CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY: What Is Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)?

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EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 200+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).

Sola scriptura is a Latin term that means “Scripture alone.” It is a fundamental principle of the Protestant Reformation, which held that the Bible is the only source of authority for Christians and that all teachings and traditions must be evaluated in light of scripture.

The doctrine of sola scriptura was a reaction against the prevailing view of the Catholic Church in the 16th century, which held that the Bible, tradition, and the authority of the Church (the Pope and bishops) were all equal sources of authority for Christians. The Reformers, including Martin Luther and John Calvin, argued that the Bible was the only reliable source of truth and that the Church had departed from its original teachings over time.

Sola scriptura was a key component of the Protestant Reformation, as it allowed for a return to the “pure” teachings of the Bible and a rejection of the corrupt practices of the Church. It also allowed for the development of different interpretations of scripture, leading to the formation of various Protestant denominations.

However, the principle of sola scriptura has also been criticized by many, including Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians, who argue that it leads to an overemphasis on individual interpretation and a disregard for the role of tradition and the Church in understanding scripture.

In conclusion, sola scriptura is a central doctrine of Protestantism, which holds that the Bible is the only authoritative source of truth for Christians. While it played a crucial role in the Reformation and continues to shape Protestant beliefs today, it has also been the subject of ongoing debate and criticism.

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The History of Sola Scriptura

The history of Sola Scriptura, or “Scripture alone,” as a principle of Christian belief dates back to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. The Reformers, including Martin Luther and John Calvin, were dissatisfied with the corruption and excesses of the Catholic Church and sought to return to what they saw as the original teachings of the Bible.

One of the central criticisms of the Catholic Church at the time was its reliance on tradition and the authority of the Pope and bishops, in addition to the Bible, as sources of truth and guidance for Christians. The Reformers, in contrast, argued that the Bible was the only reliable source of truth, and that all other sources, including tradition and the Church, must be evaluated in light of scripture.

This idea was expressed in the famous slogan of the Reformation, “Sola Scriptura,” which was meant to emphasize the centrality of scripture in the life of the believer. The principle of Sola Scriptura was a radical departure from the prevailing view of the Catholic Church, which saw the Bible, tradition, and the authority of the Church as equally authoritative sources of truth.

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The doctrine of Sola Scriptura was one of the key factors that led to the fragmentation of Christianity during the Reformation, as different interpretations of scripture led to the formation of various Protestant denominations. For example, Lutherans and Calvinists had different interpretations of the doctrine of justification by faith, leading to the formation of two distinct denominations.

Despite this fragmentation, the principle of Sola Scriptura continued to shape Protestant beliefs throughout the centuries. In many Protestant denominations, the Bible remains the central source of authority and guidance for Christians, and its teachings are considered to be inerrant and authoritative.

However, Sola Scriptura has also been the subject of ongoing debate and criticism, both within and outside of Protestantism. Critics argue that the principle can lead to an overemphasis on individual interpretation and a disregard for the role of tradition and the Church in understanding scripture. They also argue that the Bible can be difficult to understand and that its teachings can be open to multiple interpretations, leading to confusion and division.

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Despite these criticisms, Sola Scriptura remains a central doctrine of many Protestant denominations and continues to shape the beliefs and practices of millions of Christians around the world. Its impact on the development of Christianity and the Western world cannot be overstated, and its legacy continues to be felt in the present day.

In conclusion, the history of Sola Scriptura is closely tied to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century and reflects the desire of the Reformers to return to the original teachings of the Bible. Despite ongoing debate and criticism, the principle continues to shape the beliefs and practices of millions of Christians, and its impact on the development of Christianity and the Western world is undeniable.

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Overview of Sola Scriptura

Sola scriptura, or “Scripture alone,” is a central principle of Protestantism and one of the five solae considered to be the theological pillars of the Reformation. This principle asserts that the authority of the Bible is supreme and that the teachings and interpretations of the Church should be evaluated in light of scripture. The idea behind sola scriptura was to correct what the Reformers saw as errors in the Catholic Church and to return to the original teachings of the Bible.

Martin Luther, a 16th-century monk and one of the key figures of the Protestant Reformation, stated that “a simple layman armed with Scripture is greater than the mightiest pope without it.” He believed that the authority of the Church was subject to correction by the scriptures and that the Bible was the only reliable source of truth. Sola scriptura rejected the Catholic view that the Church and tradition were equal sources of authority, as well as the assertion that the Church had the infallible authority to interpret both scripture and tradition.

