Toward a Theological Understanding of Hermeneutics: In Dialogue with Schleiermacher and Barth on Hermeneutics

Denni Boy Saragih; Salomo Sihombing

doi:10.21697/ct.96.1.04

Published: 2026-02-17

Vol. 96 No. 1 (2026)

Toward a Theological Understanding of Hermeneutics

In Dialogue with Schleiermacher and Barth on Hermeneutics

Denni Saragih

, Salomo Sihombing

Collectanea Theologica

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.21697/ct.96.1.04

Abstract

This article explores a constructive dialogue between Friedrich Schleiermacher’s general hermeneutics and Karl Barth’s theological exegesis, aiming to move beyond their perceived opposition. While Schleiermacher emphasizes human understanding through grammatical and psychological interpretation, Barth insists on the priority of divine revelation and the theological content of Scripture. This paper argues that a theologically informed theory of understanding can reconcile these positions. By engaging with hermeneutical theorists such as Gadamer and Ricoeur, and incorporating theological categories like the role of the Holy Spirit, the communal nature of reading, and the doctrine of human as sinner and saint, the article proposes a more integrated approach. This approach affirms both divine initiative and human participation in the interpretive process, suggesting that Schleiermacher’s insights can enrich Barth’s exegesis, and vice versa. In doing so, it advocates for a theological hermeneutics that is both faithful to the Scripture and attentive to the realities of human understanding.

Keywords:

Friedrich Schleiermacher, Karl Barth, Hermeneutics, Theological Exegesis, human understanding, Holy Spirit

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Saragih, D. B., & Sihombing, S. (2026). Toward a Theological Understanding of Hermeneutics: In Dialogue with Schleiermacher and Barth on Hermeneutics. Collectanea Theologica, 96(1), 71–92. https://doi.org/10.21697/ct.96.1.04

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Denni Saragih

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2038-7236

Affiliation:

Krida Wacana Christian University Indonesia

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Lecturer at Krida Wacana Christian Univeristy.

Salomo Sihombing

salomosihombing93@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6855-7329

Affiliation:

Trinity Parapat Theological Seminary Indonesia

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

Lecturer at Trinity Parapat Theological Seminary.