I’ve been considering lately the doctrine of solo and sola scripture. For the sake of argument I accept this dichotomy though most times Ive experienced people who want to have both.
Protestant’s cannot have the bible alone as their highest authority or only source. In the former because the bible alone would not be their only source. The protestant would admit the spirit of God is needed to read and understand the scripture properly to guide the mind into correct interpretation, so this right from the start means we have two highest authorities in the eyes of a sola scripturist. And it must be asked if God can inspire the person to read scripture correctly, why can’t the same be done for tradition? It would be no less chaotic than the thousands of ideas which have come about since sola scriptura and the principle of Just me and my bible, in fact I would suggest by the most ancient churches which exist today it actually works better.
Nice post. The ECFs all believed in Sacred Scripture + Sacred Tradition as well which is why we see the following in the catholic catechism.
CCC - “Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture, then, are bound closely together, and communicate one with the other. For both of them, flowing out from the same divine well-spring, come together in some fashion to form one thing, and move towards the same goal.” Each of them makes present and fruitful in the Church the mystery of Christ, who promised to remain with his own “always, to the close of the age”.
**Paradosis - Apostolic tradition
**
“So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the
traditions which you were taught, whether by
word of mouth or by letter from us
(apostolic).” 2 Thessalonians 2
“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the
tradition which you received from us
(apostolic).” 2 Thessalonians3
Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the
tradition, just as I
(Paul, an apostle) delivered them to you." Corinthians 11
**Paradosis - non-Apostolic tradition
**
Mark 7:3 - “For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they carefully wash their hands, thus observing the traditions of the elders.”
Mr 7:5 The Pharisees and the scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with impure hands?”
Mr 7:8 - “Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.”
Mr 7:9 - "He was also saying to them, "You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition.
Col 2:8 - "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.
