentic interpretation of the Scriptures. Any interpretation that does not harmonize with the spirit of the Church’s interpretation, cannot be the true sense of Scripture.2

CTJ 3:10 (December 1999) p. 305

The task of giving an authentic Interpretation of the Word of God, whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition, has been entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone. Its authority in this matter is exercised in the name of Jesus Christ. [DV 10 # 2.] This means that the task of Interpretation has been en...

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