Confessional Lutheranism: The Mother of Vernacular Bible Translation

Abstract

Eugene W. Bunkowske’s 1989 Reformation lecture argues that Confessional Lutheranism, rooted in Scripture alone and justification by grace through faith, is the driving force behind vernacular Bible translation. He contrasts the medieval Church’s reliance on papal decrees and tradition with the Lutheran Reformation’s return to the Bible as the sole source and norm of doctrine. Bunkowske traces Luther’s spiritual transformation through Scripture and his commitment to making the Word accessible in the German vernacular. He highlights Luther’s translation work and its influence on William Tyndale’s English Bible. The paper concludes that the Lutheran Confessions’ emphasis on Scripture and Gospel naturally led to widespread Bible translation, which continues to expand globally. With over 1,800 languages having some Scripture by 1988, Bunkowske calls for continued prioritization of translation in missions, viewing it as foundational to Christ-centered outreach. —Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)