Abstract
Hermeneutics in these days is claiming much attention from
Biblical, dogmatic and practical theologians. This is just as it
should be, if true and obedient theology depends upon proper exegesis
of the Bible, and if the whole life of the Church (the concern
of practical theology especially) is to be governed by true
and obedient theology. This means that hermeneutics, in a sense,
is the connecting link between exegesis and theology, by providing
theological rules to keep interpretation on the right track. If
this happens, if exegesis is constantly correcting theology and
hermeneutics is constantly guiding interpretation, then the practical
life of the Church should be well ordered and disciplined.
Preaching is important within the life of the Church. Preaching
depends upon exegesis, and looks to theology for its rules of interpretation.
It is here in preaching and in the congregation's
study of the Bible that hermeneutics finds its most practical expression,
and it is here also that the rules of hermeneutics are
tested and corrected. That is why this discipline of Biblical
interpretation is so significant for the life of the Church.
This thesis enters the door to the study of hermeneutics by
looking at the works of August Tholuck, a truly remarkable figure,
as we shall see.