Tradition and Scripture or Scripture Alone
Sola Scriptura is among the five pillars of Protestantism. It is the assertion that the Bible as God's written word is sufficient of itself to be the only source of Christian doctrine. Also that Scripture is self authenticating, and that the individual is able to understand scripture with out the aid of a magisterium. This difference from perspective of Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and a few Protestant denominations, that hold to Verbum Dei which says that Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition are equal in value when transmitting the Word of God.
This doctrine of Sola Scriptura is based on two primary ideas. That scripture is written accurately, and will not teach us to act contrary to God's will.
When discussing Sacred Tradition we must differentiate it from the common understand of "tradition." This excerpt comes from Catholic.com ;
Sacred or apostolic tradition consists of the teachings that the apostles passed on orally through their preaching. These teachings largely (perhaps entirely) overlap with those contained in Scripture, but the mode of their transmission is different.
Sacred Tradition is not simply a continuance of old practices that have "always" been in place (as a regular tradition might) but the teaching and spread of The Word of God as was done originally. Orally. A distinction should be made between it and "traditions" or Rites. Such as the difference between the Latin and Eastern Rites in the Catholic Church. While one "traditionally" uses Latin based words, the other uses Greek based words, and there are small differences in the structure of the Mass, the doctrine is the same. Their core beliefs are the same, and both follow the Sacred Scriptures and "Sacred Tradition" laid out for them and maintained by Apostolic succession. Both are still one church. It should also be noted that The Catholic Church says about The Word of God and teaches "[The] Magisterium is not superior to the Word of God, but is its servant."
Sola Scriptura is a founding principle of Protestantism, and separates Protestantism from Catholicism. Let us discuss the doctrine.
Scriptural Support of Sola Scriptura
Scriptural Support of Verbum Dei
Discussion of Scriptural Evidence
Further Discussion
Isaiah 40:8 "The grass is withered, and the flower is fallen: but the word of our Lord endureth for ever."
Matthew 15:3 "But he answering, said to them: Why do you also transgress the commandment of God for your tradition? For God said:
4 Honour thy father and mother: And: He that shall curse father or mother, let him die the death."
Mark 7:13 "Making void the word of God by your own tradition, which you have given forth. And many other such like things you do."
John 8:31 "Then Jesus said to those Jews, who believed him: If you continue in my word, you shall be my disciples indeed."
John 20:31 "But these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing, you may have life in his name."
Acts 17:11 "Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, who received the word with all eagerness, daily searching the scriptures, whether these things were so."
Colossians 2:8 "Beware lest any man cheat you by philosophy, and vain deceit; according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ:"
2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice,
17 That the man of God may be perfect, furnished to every good work."
Revelations 20:18 "For I testify to every one that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book: If any man shall add to these things, God shall add unto him the plagues written in this book.
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from these things that are written in this book."
Deuteronomy 30:14 "But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth and in thy heart, that thou mayst do it."
2 Esdras (Nehemiah) 8:8 "And they read in the book of the law of God distinctly and plainly to be understood: and they understood when it was read.
9 And Nehemias (he is Athersatha) and Esdras the priest and scribe, and the Levites who interpreted to all the people, said: This is a holy day to the Lord our God: do not mourn, nor weep: for all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law."
Matthew 16:18 "And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Matthew 28:20 "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world."
Luke 10:16 "He that heareth you, heareth me; and he that despiseth you, despiseth me; and he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me."
John 1:6 "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 This man came for a witness, to give testimony of the light, that all men might believe through him.
8 He was not the light, but was to give testimony of the light."
John 14:25 "These things have I spoken to you, abiding with you.
26 But the Paraclete, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I shall have said to you."
John 16:13 "But when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will teach you all truth. For he shall not speak of himself; but what things soever he shall hear, he shall speak; and the things that are to come, he shall shew you."
John 20:26 "And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said: Peace be to you.
