Why I cannot agree with sola scriptura

 I cannot agree with sola scriptura or the idea that all Christian doctrine must be explicitly found in or derived solely from the Bible. Logically, Christianity existed before the New Testament was even written. The apostles like Paul, Peter, James, and John were writing letters to Christian communities—churches—that were already established and thriving. These letters, which later became part of the New Testament, were addressed to believers who were already practicing the faith, following doctrines, and observing traditions handed down by the apostles. Therefore, it is clear that the Church existed before the New Testament was compiled, had established teachings and traditions, and it was this very Church that discerned, compiled, and canonized the Scriptures we now call the Bible. Thus, the Church and its teachings preceded and gave rise to the Bible, not the other way around. And that very Church, founded by Christ and the Apostles in the first century, continues to exist today. Where can you find it? Look to the successors of the Apostles, to the historic sees established by them—the Pentarchy, the Patriarchates. Look to the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, where the unbroken lineage and teachings of the Apostles are faithfully preserved.

Let's dive into this a little deeper....

Should all Christian teaching be based on the Bible?

The question of whether all Christian teaching should be based solely on the Bible is a significant point of debate among different Christian traditions. The answer depends on one's theological perspective, particularly whether one adheres to the principle of sola scriptura (Scripture alone) or to the belief that both Scripture and Tradition are authoritative.

1. Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)

The principle of sola scriptura was a key doctrine of the Protestant Reformation, particularly emphasized by figures like Martin Luther. According to this view:

• Scripture as the Sole Authority: All Christian teaching and doctrine should be based solely on the Bible. The Bible is seen as sufficient and complete, containing everything necessary for salvation and godly living (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
• Rejection of Tradition as Equal Authority: Sola scriptura rejects the notion that Church Tradition holds equal authority with Scripture. While tradition can be respected, it cannot be the source of binding doctrine unless it is explicitly supported by Scripture.

Protestant denominations that adhere to sola scriptura include Lutherans, Reformed churches, Baptists, and many evangelical groups. They argue that the Bible alone is the ultimate standard by which all teachings and practices must be judged.

2. Scripture and Tradition (Catholic and Orthodox Perspective)

In contrast, the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and some other Christian traditions reject sola scriptura in favor of a model that includes both Scripture and Tradition as authoritative:

• Sacred Tradition: These traditions hold that the Bible itself emerged from the Church’s Tradition, and thus Tradition and Scripture are inseparable. Sacred Tradition includes the teachings of the Church Fathers, ecumenical councils, and the lived faith of the Church throughout the centuries.
• The Role of the Magisterium: The Catholic Church teaches that the Magisterium, the Church’s teaching authority, guided by the Holy Spirit, interprets both Scripture and Tradition. This ensures that the interpretation of Scripture remains consistent with the apostolic faith (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 85-86).

The Catholic Church cites 2 Thessalonians 2:15, where Paul exhorts Christians to "stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter," as evidence that Tradition is a legitimate source of authority alongside Scripture.

3. The Early Church and the Development of Doctrine

Historically, the early Church did not operate under the principle of sola scriptura. The canon of the New Testament was not formally established until the late 4th century, so early Christians relied heavily on oral tradition and the teachings of the apostles and Church Fathers. The Bible itself was canonized by the Church through a process guided by Tradition and ecclesiastical authority.

The doctrines of the Trinity, the Incarnation, and even the canon of Scripture itself were clarified and defined through ecumenical councils and the consensus of the Church over time, based on both Scripture and Tradition.

Conclusion

Whether all Christian teaching should be based solely on the Bible depends on one’s theological perspective. Protestant traditions adhering to sola scriptura argue that the Bible alone is the source of all doctrine. In contrast, Catholic, Orthodox, and some other Christian traditions hold that both Scripture and Sacred Tradition, interpreted by the Church’s authority, are necessary for the full understanding of the Christian faith.

This divergence in understanding highlights the different ways Christians approach the interpretation and authority of Scripture within the broader context of their faith.

Sources:

• Luther, Martin. The Bondage of the Will. 1525.
• Catechism of the Catholic Church. Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1993.
• González, Justo L. The Story of Christianity, Vol. 1: The Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation. HarperOne, 2010.

Is the Church or the Bible the pillar and foundation of truth?

The question of whether the Church or the Bible is the "pillar and foundation of truth" is addressed directly in Scripture, specifically in 1 Timothy 3:15. Here, the Apostle Paul writes:

"If I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth." (1 Timothy 3:15, NIV)

According to this verse, the Church is explicitly called the "pillar and foundation of the truth." This statement highlights the Church's role in upholding and preserving the truth of the Christian faith.

Understanding the Relationship Between the Church and the Bible

1. Role of the Church: The Church is described as the "pillar and foundation of the truth" because it is the living community established by Christ to guard, proclaim, and interpret the truth of the Gospel. The early Church Fathers, such as St. Irenaeus and St. Augustine, emphasized that the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, holds the authority to interpret Scripture and maintain doctrinal unity.

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3. Development of the Bible: The Bible itself was compiled, canonized, and preserved by the Church. The canon of the New Testament was discerned and formally recognized by Church councils in the 4th century. This process was guided by the Church’s Tradition, which helped determine which books were truly inspired. Thus, the authority of the Bible is intrinsically linked to the authority of the Church.

   
   
   

4. Catholic and Orthodox Perspective: In Catholic and Eastern Orthodox theology, the Church and the Bible are not seen as opposing sources of authority. Instead, Scripture and Sacred Tradition, both preserved by the Church, together convey the fullness of Christian truth. The Magisterium, or the teaching authority of the Church, serves to authentically interpret both Scripture and Tradition.

5. Protestant Perspective: While many Protestant denominations uphold sola scriptura (Scripture alone) as the ultimate authority in matters of faith, they also recognize the role of the early Church in preserving and transmitting the Bible. However, they emphasize that the Bible itself is the final authority on truth, with the Church’s role being subordinate to Scripture.

Conclusion

According to 1 Timothy 3:15, the Church is described as the "pillar and foundation of the truth." This indicates that, in the context of the New Testament, the Church holds a foundational role in upholding and preserving Christian truth. While the Bible is divinely inspired and authoritative, its recognition, interpretation, and transmission have historically depended on the Church. Thus, the relationship between the Church and the Bible is one of mutual reinforcement, with the Church serving as the guardian and interpreter of the truth contained in Scripture.

Sources:

• The Bible (1 Timothy 3:15)
• Catechism of the Catholic Church, 85-86
• González, Justo L. The Story of Christianity, Vol. 1: The Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation. HarperOne, 2010.
• McGrath, Alister E. Christian Theology: An Introduction. Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.