Revelation and Hermeneutics of the Bible According to J. Ratzinger

Abstract

Although not a biblical scholar in the strict sense, J. Ratzinger has closely monitored the development of biblical theology and exegesis throughout his decades-long theological activity. He has stood before this development with an attitude at once constructive and critical, pointing out greatness and limitations of the most recent exegetical approaches and showing the way for their correction and integration. The Bible should not be considered exclusively as a collection of ancient texts, but also as the written form of the Revelation that God addresses to people in all times, thus also in the present. Friendship with Christ and insertion into the Church are other indispensable elements for implementing a biblical hermeneutic appropriate to its object. This Note succinctly sets forth these important aspects of Ratzingerian thought, not only for the purpose of documentation, but also for planning for the positive continuation of biblical-theological studies in the future.