Bible Alone?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Michael68
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
Holy Scripture never mentions itself as the sole authority for doctrine, however, it does say that it is an authority; same with tradition. It also exhorts us to not add to what has been given to us, thus the development of doctrine is why I am not Catholic.

As an Anglican, I do not subscribe to sola scriptura in the way that a reformed Calvinist would; I see a definite need for tradition, as well. Notwithstanding, tradition can get slippery, as it tends to develop over time in the hands of men; this is why scripture must be held with higher regard. Further, many have different interpretations on what exactly constitutes as tradition.
Are you familiar with the iota (Homoiousios vs Homoousios) that helped defined the Trinity at Nicaea, prior to the canonization of the bible? If you really wish not to be Catholic you might want to rethink being Trinitarian. I would.

Peace!!!
 
Holy Scripture never mentions itself as the sole authority for doctrine, however, it does say that it is an authority; same with tradition. It also exhorts us to not add to what has been given to us, thus the development of doctrine is why I am not Catholic.

As an Anglican, I do not subscribe to sola scriptura in the way that a reformed Calvinist would; I see a definite need for tradition, as well. Notwithstanding, tradition can get slippery, as it tends to develop over time in the hands of men; this is why scripture must be held with higher regard. Further, many have different interpretations on what exactly constitutes as tradition.
Under whose authority do you have the right to tell us our traditions are wrong?
 
So what?

Jon
So we should use (before all other methods) a non scriptural technique or method for reading scripture? Wouldn’t that go against the very principle sola scriptura attempts to establish?
 
But doesn’t the very notion of having the Individual themselves pick which definition of Sola (or Solo - it matters little) Scriptura strike you as strange?

To me, it shows the falsehood of Sola (or Solo) Scriptura. The Individual picks how they’re going to approach the Bible and understand it. This very notion places the Individual’s authority above or before that of Scripture.

The ideas in your answer are just about the same as what I get from other non-Catholic Christians I talk to. Is the definition of “Sola Scriptura” a non-essential then?

God Bless :signofcross:
PoorKnight for Christ and His Church
It isn’t the individual, at least in Lutheranism. I’ve referenced twice the confessional understanding of what we practice in this regard. It is important enough to us to make it clear. What other communions or individuals do isn’t under our control.

Jon
 
Participate in what? Your comment was that you don’t see a scripture verse to support SS.
I agree that SS is not explicit in scripture. So what? It doesn’t have to be.

Jon
Whatever. Its important to me
 
So we should use (before all other methods) a non scriptural technique or method for reading scripture? Wouldn’t that go against the very principle sola scriptura attempts to establish?
First, it doesn’t go against scripture. It is a practice of holding doctrine, teaching accountable.
Second, that it is a practice not a doctrine means it is not related to the principle of holding doctrine accountable. The practice of SS is not an article of faith.

Jon
 
First, it doesn’t go against scripture. It is a practice of holding doctrine, teaching accountable.
Second, that it is a practice not a doctrine means it is not related to the principle of holding doctrine accountable. The practice of SS is not an article of faith.

Jon
If in scripture we find what we see in the pre reformation churches, a reliance not only on the written word but also the spoken word, ie tradition and as you admit your principle of Sola scriptura as a practice is not scriptural, what method should we go by?
 
If in scripture we find what we see in the pre reformation churches, a reliance not only on the written word but also the spoken word, ie tradition and as you admit your principle of Sola scriptura as a practice is not scriptural, what method should we go by?
Who said SS excludes Tradition? It doesn’t, if properly practiced.
But let’s say it did? Which Tradition should we accept as equal to scripture; yours or that of Rome?

Jon
 
If in scripture we find what we see in the pre reformation churches, a reliance not only on the written word but also the spoken word, ie tradition and as you admit your principle of Sola scriptura as a practice is not scriptural, what method should we go by?
This is what protestants cannot and will not understand, my friend. I should know, I used to be one of them
 
Where did I see it isn’t important? I said an explicit statement isn’t necessary because it is not an article of faith that binds the conscience.

Jon
I got it. I understand you have a position. I’m not going to tell you “so what?”
 
Who said SS excludes Tradition? It doesn’t, if properly practiced.
But let’s say it did? Which Tradition should we accept as equal to scripture; yours or that of Rome?

Jon
I never said Sola scriptura excludes tradition. The question is to whether or not it is a biblical practice. Would you be willing to admit scripture treats as equally valid the verbal words which the church received concerning the gospel as well as the written words? If this is admitted, how can you advocate sola scriptura, that is scripture primarily should judge all things, even if were those words of the apostles (I would say relating to worship, practice and the like, preserved by the church throughout the ages)?
 