Despite its emphasis on the authority of the Bible, sola scriptura does not ignore the role of the Church, tradition, or Christian history in understanding the scriptures. Rather, it views the Church as the interpreter of the Bible, with the regula fidei (the ecumenical creeds) providing the interpretive context, and scripture as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice.

In conclusion, sola scriptura is a central principle of Protestantism that asserts the authority of the Bible over the teachings and interpretations of the Church. This principle has its roots in the Protestant Reformation and was intended to correct what the Reformers saw as errors in the Catholic Church. While it emphasizes the importance of the Bible, it does not ignore the role of the Church, tradition, or Christian history in understanding scripture.

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Characteristics Of Sola Scriptura in Lutheranism

Sola scriptura is a central principle of Lutheranism and has several key characteristics that are unique to this denomination. Some of these characteristics include:

  1. Authority of the Bible: For Lutherans, the Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. This means that all teachings and interpretations of the Church must be evaluated in light of scripture.

  2. Rejection of Tradition: Sola scriptura means that the authority of tradition is secondary to the authority of the Bible. This rejection of tradition is a key characteristic of Lutheranism, as the Reformers believed that the Catholic Church had departed from the original teachings of the Bible over time.

  3. Emphasis on Justification by Faith: Lutheranism places a strong emphasis on the doctrine of justification by faith, which holds that salvation is received by faith alone, apart from any works or merits. This doctrine is based on several key passages in the Bible, including Romans 3:28 and Ephesians 2:8-9.

  4. Importance of the Office of the Ministry: While sola scriptura emphasizes the authority of the Bible, it also recognizes the importance of the Office of the Ministry in interpreting and teaching the scriptures. Lutherans believe that the pastor is called by God to serve the Church and to teach the Word of God.

  5. Role of Confessions: Lutheranism has a rich tradition of confessing its faith through written confessions, such as the Augsburg Confession and the Smalcald Articles. These confessions serve as a way of summarizing and affirming the teachings of the Bible, and they provide guidance for the interpretation of scripture.

In conclusion, sola scriptura is a central principle of Lutheranism that emphasizes the authority of the Bible over the teachings and interpretations of the Church. This principle is characterized by the rejection of tradition, the emphasis on justification by faith, the importance of the Office of the Ministry, and the role of confessions in summarizing and affirming the teachings of the Bible.

Biblical Inspiration

Biblical inspiration is the doctrine that the Bible is the inspired word of God and that its authors were guided by the Holy Spirit in their writing. This doctrine is central to the beliefs of many Christians and is based on passages in the Bible that describe the process of inspiration, such as 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:20-21.

In its simplest form, biblical inspiration means that the Bible is not just a collection of human writings, but is instead a divinely inspired text that contains the very words of God. This means that the Bible is not simply a book about God but is, in fact, the very word of God itself.

There are several different views of biblical inspiration among Christians, ranging from a more literal view that every word of the Bible is literally inspired by God, to a more metaphorical view that the Bible is inspired in a more general sense. However, regardless of the specific view, all Christians who believe in biblical inspiration agree that the Bible is a unique and authoritative text that contains the revealed will of God.

One of the key implications of biblical inspiration is that the Bible is considered to be inerrant, meaning that it is free from error or contradiction. This means that the Bible is seen as a reliable source of truth, and its teachings are considered to be authoritative in all matters of faith and practice.

Another implication of biblical inspiration is that the Bible is considered to be complete and sufficient. This means that the Bible contains all of the teachings that are necessary for salvation and for living a life of faith, and that there is no need for additional revelation or authoritative sources.

Biblical inspiration also has important implications for the role of the Church and the interpretation of scripture. For example, many Christians believe that the Church is responsible for interpreting and applying the teachings of the Bible but that the Bible itself is the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice.

In conclusion, biblical inspiration is the doctrine that the Bible is the inspired word of God and that its authors were guided by the Holy Spirit in their writing. This doctrine has important implications for the authority, reliability, completeness, and interpretation of the Bible, and is central to the beliefs of many Christians.

Divine Authority

Divine authority refers to the belief that certain individuals or institutions have been specifically chosen or empowered by God to make decisions and act on His behalf. This belief is central to many religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, and has important implications for the way in which these traditions understand the nature of God and the role of human beings in the world.

In many religious traditions, divine authority is associated with the concept of prophecy or the idea that certain individuals have been chosen by God to receive divine revelations and to communicate His will to the people. For example, in the Abrahamic religions, individuals such as Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad are seen as prophets who were chosen by God to receive His revelations and to communicate His message to the people.

