Is the "Bible the final authority" a tradition?

[LaughingBoy1503]

In a recent conversation with a non-Catholic friend of mine they said that the Bible is the “final authority” in matters of faith and morals. I asked them where the Bible teaches that. My friend said they would get back to me about it. I was a little disappointed when, two weeks later, the response I was given was: “Catholics interpret the Bible too literally.”

So I was left to believe that the Bible does not claim to be the “final authority”.

If somebody wants to believe that the Bible is the “final authority” I guess that is their choice…but wouldn’t it be more honest to admit that that belief is a tradition? Or am I missing something here?

The Bible as The Final Authority is the doctrine of “Sola Scriptura” and it is a non Biblical tradition. Kind of Ironic… The Church came before The Bible. The Bible is part of The Tradition of The Church. Even Scripture says that The Church is The pillar and bulwark of truth (1st Timothy 3:15) The Church did not wait around for a few decades after Christ died waiting for The Apostles to write letters that would be the only source of Authority. And non Catholics who believe in Sola Scriptura still rely on either a pastor or themselves to interpret scripture. So how would The Bible be The final authority for them? The Final authority rests on their interpretation of scripture whatever it may be. Whether they rely on their pastor to tell them that interpretation or rely on their own interpretation. Those that quote early church fathers out of context to try to say The Early Church believed in Sola Scriptura also very conveniently ignore what The Early Church Fathers said about The true presence of Christ in The Eucharist or about schismatic groups outside The Church or obedience to The Priests and Bishops.

Sola Scriptura, since they reject The Catholic Church, has to be their starting point by necessity. But it is a tradition none the less. And a extra Biblical one. The Jews were not “Sola Scriptura” nor was The Early Church. Anyone can point fingers and another denomination and say “What you teach contradicts scripture” But I am going to Trust The Church That God gave us The Bible through to interpret scripture correctly. I would rather go to a wise Grandfather for life advice than a teenager that thinks he knows all the answers. The Catholic Church is That Wise Grandfather and you can guess who the teenager is

I have seen good protestant scholars debate in favor of Sola Scriptura and while in error, at least know what they are talking about from their point of view. Your friend does not seem to belong to that camp.

 

[Jon_S_1]

(Source)

Interesting source article.

I don’t know where to start from the article…tons of places to start.

How about starting with- “how do Protestants know what scripture is?”

Unless I missed it- the author dodged this critical question.

 

[Jon_S_1]

Also,

The tradition is the lens at which the Bible should be read. It is the culture of the apostles. It is the backdrop from which one knows John 6 means real presence and what that looks like in practice.

So it’s not necessary doctrines alone, but the bible and tradition used together to practice the faith.

That is why orthodox and Catholics are extremely similar despite 1000 years of schism.

We both view scripture through the tradition given by the apostles.

This is also why Protestantism is hopelessly fragmented in just a couple hundred years. Because the tradition has been abandoned. Traded for new traditions created by modern men. These modern traditions are called denominations or stand alone churches. All have tradition. They just pretend they do not.

 

[guanophore]

In a recent conversation with a non-Catholic friend of mine they said that the Bible is the “final authority” in matters of faith and morals. I asked them where the Bible teaches that. My friend said they would get back to me about it. I was a little disappointed when, two weeks later, the response I was given was: “Catholics interpret the Bible too literally.”

So I was left to believe that the Bible does not claim to be the “final authority”.

If somebody wants to believe that the Bible is the “final authority” I guess that is their choice…but wouldn’t it be more honest to admit that that belief is a tradition? Or am I missing something here?

It is a tradition invented by Martin Luther at the time of the Reformation. He could not find any Catholic leaders for whom he had any respect, and was looking for a more pure form of authority to replace the corruption he was observing. He had been a student of scripture all his life, and could not find a more pure source.

No, this is not a principle that is found in Scripture.