La dottrina della giustificazione in Lutero: temi e contesti

Abstract

The fundamental importance given to the Doctrine of Justification and the central interpretative function which the Lutheran tradition assigns to it, at times brings with it the risk of isolating this theme and forgetting the context in which it was elaborated by Martin Luther. For this reason, the article sets out to present some of the questions that provoked the reflection of the Reformer and the perspective within which he sought answers. Three aspects are the subject of consideration: the practice of biblical exegesis and
the search for the interpretative key of the entire Scripture as found in the Letter to the Romans, the reflection on the Sacrament of Penance and the value given to the words of absolution as an appeal to faith which renders the forgiveness of sins truly present and, lastly, the theologia crucis as the foundation for the correct knowledge of God and the authentic Christian life.