Hermeneutics and the Confessions

Abstract

This essay focuses on the relationship of the confessions to the Holy Scriptures. The essayist explores such questions as: Are we, as Lutherans committed to a quia subscription to the 16th century confessions, to view the confessions as a hermeneutical lens through which to interpret the Scriptures? We honor the Reformation’s principle of sola Scriptura; but are we also obliged to adhere to the Reformers exegetical moves in all of the passages that they cite in the confessions? The upcoming 500th anniversary of the Reformation provides a good opportunity to reexamine the hermeneutical approach used by the Reformers in the confessions.