In other words, where, throughout
Protestantism's relatively brief life-span, can we find examples just one will do of sola scriptura actually working, functioning in such a way that it brings about doctrinal certitude and unity of doctrine among Christians?
2007-12-15 12:50:47 · 5 answers · asked by Marty 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Actually, if you look at the ancient Churches(Coptic, Catholic, Orthodox, Syrian, Armenian, Ethiopian etc) who adhere to both Scripture and Tradition they agree on about every point that is disputed by Bible-only Christians :
Episcopal Authority
Sacraments
Real Presence in the Eucharist
Regenerative baptism
Auricular Confession
Ever-Virgin Mary
Mary as the bearer of God (ie the Mother of God)
The communion of saints
The Mass
The larger OT canon
etc. etc.
About the only thing that is disputed is the doctrine of church Authority --- Catholic's affirm that the See of Rome holds the primacy of jurisdiction whereas the other ancient Churches affirm only a primacy of honor among equal bishops.
In contrast, if you look at those churches which adhere to the Bible only you end up with thousands of varying beleifs -- take a look at John 3:5 -- and you'll readily find all sorts of interpretations of this passage. Some beleive it's regenerative baptism, some symbolic baptism, some interpret it to mean water birth, some interpret it to mean a born again experience etc etc...
2007-12-15 12:59:34 · answer #1 · answered by contramundi 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sola Scriptura is really not the problem as the Bible does not disagree with Christ's Church. The problem is that those who believe in Sola Scriptura believe that each individual is their own theologian. The truth is that the Bible was written and canonized to be interpreted in the community of the Church and not by private interpretation.That is why today there are tens of thousands of exponentially increasing denominations in Protestantism each claiming their own version of truth and heresy. Sola Scriptura is a doctrine of men for confusion that inhibits Jesus' desire that we all be one and interferes with the united witness of the Church to the world.
In Christ
Fr. Joseph
2007-12-15 13:12:39 · answer #2 · answered by cristoiglesia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you tell me were "Apostolic Tradition" has worked?
The Roman Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church both claim to follow Apostolic Oral Tradition EXACTLY.
But they are divided among themselfs, they are Not even in Communion with each other.
If Sola Scriptura cannot be the correct method of determining the Truth because of the religious division among churches that claim to use sola Scriptura (Protestants) ,
then does this Not also disqualify the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches method of using "Tradition"?
2007-12-15 12:54:19 · answer #3 · answered by RG 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
umm correct me if I'm wrong but rotestantiism is still going on. Any religion that isn't Roman Catholic right?
2007-12-15 12:54:05 · answer #4 · answered by msim225 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How 'bout confession of sin to God and not a priest? Does that work for you?
2007-12-15 12:57:32 · answer #5 · answered by Mr Answer 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