27 Then he saith to Thomas: Put in thy finger hither, and see my hands; and bring hither thy hand, and put it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing.
28 Thomas answered, and said to him: My Lord, and my God.
29 Jesus saith to him: Because thou hast seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed."
John 20:30 "Many other signs also did Jesus in the sight of his disciples, which are not written in this book."
John 21:25 "But there are also many other things which Jesus did; which, if they were written every one, the world itself, I think, would not be able to contain the books that should be written."
Acts 2:42 "And they were persevering in the doctrine of the apostles, and in the communication of the breaking of bread, and in prayers."
Acts 3:21 "Whom heaven indeed must receive, until the times of the restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of his holy prophets, from the beginning of the world."
Acts 8:30 "And Philip running thither, heard him reading the prophet Isaias. And he said: Thinkest thou that thou understandest what thou readest?
31 Who said: And how can I, unless some man shew me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him."
Acts 14:22 "And when they had ordained to them priests in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in whom they believed."
Acts 20:7 "And on the first day of the week, when we were assembled to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, being to depart on the morrow: and he continued his speech until midnight."
(of note for the Eucharist was celebrated on a Sunday, not a Saturday)
Acts 20:35 "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the word of the Lord Jesus, how he said: It is a more blessed thing to give, rather than to receive."
Romans 10:14 "How then shall they call on him, in whom they have not believed? Or how shall they believe him, of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear, without a preacher?"
1 Corinthians 11:2 "Now I praise you, brethren, that in all things you are mindful of me: and keep my ordinances as I have delivered them to you."
1 Corinthians 12:29 "Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all doctors?
30 Are all workers of miracles? Have all the grace of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?"
1 Corinthians 15:11 "For whether I, or they, so we preach, and so you have believed."
Ephesians 2:19 "Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners; but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and the domestics of God,
20 Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone:"
Ephesians 3:5 "Which in other generations was not known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit:
6 That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and co-partners of his promise in Christ Jesus, by the gospel:
7 Of which I am made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God, which is given to me according to the operation of his power:"
Ephesians 4:11 "And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and other some evangelists, and other some pastors and doctors,
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:"
Ephesians 5:14 "Wherefore he saith: Rise thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead: and Christ shall enlighten thee."
1 Thessalonians 2:13 "Therefore, we also give thanks to God without ceasing: because, that when you had received of us the word of the hearing of God, you received it not as the word of men, but (as it is indeed) the word of God, who worketh in you that have believed."
1 Thessalonians 4:1 "For the rest therefore, brethren, we pray and beseech you in the Lord Jesus, that as you have received from us, how you ought to walk, and to please God, so also you would walk, that you may abound the more.
2 For you know what precepts I have given to you by the Lord Jesus."
2 Thessalonians 2:14 "Therefore, brethren, stand fast; and hold the traditions which you have learned, whether by word, or by our epistle."
2 Thessalonians 3:6 "And we charge you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother walking disorderly, and not according to the tradition which they have received of us.
7 For yourselves know how you ought to imitate us: for we were not disorderly among you;"
2 Timothy 2:2 "And the things which thou hast heard of me by many witnesses, the same commend to faithful men, who shall be fit to teach others also."
2 Timothy 3:14 "But continue thou in those things which thou hast learned, and which have been committed to thee: knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And because from thy infancy thou hast known the holy scriptures, which can instruct thee to salvation, by the faith which is in Christ Jesus."
2 Timothy 4:2 "Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine."
3 For there shall be a time, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears:
4 And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables.
5 But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill thy ministry. Be sober.
Hebrew 5:12 "For whereas for the time you ought to be masters, you have need to be taught again what are the first elements of the words of God: and you are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat."
1 Peter 1:25 "But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel hath been preached unto you."
2 Peter 1:20 "Understanding this first, that no prophecy of scripture is made by private interpretation.
21 For prophecy came not by the will of man at any time: but the holy men of God spoke, inspired by the Holy Ghost."
2 Peter 3:16 "As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are certain things hard to be understood, which the unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, to their own destruction."
