Die onvoltooide reformasie van Martin Luther (1483-1546): 'n Verkenning van die filosofiese grondslae van sy denke met spesiale aandag aan sy tweerykeleer

Abstract

During the past five hundred years the studies written from a theological perspective on Luther's thinking could fill a whole library, while not much is available about the deeper worldviewish-philosophical presuppositions of his intellectual development. Therefore this investigation traces the relevant late medieval influences on his thinking, especially the philosophy of William of Ockham (1285-1349). Special attention is given to the three phases in Luther's development and his much debated two-kingdom doctrine, distinguishing between the rule of God's left and right hand. Questions like the following will be discussed: When and why did this double-focus view of reality originate? What were the real issues which Luther tried to solve with such a paradigm? Could it be maintained in the light of God's threefold revelation in creation, in Scripture and finally in Christ? Could it be regarded - as some contemporary Reformed theologians suggest - as a genuine Reformational approach? Should it not rather be viewed as an unfinished reformation, calling for continuous reformation?