TWO polls on Sola Scriptura

[bnapgh]

On the Apologetics forum I have posted TWO polls to help me understand the thinking of PROPONENTS of SOLA SCRIPTURA.

I would appreciate any & all Sola Scriptura proponents participating.

FIRST Poll on the CLARIFICATIONS of Sola Scriptura

bnapgh:

I am linking a thesis from the website called ‘‘The-Highway.com’’, which I understand is sponsored by the Calvinists.

The thesis is called

**‘‘What Do We Mean by Sola Scriptura?’’ **

LINK

And was written by Dr. W. Robert Godfrey

I have copied the fifth paragraph, which I call his ‘‘Preamble’’ below.

Here is my question:

Do all supporters of Sola Scriptura subscribe to the clarifications in this preamble?

If not, please explain why.

The ‘‘Preamble’’ found in Paragrapgh 5

Let me begin with certain clarifications so as not to be misunderstood. I am not arguing that all truth is to be found in the Bible, or that the Bible is the only form in which the truth of God has come to His people. I am not arguing that every verse in the Bible is equally clear to every reader. Nor am I arguing that the church — both the people of God and the ministerial office — is not of great value and help in understanding the Scripture. As William Whitaker stated in his noble work: “For we also say that the church is the interpreter of Scripture, and that the gift of interpretation resides only in the church: but we deny that it pertains to particular persons, or is tied to any particular see or succession of men.” 1

The last quote was from William Whitaker, A Disputation on Holy Scripture (Cambridge,: University Press, 1849) P. 411.

These are Dr. W. Robert Godfrey’s credentials

Dr. W. Robert Godfrey is President of Westminster Theological Seminary in Escondido, California. He is also Professor of Church History. He received the A.B., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees from Stanford University, and the M.Div. degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He has taught at Westminster Theological Seminary (both in Pennsylvania and California) for over twenty years. He is an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Dr. Godfrey was a contributor to John Calvin: His Influence on the Western World; Reformed Theology in America; and Scripture and Truth. He edited the Westminster Theological Journal for several years, and is a frequent speaker at Christian conferences. Dr. Godfrey is a native of California. He and his wife Mary Ellen have three children: William, Mari, and Robert.

Thanks

Second Poll on the CRITERIA for advice

bnapgh:

CRITERIA for choosing the others you listen to when interpreting Scripture.