3 John 1:12 "Having more things to write unto you, I would not by paper and ink: for I hope that I shall be with you, and speak face to face: that your joy may be full."
Often when arguing in favour of Sola Scriptura, it is mentioned that Jesus quoted from the scriptures, thus held it in high regard. This is true, however, if the ability of the individual to interpret scripture, and to follow it, with out the assistance of a magisterium were possible, there would have been no need for the prophets, priests, Apostles or even the Messiah. Jesus Himself said "for it is written" many times. If it had been written for so long, and was all that was needed, why did the flock go astray? An example of this can be found in the passages Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, John 13:34, Romans 13:9, Galatians 5:14 and James 2:8. These passages mention the commandment "Love thy neighbour as thyself" which is a reference of Leviticus 19:18. If only scripture was needed, and it was able to show people the way, why did this commandment go unnoticed for so long? Remember Zechariah 13:7. "Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter." The very fact that in John 21, Jesus asked Peter to "feed His sheep" shows not only that Jesus established leadership, but acknowledged the need for it.
Matthew 16 speaks to us of when Jesus selected Peter to lead the Church, one that the powers of Hell would not prevail against. Romans 10 states the need for preachers. Acts 14 show the beginning of the Apostolic succession as St.Paul and St.Barnabas appointed the bishops. Even as early as 2 Esdras 8, we can see that the scripture had to be interpreted for the people. Luke 10 shows that the preachers were to be sent to teach and those who heard and listened to the preachers also heard God. This, again, shows that oral transmission of The Word of God is possible and is valid.
Acts 17:11 only states that searching the scriptures in search of truth is good. Both Sola Scriptura and Verbum Dei agree that this is good, but the passage still does not state the value of the written word over spoken.
The passages Matthew 15 and Mark 7 refer to the same event, and like Colossians 2, they refer to the traditions of men. None of these three passages condemn Sacred Tradition, or state that only the written word is suitable for instruction. These passages were about Jesus and how He rebuked the Pharisees for failing to honour their parents. Their (personal) tradition of dedicating their goods to the Temple put them in opposition to the commandments of God. The passage in Colossians was also such a passage. A warning against abiding by traditions of men, that would put you against obeying and serving God.
John 8 discusses the word of God, but it does not specify that word is written. A word can be transmitted orally just as well as it can in writing. 2 Timothy 3 does mention the written word. However, it does not mention its worth over spoken word. It only mentions that scripture is inspired word and that is is valuable, good to teach. This is true, and something Verbum Dei does not deny. Isaiah mentions the word of God. This also doesn't mention the written word. It doesn't speak about Sacred Tradition or the spoken word. Neither are mentioned at all.
Passages such as 2 Timothy 3, John 20 and Revelations 20 do make mention the written word. They do not say that spoken word or tradition are invalid. They serve as teaching tools, and methods of instruction. We should look at the complete passages;
2 Timothy 3:14 "But continue thou in those things which thou hast learned, and which have been committed to thee: knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And because from thy infancy thou hast known the holy scriptures, which can instruct thee to salvation, by the faith which is in Christ Jesus."
16 "All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice,
17 That the man of God may be perfect, furnished to every good work."
John 20:30 "Many other signs also did Jesus in the sight of his disciples, which are not written in this book."
31 "But these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing, you may have life in his name."
2 Timothy 3 shows how scripture and Sacred Tradition were intended to be used together. John 20 shows how scripture can be (for want of a better word) "incomplete" and may leave out much that was done and said. This is were Sacred Tradition is used. Examples of The Word of God being passed orally can be seen in such passages as Acts 20, in Which St.Paul speaks of a quotation from Christ that was handed down orally and the Sabbath was moved to Sunday. Ephesians 5 makes use of a hymn used by early Christians, but is absent from the Bible otherwise. The Book of Jude makes reference to a book that is not part of the Bible.