In some religious traditions, divine authority is also associated with the concept of priesthood, or the idea that certain individuals have been chosen by God to act as His representatives on earth. For example, in the Catholic Church, the Pope is seen as having a unique role in interpreting and communicating the teachings of the Church and is considered to have divine authority to make decisions on behalf of the Church.

Divine authority is also often associated with the concept of revelation, or the idea that God has revealed His will and teachings to humanity through various means, such as scripture, tradition, or divine inspiration. For example, in Christianity, the Bible is seen as the primary source of divine revelation and is considered to be authoritative in all matters of faith and practice.

In conclusion, divine authority refers to the belief that certain individuals or institutions have been specifically chosen or empowered by God to make decisions and act on His behalf. This belief is central to many religious traditions and has important implications for the way in which these traditions understand the nature of God and the role of human beings in the world. Divine authority is often associated with the concepts of prophecy, priesthood, and revelation and is seen as a means of ensuring that the teachings and will of God are communicated accurately to the people.

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Clarity of Scripture

The Clarity of Scripture, also known as the perspicuity of scripture, is a doctrine that holds that the teachings of the Bible are clear and easily understood by all who read it. This doctrine is based on the belief that God has intended the Bible to be accessible to all people, regardless of their background or education, and that its teachings can be understood by anyone who reads it with an open heart and mind.

The Clarity of Scripture is an important doctrine for several reasons. First, it asserts that the Bible is not a book that is only accessible to a select few but is, instead, a book that is available to all people. This means that anyone can understand the teachings of the Bible, regardless of their level of education or background, and that the Bible is not a closed book that only the experts can understand.

Second, the Clarity of Scripture asserts that the teachings of the Bible are clear and easily understood. This means that there is no need for a mediator, such as a priest or bishop, to interpret the teachings of the Bible for the people. Instead, the teachings of the Bible can be understood by anyone who reads it, and there is no need for additional revelations or authoritative sources.

Third, the Clarity of Scripture has important implications for the role of the Church and the interpretation of scripture. For example, many Christians believe that the Church is responsible for interpreting and applying the teachings of the Bible but that the Bible itself is the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice. The Clarity of Scripture asserts that the teachings of the Bible are clear and easily understood and that there is no need for the Church to add to or subtract from the teachings of the Bible.

However, despite the assertion that the teachings of the Bible are clear and easily understood, there is often disagreement among Christians about the interpretation of certain passages or teachings. This disagreement can lead to confusion and division and highlights the need for careful and thoughtful interpretation of the Bible.

In conclusion, the Clarity of Scripture, also known as the perspicuity of scripture, is a doctrine that holds that the teachings of the Bible are clear and easily understood by all who read it. This doctrine asserts that the Bible is accessible to all people, regardless of their background or education, and that its teachings can be understood by anyone who reads it with an open heart and mind. The Clarity of Scripture has important implications for the role of the Church and the interpretation of scripture and highlights the need for careful and thoughtful interpretation of the Bible.

Sufficiency of Scripture

The Sufficiency of Scripture is a doctrine that holds that the Bible is complete and sufficient in all matters of faith and practice. This doctrine asserts that the teachings of the Bible are all that is necessary for salvation and for living a life of faith and that there is no need for additional revelation or authoritative sources.

The Sufficiency of Scripture is an important doctrine for several reasons. First, it asserts that the Bible contains all of the teachings that are necessary for salvation and for living a life of faith. This means that there is no need for additional revelations or authoritative sources and that the teachings of the Bible are complete and sufficient.

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Second, the Sufficiency of Scripture has important implications for the role of the Church and the interpretation of scripture. For example, many Christians believe that the Church is responsible for interpreting and applying the teachings of the Bible but that the Bible itself is the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice. The Sufficiency of Scripture asserts that the teachings of the Bible are complete and sufficient and that there is no need for the Church to add to or subtract from the teachings of the Bible.

Third, the Sufficiency of Scripture has important implications for the interpretation of scripture. For example, it asserts that the teachings of the Bible can be understood by anyone who reads it, and that there is no need for a mediator, such as a priest or bishop, to interpret the teachings of the Bible for the people. This means that the Bible is accessible to all people, regardless of their level of education or background, and that its teachings can be understood by anyone who reads it with an open heart and mind.

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However, despite the assertion that the teachings of the Bible are complete and sufficient, there is often disagreement among Christians about the interpretation of certain passages or teachings. This disagreement can lead to confusion and division, and highlights the need for careful and thoughtful interpretation of the Bible.

