I've received a few messages about my misrepresentation of the protestant cornerstone of thought- sola scriptura. First, I apologize. It's hard not to see (and even point out) glaring problems with my own religious upbringing as I explore the ancient Christian faith.
For the reformers sola scriptura didn't mean "nothing but the Scriptures". I recognize that Luther kept some things that were purely tradition and even Calvin kept some extrabiblical tradition. Now, a lot of protestants today are children Zwingli. Those are easy to spot. If they deny being a Protestant, then they're Zwinglian.
Amy and I were talking about this issue of authority and she said something like this:
For the average (ornery-type) protestant, they study the Bible to find out what they believe, then they take it to their church and point out their faults. Eventually a protestant believer leaves that church and joins one that agrees with his doctrine. What kind of submission to spiritual leadership is that?
That sounds like a better slant to this question of authority. The Fathers never abrogate the Scriptures. They affirm, interpret and apply them.
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2 comments:
hey! I've enjoyed reading your thoughts on this. It has helped to come to a better understanding of my own beliefs on Scripture.
I think that part of the Reformers' struggle was in the tension they saw between the NT church and 16th century Catholic church. Something didn't match up for them. Here they needed to ask where to find truth. Sola Scriptura helped them to answer that question.
In alot of ways, we're the product of the Reformation, but remember that 400 years has passed since then. You might be reacting more the individualism that has become such a part of the church since the Enlightenment.
Hi Levi,
This is Steve Robinson from www.ourlifeinchrist.com Orthodox radio program. Welcome to the multitudes of people who have gathered in the cul de sac of sola scriptura and are realizing there is only one way out: the historic Church which existed for a thousand years before there was a Roman Catholic Church and 1500 years before a Protestant Church. It takes guts to face the reality of Western individualism and what it has brought to Christianity in the last five centuries. On a lighter note, I have a really good friend who is now an Orthodox priest who was a Young Life leader also.
peace to you and your house!
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