40 Questions
According to Luther, internal perspicuity is a work of the Spirit that only believers can understand.
False
External perspicuity refers to understanding the literal meaning of Scripture.
False
According to Luther, the doctrine of papal interpretation of Scripture is necessary for believers to understand Scripture.
False
Scripture has a clarity to it that allows believers and unbelievers to understand its meaning.
True
Luther believed that only believers can understand the meaning of Scripture.
False
The Roman Catholic Church teaches that Scripture is too complicated for individuals to interpret on their own.
True
Luther's view on scriptural perspicuity emphasizes the importance of papal interpretation.
False
Luther's demystification of interpretation means that Scripture is only understandable by scholars and theologians.
False
According to the author, interpreting text is an arcane science.
False
The diversity of interpretation of Scripture implies that Scripture is unclear.
False
The author thinks that the complexity of textual interpretation has been understated by linguistic theory.
False
John Webster's article on hermeneutical overload argues that interpretation is extremely difficult.
False
The author believes that perspicuity is a non-essential concept in Reformation theology.
False
The author's associate pastor was unable to read computer codes.
False
The author thinks that the clarity of Scripture can be determined by the diversity of its interpretation.
False
The author argues that perspicuity should be understood in terms of the reader's skills rather than the text's clarity.
True
The canon of scripture comes from the authority of the church.
True
Luther believed that scripture has a clarity to it that allows believers and unbelievers to understand its meaning.
False
Perspicuity means that idiots can come up with the Nicene Creed just by reading the Bible.
False
The author thinks that a good defense of perspicuity would have to address the authority of the church in determining the canon.
True
Mike Kruger's books on the canon are recommended reading for pastors.
True
Removing 2 Peter from the canon would significantly damage the theology of scripture.
False
The author believes that the Reformers wanted everybody to go home and read the Bible by themselves and decide what it means.
False
The author thinks that the canon is a closed and settled issue.
True
Luther believed that Scripture is perspicuous without any additional skill or training.
False
Scripture is perspicuous only for those who have a sophisticated understanding of the original languages.
False
Luther's view of scriptural perspicuity emphasizes the importance of individual interpretation over tradition.
False
Scripture is clear on certain basic doctrines to anyone who cares to look fairly at it.
True
Luther's view of scriptural perspicuity is only relevant to the Reformation era.
False
Luther believed that Scripture is only understandable by those who have undergone extensive training in hermeneutics.
False
Luther's view of scriptural perspicuity is in conflict with the idea of scriptural clarity.
False
Luther's view of scriptural perspicuity is primarily concerned with the individual's ability to understand Scripture.
False
According to Luther, perspicuity of Scripture can be achieved by individual interpretation without considering the corporate nature of interpretation.
False
The author believes that producing clear and reliable translations is not possible.
False
Luther's view on scriptural perspicuity is not influenced by his understanding of sin.
False
The author suggests that perspicuity of Scripture can be achieved by considering individual interpretations only.
False
The author believes that the Reformers did not consider the traditions of exegesis and interpretation in their practice.
False
The author argues that the perspicuity of Scripture is a simple and straightforward concept.
False
The author proposes that the corporate nature of interpretation is not essential for achieving perspicuity of Scripture.
False
Luther's view on scriptural perspicuity is not influenced by the need for translation.
False
Study Notes
Internal Perspicuity and External Perspicuity
- Internal perspicuity refers to the clear understanding of Scripture as a written text
- External perspicuity refers to the personal, existential significance of the text, which requires faith and the work of the Spirit
- Internal perspicuity is open to all who can read or understand the language, while external perspicuity is a monopoly of those in whom the Spirit dwells and works
Demystifying Interpretation
- Luther's doctrine of perspicuity demystifies interpretation by making it accessible to all who can read or understand the language
- This is in contrast to the Roman Catholic doctrine of papal interpretation, which depends on the interpretation of scripture being a fundamentally complicated issue
- Luther's view is that interpretation is not as complicated as some have made it out to be
Complexity of Textual Interpretation
- The complexity of textual interpretation has been overplayed by linguistic theory in recent decades
- John Webster argues that interpretation is not as difficult as some have made it out to be, and that it has been successfully done over the years
- The diversity of interpretation of Scripture does not mean that the text itself is not clear
Qualifying Perspicuity
- Perspicuity needs to be qualified in pedagogical terms, requiring a translation of the text
- The possibility of producing clear and reliable translations is a point that would be contested today
- Interpretation of texts can be self-serving, and sin can affect our understanding of Scripture
Luther's Understanding of Scriptural Perspicuity
- Luther's understanding of sin implies that interpretation is not always objective
- Luther's view of scriptural perspicuity does not lead to a solo, individualistic approach to interpretation
- He arranges the translation of the Bible, citing the commentary tradition, and believes that Scripture is perspicuous when one has developed the skills for reading a text about the subjects to which Scripture refers
The Canon of Scripture
- A closed canon is necessary for interpreting the text in a certain way
- The authority of the church is necessary for deciding which books are in and which are out of the canon
- Protestant arguments on the canon, such as Mike Kruger's two books, should be considered
The Role of the Church
- The church has a role in shaping our understanding of Scripture
- Luther's view of scriptural perspicuity does not mean that individuals can come up with their own theology by reading the Bible alone
- The church provides a context for understanding and interpreting Scripture
This quiz is about comprehending the meaning of Mark Chapter 16 in the Bible, specifically the resurrection of Jesus and its significance.
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