In conclusion, the Sufficiency of Scripture is a doctrine that holds that the Bible is complete and sufficient in all matters of faith and practice. This doctrine asserts that the teachings of the Bible are all that is necessary for salvation and for living a life of faith and that there is no need for additional revelation or authoritative sources. The Sufficiency of Scripture has important implications for the role of the Church and the interpretation of scripture and highlights the need for careful and thoughtful interpretation of the Bible.

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Characteristics in the Reformed faith

The Reformed faith, also known as Calvinism, is a branch of Protestantism that is characterized by several key beliefs and practices. Some of the most important characteristics of the Reformed faith include:

  1. Sovereignty of God: The Reformed faith places a strong emphasis on the sovereignty of God, which asserts that God is in complete control of all things and that nothing happens outside of His will. This belief is based on passages in the Bible that describe God’s sovereignty, such as Romans 8:28 and Ephesians 1:11.

  2. Election: The Reformed faith believes in the doctrine of election, which asserts that God has chosen certain individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world. This belief is based on passages in the Bible that describe God’s election, such as Romans 8:29-30 and Ephesians 1:4-5.

  3. Total Depravity: The Reformed faith asserts that all human beings are inherently sinful and that they are unable to choose to follow God on their own. This belief is based on passages in the Bible that describe the fallen nature of humanity, such as Romans 3:10-18 and Ephesians 2:1-3.

  4. Justification by Faith Alone: The Reformed faith places a strong emphasis on the doctrine of justification by faith alone, which asserts that salvation is received by faith alone, apart from any works or merits. This belief is based on passages in the Bible that describe justification by faith, such as Romans 3:28 and Ephesians 2:8-9.

  5. Covenant Theology: The Reformed faith is characterized by its understanding of the Bible as a unified story that is organized around the concept of covenant. This means that the Reformed faith sees the Bible as a single story that is centered on God’s relationship with His people, from creation to redemption.

  6. The Regulative Principle of Worship: The Reformed faith asserts that worship should be regulated by the teachings of the Bible, and that any elements of worship that are not specifically commanded in the Bible should be avoided. This means that the Reformed faith places a strong emphasis on the use of the scriptures in worship and on the practice of singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

  7. The Westminster Confession of Faith: The Reformed faith is often associated with the Westminster Confession of Faith, a written confession of faith that summarizes the key beliefs of the Reformed faith. This confession is considered to be authoritative by many Reformed denominations and is used as a basis for the interpretation of scripture and the formulation of doctrine.

In conclusion, the Reformed faith, also known as Calvinism, is a branch of Protestantism that is characterized by several key beliefs and practices. These include the sovereignty of God, the doctrine of election, total depravity, justification by faith alone, covenant theology, the regulative principle of worship, and the Westminster Confession of Faith. These characteristics are central to the beliefs of the Reformed faith and provide a framework for understanding the teachings of the Bible and the nature of God and humanity.

Prima Scriptura

Prima Scriptura is a Latin term that refers to the belief that the Bible is the primary source of authority in matters of faith and practice. This doctrine asserts that the teachings of the Bible are the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice and that any other sources of authority, such as tradition, reason, or the teachings of the Church, are secondary and must be subject to the authority of the Bible.

Prima Scriptura is an important doctrine for several reasons. First, it asserts that the Bible is the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice and that there is no higher authority to which the teachings of the Bible can be subjected. This means that the Bible is the final court of appeal in all matters of faith and practice, and that any other sources of authority must be subject to the authority of the Bible.

Second, the doctrine of Prima Scriptura has important implications for the interpretation of scripture. For example, it asserts that the teachings of the Bible can be understood by anyone who reads it, and that there is no need for a mediator, such as a priest or bishop, to interpret the teachings of the Bible for the people. This means that the Bible is accessible to all people, regardless of their level of education or background, and that its teachings can be understood by anyone who reads it with an open heart and mind.

Third, Prima Scriptura has important implications for the role of the Church and the tradition of the Church. For example, many Christians believe that the Church is responsible for interpreting and applying the teachings of the Bible but that the Bible itself is the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice. The doctrine of Prima Scriptura asserts that the teachings of the Bible are the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice and that the Church and its tradition must be subject to the authority of the Bible.

However, despite the assertion that the teachings of the Bible are the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice, there is often disagreement among Christians about the interpretation of certain passages or teachings. This disagreement can lead to confusion and division and highlights the need for careful and thoughtful interpretation of the Bible.

In conclusion, Prima Scriptura is a Latin term that refers to the belief that the Bible is the primary source of authority in matters of faith and practice. This doctrine asserts that the teachings of the Bible are the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice and that any other sources of authority, such as tradition, reason, or the teachings of the Church, are secondary and must be subject to the authority of the Bible. The doctrine of Prima Scriptura has important implications for the interpretation of scripture, the role of the Church, and the tradition of the Church, and highlights the need for careful and thoughtful interpretation of the Bible.

