Hermeneutical Themes in the Writings of Richard Hooker: the Complications of Sola Scriptura
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Hermeneutical Themes in the Writings of Richard Hooker: The Complications of Sola Scriptura by Domenic Ruso A Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Wycliffe College and the Theological Department of the Toronto School of Theology In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Theology awarded by the University of St. Michael’s College. © Copyright by Domenic Ruso 2015 Hermeneutical Themes in the Writings of Richard Hooker: The Complications of Sola Scriptura Domenic Ruso Doctor of Philosophy in Theology University of St. Michael’s College 2015 Abstract For Richard Hooker (1554-1600), if the Bible was to find its rightful place of authority amidst the challenges and changes of the Reformation the theme of hermeneutics required renewed attention. With his English context in full view, Hooker sought to provide readers with an approach to biblical interpretation which celebrated the primacy of Scripture while also recognizing the unique role of reason and the diversity of ecclesial practices. The heart of Hooker’s contribution came through his interactions with contemporaries who disagreed with his position because of a hermeneutical approach which, he believed, was not biblical. Thus, this research explores Hooker’s ability to provide an approach to biblical hermeneutics by the use of four key themes which guide the interpretation and application of key biblical texts. In addressing the concerns of his day Hooker’s insight in the area of hermeneutics makes him one of the most creative theologians of the sixteenth century and a worthy apologist of the English Reforming tradition. ii Acknowledgments At the inception of this project I was advised that a supervisor could either make or break a student’s passion in completing studies at this level of academic research. Understanding this to be truer than ever, I have been blessed with an excellent supervisor in Dr. David Neelands, Dean of the Faculty of Divinity at Trinity College. Not only did he patiently supervise my slow growth in understanding Hooker’s significance and theological contribution, but he also shared of his lifelong wisdom as it related to my journey of faith and ministry. Another professor who had a formative influence on my thinking and learning was Dr. Peter Erb. In addition to the trips to Toronto for important meetings Dr. Erb constantly reminded me that theological development requires thoughtful conversations over coffee and an awareness that historical research necessitates discipline. His own research continues to stir my thinking concerning ecclesiology, authority and the important role of tradition. While my parents never pursued academic training at this level they nonetheless sought to encourage my academic pursuits. From their financial support to those important conversations that kept me going, vi ringrazio. Much of the discipline and focus to accomplish a work like this came from their example grounded in love. My brother Anthony also helped to sharpen my thinking with his thoughtful conversations about the role of authority. While we disagree in many ways, love covers all. A special note is due to Mary Manafo. A dear sister in Christ whose hospitality and generous spirit was unwavering early on during the initial coursework phase of my studies. Thank you for a room to sleep in and those delicious meals to strengthen a weary mind after those long days of class. Lastly, my supportive wife Beverly and our three beautiful boys. None of this would have been possible without her loving and sacrificial encouragement. I still recall driving in and out of a Hooker Conference after presenting a paper because one of our boys was soon to enter our lives. Thank you for listening to all those strange theological ideas and for giving me space to work through the different phases of this dissertation while reminding our boys, “daddy needs to work, but he’ll be done soon.” To my boys-Josiah, Luca and Isaac, “daddy is done” ... for now. iii Table of Contents Title Page ......................................................................................................................................... i Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements. ....................................................................................................................... iii Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... iv Part I: Defining the Problem Introduction- Richard Hooker and the English Historical Landscape….................................................1 Chapter 1: Church of England, Religious Landscape and Emerging Theological Issues Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 20 Defining the Problem: Sola Scriptura and the Crisis of Authority ..................................................... 26 Tensions: Henry VIII, Radical Calvinism and Hooker ......................................................................... 30 Defining Moments & Hooker’s Critics ........................................................................................... 35 Hooker’s Emerging Response ................................................................................................................. .40 Hooker and the Underpinnings of Reform. ............................................................................................. 43 Revelation and Biblical Sufficiency ........................................................................................................ 51 Concluding Thoughts ...................................................................................................................... 58 Chapter 2: Hooker and the Hermeneutical Tradition Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 64 Hermeneutics Defined ............................................................................................................................... 67 The Middle Ages and the Hermeneutical Task ..................................................................................... 75 Saint Augustine and his Hermeneutical Legacy .................................................................................... 87 Apologists: Hooker & Augustine ............................................................................................................ .97 Augustine’s Hermeneutical Legacy: De Doctrina Christiana ........................................................... 102 Interpretative Ambiguity ......................................................................................................................... 104 Exegetical Limitation ............................................................................................................................... 107 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................. 111 Part II: Expounding the Biblical Text Introduction: Approaching the Text ............................................................................................................... 114 Chapter 3: Hooker’s use of the Bible & Exegetical Approach Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 130 Scriptural Validation of the Lawes ........................................................................................................ 133 ‘The Benefite of having divine laws written’ ....................................................................................... 140 Scripture, Critics and the Dynamics of Tension .................................................................................. 145 Intricacies of Verbal Inspiration ............................................................................................................. 153 iv The Root of the Problem ......................................................................................................................... 157 ‘Proofe’ and an Expanding Hermeneutical Lens ................................................................................. 161 The Goodness of God .............................................................................................................................. 166 Hermeneutics and God’s Glorification .................................................................................................. 170 Chapter 4: Significant Themes in Hooker’s Hermeneutical Schema Introduction. .............................................................................................................................................. 178 Introducing the Four Themes .................................................................................................................. 180 The Paradox of Reason and Consensus ................................................................................................. 184 The Holy Spirit and the Role of Wisdom ............................................................................................. 201 A Hermeneutic of Humility 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