Another excerpt from Catholic.com ;
Second, the verse from John’s Gospel tells us only that the Bible was composed so we can be helped to believe Jesus is the Messiah. It does not say the Bible is all we need for salvation, much less that the Bible is all we need for theology; nor does it say the Bible is even necessary to believe in Christ. After all, the earliest Christians had no New Testament to which they could appeal; they learned from oral, rather than written, instruction. Until relatively recent times, the Bible was inaccessible to most people, either because they could not read or because the printing press had not been invented. All these people learned from oral instruction, passed down, generation to generation, by the Church.
Contrary to popular belief, Sola Scriptura did not return "power" to the laity as many would claim. Martin Luther made the claim of Sola Scriptura and the Bible "a simple layman armed with Scripture is greater than the mightiest pope without it." There are two problems with this claim. The first is that the Pope would have to be fully versed in the Bible. The second is that his doctrine would actually create a greater rift between the laity and The Word of God as many of these people were illiterate. With out a magisterium to teach them, they would be cut off from instruction. It should also be noted that the first book printed on the printing press was the Gutenberg Bible, Johannes Gutenberg himself was a Catholic. By maintaining a system in which the magisterium instructed the people, "whether by word, or by epistle," by teaching people to read and making Bibles available (through the printing press, protecting it and by translating it into local languages), The Catholic Church put The Word of God in the hands of the people. Even Martin Luther spoke of how all that Christians know about the Bible comes from the Catholic Church and that the Church protected the Bible.
A person can enter a Catholic Church and see this for themselves. The 14 stations of the cross are hang on the walls, or even chiselled in the walls themselves. These images depict The Passion of our Lord. Celtic Crucifixes, much the same as stain glass windows, depict scenes from the Bible, and actions of the saints. The hymns sing passages from the Bible, and elements of the Catholic faith. The benedictions and prayers also quote the Bible, and outline the faith. These physical and spoken representations are excellent learning tools for those who can not read, but also for children who do not have the same understanding as an adult. These songs and prayers frequently repeat the Bible, important parts of the Catholic faith. They to are valuable instructional tools.
When the Bible was first written, it was on scrolls and codices. These took years to write out. Translations could be quite lengthily as well. The materials were expensive. The advent of the printing press did make the process easier, cheaper and faster. This however wouldn't reach the full fruit of its use in making the Bible available to all until much closer to our era. When the Bible was first printed, its cost was roughly the same as three years wages for the average clerk. Even then, it was still out of the reach of the common lay person. It wasn't until the 19th century that it became more feasible to give each person, or just each family, a Bible. Until that point, it remained in the hands of the wealthy, or the Churches who freely preached The Word of God to everyone, and protected the Bible.
Another problem with Sola Scriptura is that the Bible was not written down shortly after each event happened. Sometimes it was many years before the events were written down. It would be many years later that the series of books we call The Bible were compiled. So for a long time, oral tradition was the only way of transmitting The Word of God. Also, the writers of the various books of the Bible are not the people who that book is attributed to. The people who passed on the word of God to others who practised their faith, then wrote it all down. So Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture would have the same origin. The preaching of previous generations. The fact that oral tradition could carry on the Word of God for a long period of time until it could be written down, and later be considered inspired writing, even to the point of Jesus Christ giving them His patronage, indicates that Sacred Tradition can share in inspired status.
If we are to believe that divine patronage and protection is given only to the written word, what of those who lived before the written word or before it was readily available? Are we to believe that God would let them fend for themselves and not provide them with a reliable source of His Word?
