A friend asked me about hermeneutics in relationship to three characters of church history. Here’s his question:
“Good morning my brother? I was looking up hermeneutics. I had heard that before but I didn’t know what it was. Are you familiar with who St Jerome, Nicholas Of Lyra, and St. Thomas Aquinas are in relation to hermeneutics?”
My response:
“Good morning my brother.
Yes, I have read about all three. Jerome translated the Bible in Latin (Latin Vulgate) which Martin Luther wouldn’t use to translate the Bible in German because he felt the Vulgate was too associated with Catholicism. Thomas Aquinas’ theology was mingled with Aristotelian philosophy/logic which has led to so much controversy and misunderstandings regarding his arguments about the existence of God. Many conservative theologians cringe at his arguments, but I find them interesting and fascinating. But, any of his arguments that endorse Catholicism I reject. Don’t know much about Nicholas of Lyra (a Franciscan) except that he was a scholar of biblical exegesis (explanation/exposition) and a strong advocate of conversion for the Jews. To be such at least indicates his hermeneutical principles were most likely proper: literal, grammatical, and historical. Even with those principles, one must always depend on the Holy Spirit to illuminate his understanding (1 Cor. 2:12-13; 2 Peter 1.20-21). That’s called the doctrine of illumination. That differs from interpretation which is man’s limited understanding of Scripture. As you know, reading the Bible would be like reading a secular book if the Holy Spirit didn’t illuminate our understanding. Jesus said, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you” (John 14:26).
Expect a quiz at the beginning of your next tuition-free class 😃.”
Blessings!
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