I think this article might be helpful for clarifying the various differences. It explains various Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant views quite succinctly. It also separate the orthodox Protestant understanding of ***Sola ***Scriptura from some ill-informed “Solo Scriptura” versions articulated among some Protestants.

For those Catholics who have thus far only seen and understood the ridiculous “Solo Scriptura” version, I hope that you will recognize that the actual informed Protestant tradition is much different. With all due respect, the criticisms of Sola Scriptura seems to me to often hinge upon an understandable misunderstanding of the Protestant viewpoint, just as many criticisms of Catholicism hinge upon misunderstandings of the actual Catholic position (in both cases, unfortunately promulgated by a group of misinformed individuals in both groups). Perhaps churches (Protestant or Catholic) ought to concentrate a bit more on theological education, methinks? 😉

reclaimingthemind.org/content/Parchmentandpen/In-Defense-of-Sola-Scriptura.pdf

Here’s a tidbit:
  1. Solo Scriptura or Nuda Scriptura
Belief that Scripture is the sole basis and authority in the life of the Christian. Tradition is useless and misleading, and creeds and confessions are the result of man-made traditions.

Adherents: Radical Reformers, Fundamentalists, Restorationist Churches

This is not a formal position but a pejorative designation of a practical one. It represents the unfortunate position of many evangelical or fundamental Protestants who misunderstand sola Scriptura believing that it means that the ideal place for believers to find authority and interpret Scripture is to do so in a historical vacuum, disregarding any tradition that might influence and bind their thinking. Not only does this undermine the Holy Spirit’s role in the lives of believers of the past, but it is a position of arrogance, elevating individual reason to the position of final authority. It also disregards the fact that it is impossible to interpret in a vacuum
 
I think this article might be helpful for clarifying the various differences. It explains various Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant views quite succinctly. It also separate the orthodox Protestant understanding of ***Sola ***Scriptura from some ill-informed “Solo Scriptura” versions articulated among some Protestants.

For those Catholics who have thus far only seen and understood the ridiculous “Solo Scriptura” version, I hope that you will recognize that the actual informed Protestant tradition is much different. With all due respect, the criticisms of Sola Scriptura seems to me to often hinge upon an understandable misunderstanding of the Protestant viewpoint, just as many criticisms of Catholicism hinge upon misunderstandings of the actual Catholic position (in both cases, unfortunately promulgated by a group of misinformed individuals in both groups). Perhaps churches (Protestant or Catholic) ought to concentrate a bit more on theological education, methinks? 😉

reclaimingthemind.org/content/Parchmentandpen/In-Defense-of-Sola-Scriptura.pdf

Here’s a tidbit:
I would think that as a presbyterian you would know that John Calvin insisted on not teaching anything that wasnt stated in scripture (this was his reason for not insisting that Mary remained an ever-virgin, for example)
 
I would think that as a presbyterian you would know that John Calvin insisted on not teaching anything that wasnt stated in scripture (this was his reason for not insisting that Mary remained an ever-virgin, for example)
No need to be hostile. Did you read the article? Even if you disagree with its defense, the first part about the differences is very well articulated and might do you good.

No, I actually would not know. I’m not a historian, nor really a very well informed Presbyterian, though I hope to become more informed about church history. No offense intended, but I think your claim likely to be a straw man of his viewpoint, which was doubtless more complex than that. He taught predestination, after all, which is not explicitly recorded in scripture (though some passages can be argued to support it).
 
No need to be hostile. Did you read the article? Even if you disagree with its defense, the first part about the differences is very well articulated and might do you good.

No, I actually would not know. I’m not a historian, nor really a very well informed Presbyterian, though I hope to become more informed about church history. No offense intended, but I think your claim likely to be a straw man of his viewpoint, which was doubtless more complex than that. He taught predestination, after all, which is not explicitly recorded in scripture (though some passages can be argued to support it).
I apologize. I did not intend in any way to be hostile, nor to present a straw man argument. and I did in fact read the article
 
I apologize. I did not intend in any way to be hostile, nor to present a straw man argument. and I did in fact read the article
Thank you; Regarding Calvin, after reading through the Wikipedia page on him, I think a preliminary reading of his theology suggests he rejected it not simply because it was tradition, but rather because he thought it wrong based on reason and evidence. Whether or not he was right is, naturally, up for debate, but I think his rejection of some traditions and acceptance of other is consistent more with Sola Scriptura than the rightly mocked “Nuda Scriptura.”

See here for discussion: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Calvin%27s_views_on_Mary

This is all quite interesting; I really wish my specific church had a more rigorous program to educate believers on church history. Sadly, like most churches, we have fallen behind (or at least, the programs I went to had fallen behind). Ah well. 🤷
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top