Common Places Towards Secure Foundations for the Formative Power of Reason and Tradition
Sep 28, 2022
Revd. Dr. Peter Sanlon, a Reformed minister and theologian, argues for grounding reason and tradition within a confessional, Spirit-led framework. He discusses Augustine, Calvin, formation over mere information, the role of regeneration in interpretation, and how sanctification restores right reason. The talk calls for humility to learn from tradition and a Confessional Experiential Calvinism as a secure foundation.
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Reason And Tradition Form Spiritual Interpretation
- Reason and tradition are essential for interpreting Scripture and form a formative, sanctifying role.
- Revd. Dr. Peter Sanlon uses Augustine and early church appeals to show tradition and reason clarify biblical meaning beyond literal word-searching.
Wrong Desires Drive Bad Exegesis
- Misinterpretation often flows from sinful desires, not mere lack of skill or context knowledge.
- Sanlon cites Augustine against Julian: the problem was Julian's desires leading him to 'misinterpret' Romans, showing sanctification matters.
Bible Reading As A Divine Human Encounter
- Reading the Bible is a divine-human encounter requiring openness to the Spirit, not a merely secular exercise.
- Sanlon quotes Craig Carter and emphasizes ancient preachers prioritized the preacher's spiritual life for faithful interpretation.
