Who has the better tradition, The Early Church Fathers, The Pope of Rome, Martin Luther, or John Calvin?

Answer 1

The Orthodox Greeks

Answer 2

Who has the "better" tradition? The longest tradition is the Roman Catholic. The Reformation occurred because a group of theologians wanted to return to a more "primitive" form of Christianity, more closely emulating the early church fathers. They also wanted the Scriptures to be translated into the language of the common man, so that everyone could read the Bible,not just the priests. Martin Luther's teachings became the core doctrines of the Lutheran and other denominations. John Calvin's teachings became the core doctrines of denominations such as the Southern Baptists. So who has the better tradition? Any doctrine or group of doctrines that most closely emulate the person and work of Jesus Christ. Otherwise the question itself is irrelevant.

Answer 3

There are two categories of early Church Fathers: Western and Eastern, even though the Church was united at the time. Both the Catholic and the Orthodox accept the wisdom found in both groups. Martin Luther, John Calvin and the others of the Reformation rejected the teachings of the Church Fathers. The pope still accepts the tradition of both East and West.

Answer 4

Look at it this way: Luther, Calvin, and the Reformers were Roman Catholics who were disgusted that the popes and the church as a whole had fallen away from the tradition of the early church fathers. They wanted to "reform" the church to its former state, but sadly they failed.

There would be no Protestant/Evangelical churches today, had the RC church reformed in Luther's and Calvin's time.

Answer 5

The Church fathers and the Popes appeal to the same Apostolic tradition and Bible.

Answer 6

The Pope and the early Church Fathers hold the same beliefs they are the Beliefs of the Catholic Church.

In attacking the Catholic Church, Protestants sever their own roots

No protestant should quote Scripture at all, for he has no means of knowing which books are inspired; Unless of course, he wants to accept the authority of the Catholic Church for that

Jesus Christ founded a Church (Matthew 16:18). He did not command anyone to write a Gospel.
The Word of GOD is a person, and not a book (John 1:1,14).
The Catholic Church is based on the Word of GOD alone and not on Scripture alone.


the Bible came from the Church, and that the Church did not come from the Bible. The Catholic Church is the Mother of the Bible, not the Daughter.
THE BIBLE IS A CATHOLIC BOOK.

For those who deny that the Bible is a Catholic Book, the founder of Protestantism,
Martin Luther, concurred that the Bible is indeed a Catholic Book.
He had this to say:
"We are compelled to concede to the Papists that they have the Word of GOD, that we received it from them, and that without them, we should have no knowledge of it at all."
Martin Luther, commentary on St. John.

Answer 7

i have no idea. i dont know who john calvin is, but but between the ones that i know of, i'd have to say martin luther king. his tradition is that which includes everyone, not just a certain sect of people.

Answer 8

Well, the Pope of Rome IS one of the bishops (he is the bishop of Rome) so he is part of their communion.

Sacred Tradition is meant to encompass many things - Scripture, the writings of the Fathers, the declarations of the Magesterium, etc.

I would say the "best" Tradition is whatever God has revealed to the Church as true, and He reveals Truth to us in various ways.

To CHRIS: Scripture tells us to "hold fast" to traditions, whether written or oral. It also says there are many things Jesus and the Apostles said and taught that were not recorded in Scripture. That means there IS inerrant truth outside of what is contained in the Canon of Scripture.

Pax Vobiscum+

Answer 9

All traditions are worthless, if you do not understand the metaphorical content providing a guide for transcendence of the earthbound identity.

Answer 10

I suppose the people who simply believe and live the Bible
irregardless of denominations or traditions.
I Cr 13;8a