Scriptual Basis for Catholic Teaching?

Question

A recent post asked for the scriptual basis for Catholic teachings. As usual, the scriptual simpletons displayed their utter lack of understanding about authentic Christianity, and pulled out the tired old list of supposedly unscriptual teachings (pope, purgatory, Mary, yadda yadda yadda).

My question is: If everything pertaining to Christian teaching is to be found in the Bible, then it should say somewhere in the Bible that "everything pertaining to Christian teaching is to be found in the Bible". Where does it say that? I have found the Church in the Bible, and I have found that the Church is the "pillar and foundation of thruth" (1 Timothy 3:15). I have found deacons and bishops in the Book of Acts, but I have nowhere found that everything pertaining to Christian teaching is to be found in the Bible.

The fact is that Christ established a teaching church, not a book. The New Testament addresses problems in the early Church, but does not systematically state every belief.

Perhaps some of these things are not mentioned because they were not problems in the early church.

Sil: If you insist on having the scriptual basis for Catholic teachings, I suggest that you go to Catholic Answers at http://www.catholic.com and then look at the left sidebar: You will see many subjects. You can click on one and see tracts that will probably answer your questions.

Questions?
Comments?
More unscriptual protestant rants?
Bring'em all on baby

To "C. L. Richardson" Would you have said that to Christ when he called the pharisees a brood of vipers?

Answer 1

How do ppl use the internet if it's not in the Bible?

Answer 2

Does the Bible say, "Everything pertaining to Christian teaching is to be found in the Bible." No, nothing of the sort.

The most quoted scripture, 2 Tim 3:16, simply says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

I don't think anyone would question whether scripture is useful. Note here that Paul was talking about the Old Testament, which Jesus came to fulfill. Judaism was an old wineskin, unable to hold the new wine of the Gospel.

Jesus had excellent reasons for organizing a Church that would, among other things, vouchsafe his teachings (Matt 16:18). Give Jesus some credit. He knew any book would be misinterpreted without a living Church to put the brakes on self-serving readings.

Cheers,
Bruce

Answer 3

As a former Roman Catholic (who holds no grudge toward my former spiritual home) I have to point out that Catholics also misinterpret the true meaning of Sola Scriptura.

Sola Scriptura does not mean that all traditions should be abandoned. It simply means that any tradition must be tested by scripture, as everything required for salvation is found within scripture.

A key example is the doctrine of the Trinity. This is a Tradition, with no mention of a triune God in the pages of the Bible. However when tested by the words that are there, it is clear that the doctrine of the Trinity is supported by Biblical evidence.

So your question is based on a false premise, true sola scriptura adherants would not claim that everything pertaining to Christian teaching is found in the Bible. What they would say is that if a teaching is not explicitly stated in the Bible, it needs to at least have a scriptural basis - again the trinity is the perfect example.

You are correct that we as a Christian community need a Church body to help us with interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. Where I believe the Catholic position is weak is that it relies on the testimony of fallible men and women when forming doctrines based on Tradition that is not explicit - and also not supported by non- explicit evidence in the Holy Scriptures.

A key example is that of the Immaculate conception and Assumption of Mary followed by her Crowning as queen of Heaven. None of these three things are explicit in scripture, and non have scriptural evidence to support them. (I understand the woman with the Crown of Stars in Revelation could be interpreted to be Mary - however it could just as easily be interpreted to be the Church.)

Again I hold no animosity toward the Catholic Church, and I believe that Catholics are Christian. I'm just pointing out the traditional view of Sola Scriptura -as opposed to the militant view used by some fundamentalists. Tradition and Sola Scriptura can get along fine - as long as the Tradition is supported by Scripture.

Answer 4

the same reason for the belief in "trinity", it also is no where in the bible. But, thanks to the teaching church, that is the catholic church, we have now the meaning of trinity, in the concepts written in the scripture. same for purgatory, Mary, Popes etc.

Answer 5

So the Catholic church believes in continuing revelation from God?

Answer 6

Beta,

The Scriptures are continually revealing to us.

and we need the Church to understand what is being revealed and how it affects us today.

Peace!

Answer 7

Yes: onion rings.

Nowhere in the Bible does it mention onion rings. So do these same protestants question their validity? Why aren't they writing about how sinful onion rings are and how people who eat them are damned to eternal hell?

Answer 8

"As usual, the scriptual simpletons displayed their utter lack of understanding about authentic Christianity..."

That's about as far from a Christlike attitude as you can get, man. Where's your joy?

Edit: It's funny you should mention that, since you yourself are playing the Pharisee here.

Answer 9

There is none!


God loves you....God bless