Luthers Schriftverständnis aus rezeptionsästhetischer Perspektive: Eine Untersuchung zu Anknüpfungspunkten, Transformationsmöglichkeiten und bleibenden Differenzen

The primary challenge in mediating between Lutheran theology and modern thought might well be the Reformer’s understanding of Scripture. The 200 years crisis of the scriptural principle is its most prominent symptom. In my dissertation thesis I examined a possible solution by testing whether, and to what extent, it is possible to include Luther’s understanding of Scripture in textual theories of reception aesthetics and the arising theological considerations.
The study is divided into three parts: The first part reconstructs Luther's understanding of Scripture within its historical context, based on relevant writings. The second part systematically compiles the findings. The third part compares Luther’s reconstructed and systematized understanding of Scripture with insights primarily from Wolfgang Iser's reception theory, as well as considerations on the limits of interpretation from scholars such as Umberto Eco and the theological works of Ulrich H. J. Körtner.
The findings of this study demonstrate how, through this reception-oriented approach, elements of Luther's doctrine of Scripture, that are not captured by historical-critical theories, can be preserved and translated into contemporary textual theory. However, the problem of the deconstructed normativity and authority of Scripture remains, albeit with different reasoning. As a result, theological references to the Bible, even from this perspective, continue to be constituted in a pluralistic and diverse manner.