Journal: Tyndale Bulletin
Volume: TYNBUL 48:2 (NA 1997)
Article: Authority And Interpretive Method In Luther’s Approach To Scripture
Author: Mark D. Thompson

TynBul 48:2 (1997) p. 373

Authority And Interpretive Method In Luther’s Approach To Scripture1

Mark Thompson

Martin Luther’s approach to Holy Scripture remains controversial. Though most recognise his significance in the history of biblical interpretation, no genuine consensus has yet emerged concerning the basic elements of his approach. Attempts to portray him as the forefather of biblical criticism, an archetypal fundamentalist, and even a proto-existentialist, all attract trenchant criticism. The interests of the twentieth century repeatedly intrude and distort many reconstructions. In the commotion, Luther’s own voice is often lost.

This thesis undertakes a fresh examination of Luther’s approach to Scripture which gives particular attention to Luther’s own words in their literary and historical context. It explores a series of connections in his thought, analysing his scattered statements in terms of four categories reflected in his own terminology: inspiration (inspiratio), unity (tota scriptura), clarity (claritas scripturae), and sufficiency (sola scriptura). In particular, it identifies those elements which enable Luther to move with confidence between his statements about the authority of Scripture and his interpretive method.

Chapter one surveys Luther’s theological and exegetical inheritance. A theological, though deliberately pre-critical examination of the biblical testimony to its own origin, nature, and use, is followed by an outline of some of the most relevant developments in both the patristic and medieval periods. Luther was demonstrably a biblical theologian who did not shy away from making

TynBul 48:2 (1997) p. 374

use of the contributions of Christian thinkers who had gone before him. He always considered himself to be thoroughly orthodox.

In chapters two and three, Luther’s statements about the origin of Holy Scripture are examined. Luther endorsed the view of Aquinas and others that God can be described not only as one who has spoken his Word, but as the author of that Word written as Scripture. He therefore spoke of God’s involvement with Scripture in the most direct and intimate terms. However, he was also able to speak of the human element in its composition in a way that was meaningful. He was willing to identify Scripture as the Word of God (while recognising the other important uses of this expression), yet he could also speak of the literary choices made by Moses or Paul. The evidence of Luther’s own statements from throughout his career as a teacher and pastor does not support the conclusions drawn by a number of studies on this subject.

Chapter three investigate...