In light of this, what is a protestant's defense for Sola Scriptura?

Question

Sola scriptura holds that scripture, as interpreted by the individual believer, is the only inerrant rule for deciding issues of faith and morals.

However, it was a group of catholics that determined which, of all the writings, were indeed 'scripture' and would make up the Bible.

Many books were discounted, such as the recent 'Gospel of Judas' as well as 'The Apocalypse of Peter'.

If, indeed, it was a group of catholics, relying on the magisterium, that decided what IS scripture, then aren't protestants, relying NOT on sola scriptura, but on the magisterium?

Answer 1

I AM NOT DEFENDING SOLA SCRIPTURA, BUT I HAD TO COMMENT ON THIS.

Jesus taught by saying (preaching) and doing. He did not write to the people (except what he wrote in the sand).

Sacred Scripture (the Bible) tells us that not everything that Jesus did (and said) is recorded in Sacred Scripture.

John 21:25
There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.

So SOME of what Jesus said and did was passed on to us in writing. This is the New Testament portion of Sacred Scripture.

The "other things that Jesus did" and said has also been preserved for us. This is what the Catholic Church calls Sacred Tradition.

When people claim Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) they choose to ignore "the other things that Jesus did" and said.

Through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, the Catholic Church makes available EVERYTHING that Jesus revealed to us.

AND THAT is why "Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence"

I pray that you allow the Holy Spirit to Guide you to the Fullness of Truth.

Answer 2

1) God has protected his word.

2) Sola Scriptura is what Jesus taught He taught against tradition taking the place of God's word

"You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." Mark 7:8

The Catholics teach the opposite
82 As a result the Church, to whom the transmission and interpretation of Revelation is entrusted, "does not derive her certainty about all revealed truths from the holy Scriptures alone. Both Scripture and Tradition must be accepted and honored with equal sentiments of devotion and reverence." - Catholics Catechism paragraph 82

Tradition is equal with scripture

Answer 3

two things
1. It is not as interpreted as the individual believer. Most of the Bible does not need interpretation. What part of "don't lie" needs interpretation??? What part of "don't sleep with any woman but your wife" needs interpretation? I mean do we really need some great interpretation about that??
2. Why would every book ever written be included in the Bible. Would you consult Betty Crocker to fix your Ford?? The books of the Bible were put together because they are special and go together. This supposed gospel of Judas is only one of mountains of books that have been written. Next you will want to ask why the Davincci code isn't included.

Answer 4

A group of Catholics did NOT decide!