Nowhere in the Bible does is say we were to write everything down. The references used to support Sola Scriptura often say "The Word of God" but none of them say "written word." When Jesus preached, He preached by word of mouth. As did the Apostles. Much of the Bible that is written, was originally transmitted orally before being put to paper. If were are to believe that oral transmission of The Word of God is invalid, that Christ's entire ministry, and those of the Apostles and early Christians were also invalid. Even the Bible itself would become invalid because it was transmitted orally for many years before transcription. Lets look at this excerpt from the book "Bible Quizzes To A Street Preacher;
The books of the New Testament were produced as a result of special circumstances that arose among the converts. They were written to meet the particular demands and emergencies of the time. The authors never dreamed of writing the New Testament or composing works which would one day be taken as the sole rule of religion. The Apostles would stand dazed if told that what they wrote would one day be held up as the complete an exhaustive statement of Christian doctrines. No writings were even intended to be used as an easy guide in faith and morals, independent of any living and teaching authority to interpret them. St.Paul himself says, "How shall they hear with out a preacher? How shall they preach unless they be sent? Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ." When the Apostles speak, they claim to be laying down a Divine authority and they nowhere claim to be laying down a system of Christian doctrine. Their teaching at first was ORAL, and it was no part of their intention to create a permanent literature. They wrote to believers, not to unbelievers. The Church existed and functioned before they wrote anything. Before a line in the New Testament was written (1) Christ established His Church; (2) Apostles preached Christ's Gospel; (3) St.Peter converted 3000 Jews; (4) Council of Jerusalem was assembled; (5) Jewish ceremonial law was abrogated.
Before the last book in the New Testament was written (1) the Catholic Church celebrated her golden jubilee; (2) 11 of the Apostles had died.
Hense, the Bible came from the Church. The Church did not come from the Bible. Christianity existed for over 300 years with out one single Bible Christian.
Another problem with Sola Scriptura is that it relies on the idea that Biblical canon is accurate. This can be called into question for many reasons. The first being that there is no universal Biblical canon for Christians. Also there are many editions and translations of the Bible.
In order for Sola Scriptura to be an effective doctrine, we must be able to guarantee that the copy of the Bible is correct. The Bible does say that it will be given protection, and it is a common belief in both Judaism and Christianity, that the Holy Bible is inspired. However, this does not mean that every subsequent copy will be accurate. Only that the original copy, God's copy, will be correct. History has shown us many examples of Bibles with mistakes in them. Such examples are editions known as The Bug Bible, The Treacle Bible. Even original copies of The Luther Bible and The King James Bible.
Many beliefs common in Christianity are not clearly outlined in The Bible. Some do not exist in the Bible at all, but in extra-Biblical sources. For Sola Scriptura to be correct, we would have to assume that Biblical canon is complete. Now, it is commonly believed that the Bible is closed canon, and nothing else can be added to it. However, many believe that other books may be read. The Bible has made references to books that exist outside of canon. A few (of many) examples are;
The Manner of the Kingdom
Referenced at 1 Samuel 10:25
The Book of Samuel the Seer
Referenced at 1 Chronicles 29:29
The Book of Nathan the Prophet
Referenced at 1 Chronicles 29:29
The Book of Gad the Seer
Referenced at 1 Chronicles 29:29
The History of Nathan the Prophet
Referenced at 2 Chronicles 9:29
The Chronicles of King Ahasuerus
Referenced at Esther 2:23 and Esther 6:1
In the Book of Jude, a line from the Book of Enoch is quoted almost verbatim. The Book of Enoch is believed by most scholars to be pseudepigraphal, but the author of Jude cites them as if they are Enoch's own words. Also, Jude 1:13 makes reference to a missing epistle. The Book of Jude is of note for another reason. Jude 1:14-15 makes reference to an extra Biblical work, which would work against Sola Scriptura. Jude 1:15 is also worth consideration for it discusses the repayment of work, which goes against Sola Fide. Both of these are doctrines written by Martin Luther, who pressed for the removal of Jude from the Bible, along with other books of the New Testament. In fact, the Protestant Biblical canon is largely an innovation of Luther. Martin Luther said in Of God's Word: XXIV "I am so great an enemy to the second book of the Maccabees, and to Esther, that I wish they had not come to us at all."
