Was Christum treibet

A study of Luther's hermeneutics

Abstract

The hermeneutical problem with the Holy Scriptures, namely, the distance between the authors’ worldview and the present day, can be seen in all periods of Ecclesiastical History. Seeking answers for the present day is, intrinsically, the function of theologians. However, the question that remains is: to what extent can the current context influence the reading and interpretation of the Bible? Could the sacred texts be distorted when compared to the present day? This article aims to research the theology of Martin Luther, with regard to his hermeneutics in dealing with the Holy Scriptures. Luther was a great defender of the correct interpretation of the Scriptures from their center, that is, from that which promotes Christ – was Christum treibet. Based on the search for sources and the history of Luther’s debates with the Roman Church of his time, as well as his adversaries, the author wants to expose his theological decisions here. Luther does not have a literalist reading of the texts, but he uses the center, which is Christ, as his sieve. It is from this center that all the other parts are elucidated. Therefore, it is important to study grammar, as well as to count on the action of the Holy Spirit, so that the texts can be well distinguished and understood based on what promotes Christ.