Is Allegorizing a Legitimate Manner of Biblical Interpretation?

Abstract

Prof. Wendland examines the use of allegory, from its historical origins and its use among Christians (particularly by Origen, Augustine, and Luther - noting that Luther’s use can often be described better as either typology or application) and presents his analysis of its usefulness in hermeneutics and homiletics. He is against its use in hermeneutics, as it can be used to interpret Scripture to say whatever the interpreter wishes, with little regard for the one simple sense of the text (an attribute which has made this method popular among postmoderns). He also recommends against its use in homiletics, as it can leave the hearer in the pew with an inaccurate or incomplete understanding of God’s Word.