Benedykta XVI hermeneutyka wiary

Abstract

In the “Post-synodal apostolic exhortation Verbum Domini” Pope Benedict XVI discusses the application of biblical analysis that is based on historical research and theological exegesis, considering these methodological proceedings to be the most accurate for the inspired texts. This method is usually referred to in the apostolic exhortation as a hermeneutic of faith (VD 31, 35, 38, 39, 45, 47, 52). The author explains first the hermeneutic of faith as viewed by Benedict XVI, which consists in a combination of the dominant methodological currents: historical-critical approach and theological exegesis. Then, he proceeds to discuss some fundamental criteria necessary for the analysis of the Holy Scriptures, criteria proposed in the Dogmatic Constitution Dei Verbum no. 12. The Pope often stresses the significance of the exegetical criteria in the exhortation, and makes an appeal to apply them in biblical research. The last part of the article deals with the implications of the hermeneutic of faith for the biblical methodology, with a special emphasis on the practical use of the theological exegesis. The hermeneutic of faith proposed by Benedict XVI attracts the attention of catholic biblical exegesis to the immense hermeneutical tradition of the Church, especially to the exegesis of Church Fathers, and appeals to shape Christian life according to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and to change this life into a testimony.