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Synchronie und Diachronie im Pfarramt

2004, Arcturus. Deutschsprachiger Raum und Europäischer Nordos-ten. Blätter der Aue-Stiftung Hel-sinki für Geschichte und Kultur-kontakt. Nr. 2 (2004) 25-41

Abstract

Hans-Christian Daniel Synchronic and diachronic elements in the office of a minister The cited dichotomy, well known from Saussurean linguistics, can also be applied to the work of a minister. Can he in the frame of a (synchronic) interaction understand a fellow Christian in his tribulations although the (diachronic) history of his client's experiences is unknown to him. This question is taken up from Luther's emphasis on diligently translating the pronouns. This seems to be warranted as the wish to make one's troubles and experiences understood as well as the endeavour to communicate the consolation in the faith are both dependent on the word. Moreover, the Lutheran doctrine of justification combines both diachronic and synchronic elements. God's eternal love for the sinners as well as Christ's historically unique sacrifice (in which the justification of man in his faith becomes manifest) belong to the diachronic sphere. On the other hand, by man's love for his fellow man, which is active in the faith, the Christian assumes responsibility and has the synchronic experience of a common belonging to the category of sinners justified before God. Luther insisted on what could be called pronominal analysis because he wanted that by exegetic methods man should be made feel in respect to the Scriptures as an affected partaker and not just as an objective witness. It is the dimension of pro nobis ("for us") in the history of salvation that gives it an existential and not only a historical meaning. Enhancing the faith by preaching the word bridges the gap between the diachronic character of the plan of salvation and the synchronic character of Christ's presence in the life of the Christian. By the same token both the historicity and ubiquity of Christ becomes fathomable. Luther's concept of Ministerial work is influenced by the concept of the presence of Christ as personally affecting the Christian. It must not be limited to interpreting the Gospels, but it means as well caring for man in all his needs, because as Christ is present in the life of the Christian, it is also he who suffers the sufferings in our world. As man lives in Christ by virtue of the faith, he lives in his fellow man by virtue of love. He thus transcends "upwards" to God as well as "downwards" into the world by trying "to be Christ for his fellow" man. And it is in turn Christ himself who communicates his needs in the needs of our fellow man. Thus, the minister listens to the Christian speaking about his needs as if listening to Christ himself. The client's words become as important as the words of Christ himself. The minister therefore is not called to analyse the causes of the tribulations. But his same words uttered in the intention of caring for all the needs of man flow again from this source. This prevents a hierarchical positioning of client and minister and makes their mutual communication possible as listening to the voice of Christ who is present in the faith.