The Epistle to Corinth
Referenced at 1 Corinthians 5:9
The Earlier Epistle to the Ephesians
Referenced at Ephesians 3:3-4
The Epistle from Laodicea to the Colossians
Referenced in Colossians 4:16
The Earlier Epistle of John
Referenced at 3 John 1:9
St.Peter the Apostle and first pope, was believed to have been crucified upside down. This belief is commonly held through out the Christian community, but its mention is nowhere in the New Testament. This knowledge comes from The Acts of Peter, which is not in The Bible.
Another example can be read in John 10:22;
"22 And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem: and it was winter.
23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon's porch."
This of course refers to the Jewish celebration of Hanukah. Hanukah is the annual celebration of the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire. Jesus celebrated this feast, which would indicate that it was given His patronage. However, there was no (common canon) written record of this until the third century AD, in the form of the Talmud. The Talmud might be considered "extra-Biblical" as it is not part of the Bible, but it based on both the Bible and oral tradition. There was a written record of this event in the form of The Book of Maccabees, which is not considered common canon. In either case, whether it was based on Maccabees or oral tradition, Hanukah is an example of accurate transmission of Sacred Tradition.
Another example is 2 Timothy 3:8;
8 Now as Jannes and Mambres resisted Moses, so these also resist the truth, men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith.
Jannes and Mambres were the magicians who challenged Moses during the time of the 10 plagues. This passage is the only Biblical mention of their names. Otherwise their names are completely absent from the Bible. Over 1000 years had passed since the events described in The Old Testament, and the time 2 Timothy was written down. That means, that for over 1000 years, what Catholics and Eastern Orthodox churches call Sacred Tradition, passed this knowledge along accurately.
Yet another example can be found in The Book of Jude;
Jude 1:9 "When Michael the archangel, disputing with the devil, contended about the body of Moses, he durst not bring against him the judgment of railing speech, but said: The Lord command thee."
In Deuteronomy 34, we have the mention of Moses' death and God arranging for his burial in a secret place. There is no mention of Satan contending for the body. It was believed that God had the archangel St.Michael burry Moses to prevent the Israelites (who had already fallen into idolatrous practises) to worship the body of Moses with divine honours. This was passed on through the ages through revelation and Sacred Tradition. Of course, the reformer Martin Luther pushed for the removal of the Book of Jude from Biblical canon.
Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox consider Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture to be equal in value in spreading and teaching the word of God. Together they form "The Word of God." Hence, Verbum Dei. It is said these two churches used the seven deuterocanonical books to support doctrines that have no Biblical evidence elsewhere. This is false as they can be supported with other passages in the Bible, and its existence in Judaism. Thus these seven books can be examples of Sacred Tradition.
Sola Scriptura separates believers from the virtue of faith, even turns people into worshippers of the Bible. The Bible as an idol of sorts. Consider this. Should anyone wonder how a doctrine was derived, they turn to the Bible for evidence. They are now showing an inability to have faith, but also treating the Bible as the only truth. Jesus is The Truth and The Way. Jesus also said "blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed" showing the value of the virtue of faith. While seeking evidence may not be bad or inherently wrong, the word can then be treated as something not to be believed until The Bible says so. There is no faith. There is no soul searching, or asking God for guidance. In John 14, Jesus said He would send The Holy Spirit to help us;
26 But the Paraclete, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I shall have said to you.
Also a consideration when discussing Sola Scriptura. In the words of the Westminster Confession of Faith 1.6, this doctrine is not "expressly set down in scripture" but is in fact "deduced from scripture." This doctrine is contradictory to itself and 2 Thessalonians 2:14. This passage given to us by St.Paul teaches us that we are to hold true to teachings passed down "whether by word, or by our epistle." If such a passage as this can largely be over looked in various Christian churches, than we can "deduce" it is also possible that the common reader can over look what is needed and misinterpret others. Two fold, this illustrates that Sola Scriptura fails to be scriptural. When considering other passages such as Romans 10, Acts 8, 2 Timothy 3, 2 John 1 and Luke 10, we can see that Sola Scriptura not only is un-scriptural, but contrary to scripture. The doctrine can be compared to passages from Matthew 15 and Mark 7. Teachings were abandoned for the traditions of men.
