analogia fidei (hermeneutics)

September 26, 2008

(Lat. “analogy of faith”)

A principle of interpretation which believes that Scripture can never contradict itself and, therefore, Scripture is the primary interpreter of Scripture. The assumption behind the analogia fidei is that since the Scriptures have one ultimate author (God), it is going to find consistency and relevance in light of other Scriptures. This principle, with regard to hermeneutics (theory of interpretation), was popularized by the Reformers. The Westminster Confession 1.9 put it this way: “The infallible rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself: and therefore, when there is a question about the true and full sense of any Scripture (which is not manifold, but one), it must be searched and known by other places that speak more clearly.” Some would object to this principle, believing that progressive revelation does not allow for such a subjective approach in interpretation. The principle is taken from Romans 12:6 (kata tes analogian tes pisteos- “according to the analogy of the faith”).

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