Gregg Allison, Ph.D.: "Historical Theology," Ch.8--Interpretation of Scr...

1.     In the reformation/post-reformation period, there was a return to the grammatico-historical sense. Luther, trained in the 4-fold drift-around hermeneutic, saw the harm as did Calvin. Luther: “I finally realized that to my own great harm I had followed an empty shadow and had left unconsidered the heart and core of Scriptures. Later on, therefore, I began to have a dislike for allegories” (173; ML’s LW, 39:177; 27: 311; 39: 178). Further: “It wreaks havoc with Scripture;” “It is not sufficiently supported by the authority of Scripture, by the custom of the fathers, or by grammatical principles;” because the Holy Spirit is the “simplest writer” and Scripture with one meaning.” Thus, the literal meaning is the “highest, best, strongest, in short, the whole substance, nature and foundation of Holy Scripture” (173; LW 39:178). Thus, for Luther, “we should strive, so far as possible, to get one, simple, true, and grammatical meaning from the words of the text” (173; ML’s Lectures on Genesis 45-50, 8:146). Justification, wide knowledge of the Scriptures, a Christological focus, careful contextual analysis, and the distinction of law and gospel oriented Luther. As to literality, he gets into an historic fight with the Reformed of “is” meaning “is,” not a figurative “is,” still an unresolved issue to this day. Calvin followed a similar path “that the true meaning of Scripture is the obvious and natural meaning” (Commentary on Galatians and Ephesians, 136). Like Luther, he says, “I shall bring to a passage of Scripture an interpretation that is not subtle, not forced nor distorted, but one that is natural, fluent and plain” (175; Institutes, 4.11.11). Other passages from Calvin could be cited, but he too noted the need for a theological framework, close textual analysis including authorial intent (like Jerome), and the analogy of faith. The Post-Reformers followed this path holding to the clarity, perspicuity and sufficiency of Scriptures contra: (1) Trent, 4^th session, 1546 and (2) Robert Bellarmine, Rome’s great apologist.