We should also consider that The 95 Theses and The 39 Articles are not in the Bible either. In fact, all of the original works of the Reformers (save the passages they may quote) that initially separated them from the Catholic Church, and all subsequent works, are completely absent from the Bible. However, many churches teach them to be of great importance. If these were taught, as they were, then a new "tradition" would be started. Many books on theology are published by Protestant theologians. Why? The Bible is already widely available. Why are books on theology needed if the Bible is all that is needed and people are capable of interpreting on their own?
Biblical examples can show how many old topics that were discussed in scripture can still but up for debate, dicussion and guidance. Even by the most learned of believers. Such as the example of the Pharisees who asked Jesus about divorce;
Matthew 19: 3 And there came to him the Pharisees tempting him, and saying: Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
4 Who answering, said to them: Have ye not read, that he who made man from the beginning, Made them male and female? And he said:
5 For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they two shall be in one flesh.
6 Therefore now they are not two, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.
7 They say to him: Why then did Moses command to give a bill of divorce, and to put away?
8 He saith to them: Because Moses by reason of the hardness of your heart permitted you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
In this case, people as learned as the Pharisees still debated among themselves the meaning of the scripture. If people who dedicated their lives to religious pursuits could be so divided, we can not assume each individual can be fully capable of interpretation.
If scripture were able to be interpreted correctly by everyone, why are there so many opinions? For example, there is the debate as to whether or not Peter was indeed named "the rock" or "the stone," the difference being the size, magnitude, etc. Also there are the differences in perception of 2 Timothy 1:16-18, which some perceive as a New Testament example of a prayer for the dead. Catholics and some Protestant groups have different interpretations of the exact same passage. In 2 Peter 3:16 we learn that scripture may be hard to interpret. The fact the same passage can be seen two (if not more) ways shows that individual perception may be different from the intended meaning. The only way to be sure, would be to go back to the source, that which Catholics and Orthodox call Sacred Tradition, which is also the source of The Bible. This would show that the individual may not always be able to derive the true meaning, and that Sacred Tradition has its proper place in preaching The Word of God.
Scripture can sometimes be interpreted in different ways, even in such a way as to act contrary to what was intended. Even to the point of sinning against God. A scriptural example of this can be found in Matthew 4 and Luke 4. The devil used scripture in an unsuccessful bid to tempt Christ. Jesus of course used scripture to counter the devil. This however shows that scripture can be used, and twisted to say the wrong thing, as the devil tried. Guidance and true reflection may be required. Jesus however said that He would send The Holy Spirit to guide us, and He instituted a church that the powers of hell would not prevail against.
With this in mind we should consider the words found in 2 Timothy 4, in which St.Paul warned that people would develop "itching ears" and would want to find new teachers that would tell them what they wanted to hear. Such as the case of the reformer, Martin Luther who ruled that bigomy (which actually is a sin) was acceptable, citing the examples of the Old Testament patriarchs. Philip I, Landgrave of Hesse, accepted this and took for himself a bigamous second wife.
