Second, the interpretation of Scripture should be analogous to the faith.
Second, the interpretation of Scripture should be analogous to the faith.
§ 532. (II) The interpretation of Scripture should be analogous to the faith. This rule is proposed in Rom. 12:6. Its meaning is that the interpretation of Scripture should be established and conformed in such a way that it is in harmony with that perpetual judgment that is set forth in Scripture concerning each main point of heavenly doctrine. You see, because all Scripture has come from the immediate inspiration of the Holy Spirit and is God-breathed, therefore all things in it are also true together [
] and are in complete harmony with each other, so that nothing contrary or conflicting or disagreeing with itself occurs in it. The articles of faith, which the apostle here means by “faith”—the knowledge of which is necessary to all for salvation—are taught in Scripture in clear and perspicuous words. A summary of them is repeated in the Apostles’ Creed, which the fathers quite often call “the rule of faith.” In our interpretation of Scripture, we must produce nothing against this rule of faith. Hence even if we are unable to arrive at the proper meaning of each passage as the Holy Spirit always intended that meaning, we should still be careful not to bring out anything contrary to the analogy of faith. Irenaeus, Adv. haeres., bk. 1, c. 47, p. 147: “If we cannot find explanations for all the things that are sought in the Scriptures, let us not seek another God besides the one who is.” Adv. haeres., bk. 2, c. 47, p. 147: “Because we have that rule of truth and the testimony concerning God set forth clearly, we ought not, turning to this explanation and that, reject the true and firm opinion regarding God.” Augustine, De unit. eccles., c. 16: “Let them demonstrate their church in all the canonical authorities of the sacred books, but not in such a way that they collect and mention those things that are said obscurely or ambiguously or figuratively, which everyone interprets as he wishes according to his own sense. One cannot explain and understand such things correctly unless he first grasp with firm faith those things that have been said openly.”