ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the approach of biblical interpretation outlined by Ernst Conradie. In the slavery debates of nineteenth century North America, exegetes argued both for abolitionist and anti-abolitionist positions, finding support in the Bible, sometimes from different texts, sometimes from the same texts. According to Conradie, it is important to appreciate how appropriation of the Bible in Christian theology is shaped by heuristic or doctrinal keys, central ideas or motifs which give fundamental shape to a theological tradition. An example of the role of doctrinal constructs in biblical interpretation may be found in the tradition associated with the great Protestant reformer, Martin Luther. Luther found in Paul a message of justification by faith, through grace alone, which then became the hermeneutical and theological heart of the Lutheran tradition that shapes a whole tradition of biblical interpretation and theological doctrine.