If scripture alone is self-authenticating, clear to the reader and with out need of an interpreter or magisterium, why are there so many churches? There are many Protestant denominations, such as Lutheran, Anglican, Presbyterian, Evangelical, Baptist, Methodist and Episcopalian, just to name a few. Each denomination with many churches, many of them with a differing view of doctrine, all of them claiming to have derived them from the Bible. Even amongst each denomination. The Episcopalian church for example is a branch of The Anglican communion, that originally split away from the Church of England. Some churches have even acknowledged the division in the churches, and made it part of their doctrine. Treating each parish as a fully independent cell. If each of these derive their doctrine from scripture, why are there so many perspectives? Why so many churches? Especially since scripture has made it abundantly clear that the church should be one. For examples of this we can look to such passages as;
Matthew 16:18-19, - upon this rock I will build my Church (singular)
Matthew 18:17 - tell it to the Church; if he refuses to listen even to the Church... (must be visible)
John 10:16 - there will be one fold and one shepherd
John 17:17-23 - I pray that they may be one, as we are one
John 17:23 - that they may be brought to perfection as one
Romans 12:5 - we, though many, are one body in Christ
Romans 15:5 - God grant you to think in harmony with one another
Romans 16:17 - I urge that there be no divisions among you
1 Corinthians 1:10 - I urge that there be no divisions among you
1 Corinthians 12:13 - in one spirit we are baptised into one body
Ephesians 4:3-6 - one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father
Ephesians 4:4 - one body, one Spirit, called to be one hope
Philippians 2:2 - be of same mind, united in heart thinking one thing
Colossians 3:15 - the peace into which you were called in one body
The Bible has been translated into many different languages since it was originally compiled, centuries after Christianity formed and doctrine was taught. With out Sacred Tradition or a magisterium to rely on as an example, how could one tell if the Bible was properly translated into the new languages, maintaining the context? Having Tradition and a magisterium allowed followers to see there was a continuity in the teachings. Preventing the illusion that The Word of God was "mistranslated."
Historical evidence has shown a consistency in the teachings of the early Christians (who would have received the word first hand) and those of such churches that believe in the (equal) validity of Sacred Tradition. This example has displayed that Sacred Tradition can keep a church together, and its teachings consistant. The writings of theologians and example of history through out the centuries have displayed this.
There are other problems with Sola Scriptura, discuss in the book "Scripture Alone?" by Joel Peters. They are discussed in further detail on this site, but a short list of the 21 issues are;
- The Doctrine of Sola Scriptura is not taught anywhere in the Bible
- The Bible Indicates that In Addition to the Written Word, we are to accept Oral Tradition
- The Bible Calls the Church and not the Bible the "Pillar and Ground of the Truth"
- Christ tells us to submit to the Authority of the Church
- Scripture itself states that it is insufficient of itself as a teacher, but rather needs an interpreter
- The first Christians did not have a Bible
- The Church produced the Bible not vice-versa
- The idea of the Scripture's Authority existing apart from the authority of the Teacher Church is utterly foreign to the Early Church
- Heresiarchs and heretical movements based their doctrines on Scripture interpreted apart from Tradition and the Magisterium
- The Canon of the Bible was not settled until the 4th Century
- An "Extra-Biblical" Authority Identified the Canon of the Bible
- The Belief that Scripture is "Self-Authenticating" Does Not Hold Up under Examination
- None of the Original Biblical Manuscripts is Extant
- The Biblical Manuscripts Contain Thousands of Variations
- There Are Hundreds of Bible Versions
- The Bible Was Not Available to Individual Believers until the 15th Century
- The Doctrine of Sola Scriptura Did Not Exist Prior to the 14th Century
- The Doctrine of Sola Scriptura Produces Bad Fruit, Namely, Division and Disunity
- The Doctrine of Sola Scriptura Does Not Allow for a Final, Definitive Interpretation of any given Passage of Scripture
- The Protestant Bible Is Missing 7 Entire Books
- The Doctrine of Sola Scriptura Had its Source in Luther’s Own Emotional Problems
Here is other reading material to read and consider;
- What Exactly Do You Mean by Sola Scriptura? - An article by James Akin
- Traditions of Men - An article by David McDonald
- Scripture Alone ("Sola Scriptura") - An article on Scripture Catholic.com
- Oral Tradition - An article on Scripture Catholic.com
- Non-canonical books referenced in the Bible - A larger list of non-canonical books that The Bible makes references to, found on Wikipedia.org.
Contact me at thedialecticmethod@hotmail.com
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