Scripture and Sacred Tradition

Scripture and Sacred Tradition are two of the most important sources of authority in Christianity. While they are often seen as distinct, they are also closely related, and they are both considered to be authoritative sources of Christian teaching.

Scripture refers to the written texts of the Bible, which includes the Old and New Testaments. The Bible is considered to be the inspired Word of God and is, therefore, authoritative in all matters of faith and practice. The teachings of the Bible are believed to be divinely inspired and to contain the revelation of God’s will for humanity.

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Sacred Tradition, on the other hand, refers to the unwritten teachings and practices that have been passed down from generation to generation in the Church. This includes the teachings of the apostles, the practices of the early Church, and the decisions of the early councils. Sacred Tradition is considered to be authoritative because it is believed to have been passed down from the apostles, who were themselves inspired by the Holy Spirit.

In many Christian traditions, Scripture and Sacred Tradition are seen as complementary sources of authority. For example, the Catholic Church sees Sacred Tradition as an important source of understanding for interpreting the teachings of the Bible. The Church believes that Sacred Tradition provides the context for understanding the teachings of the Bible and that it helps to ensure that the teachings of the Bible are interpreted in a consistent and faithful manner.

In other Christian traditions, such as Protestantism, the authority of Sacred Tradition is often seen as being secondary to the authority of the Bible. In these traditions, the Bible is considered to be the only authoritative source of Christian teaching, and Sacred Tradition is seen as being subject to the authority of the Bible.

In conclusion, Scripture and Sacred Tradition are two of the most important sources of authority in Christianity. While they are often seen as distinct, they are also closely related, and they are both considered to be authoritative sources of Christian teaching. In many Christian traditions, Sacred Tradition is seen as an important source of understanding for interpreting the teachings of the Bible, while in other Christian traditions, the authority of Sacred Tradition is seen as being secondary to the authority of the Bible.

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Critiques of Sola Scriptura

Sola Scriptura is a central doctrine of Protestantism that asserts that the Bible is the only authoritative source of Christian teaching and that any other sources of authority, such as tradition or the teachings of the Church, are secondary and must be subject to the authority of the Bible. While this doctrine has been influential in the development of Protestantism, it has also been the subject of significant critique and controversy. Some of the most important critiques of Sola Scriptura include:

  1. Lack of Consensus: One of the key critiques of Sola Scriptura is that it leads to a lack of consensus among Protestant denominations. Because each individual is free to interpret the Bible as they see fit, there is no authoritative interpretation of scripture, and this has led to a great deal of disagreement and division among Protestant denominations.

  2. Historical Inconsistency: Another critique of Sola Scriptura is that it is historically inconsistent. The idea that the Bible is the only authoritative source of Christian teaching is a relatively recent development in Christian history, and there is evidence to suggest that the early Church did not adhere to this doctrine. For example, many of the early Church fathers relied on both the Bible and Sacred Tradition in their teachings.

  3. Lack of Authority: A third critique of Sola Scriptura is that it leads to a lack of authority in matters of faith and practice. Because each individual is free to interpret the Bible as they see fit, there is no authoritative body to interpret scripture and to provide guidance in matters of faith and practice. This can lead to confusion and division, and it can also make it difficult to address complex theological questions.

  4. Reliance on Individual Interpretation: A fourth critique of Sola Scriptura is that it relies too heavily on individual interpretation. Because each individual is free to interpret the Bible as they see fit, there is no authoritative body to ensure that the teachings of the Bible are being interpreted correctly. This can lead to errors in interpretation, and it can also make it difficult to resolve disputes about the meaning of scripture.

  5. Ignores Sacred Tradition: A final critique of Sola Scriptura is that it ignores the role of Sacred Tradition in understanding the teachings of the Bible. Many Christians believe that Sacred Tradition provides important context for interpreting the teachings of the Bible, and that it helps to ensure that the teachings of the Bible are interpreted in a consistent and faithful manner. Sola Scriptura, however, asserts that the Bible is the only authoritative source of Christian teaching and that Sacred Tradition is secondary and must be subject to the authority of the Bible.

In summary, Sola Scriptura is a central doctrine of Protestantism that asserts that the Bible is the only authoritative source of Christian teaching. While this doctrine has been influential in the development of Protestantism, it has also been the subject of significant critique and controversy. Some of the most important critiques of Sola Scriptura include the lack of consensus it leads to, its historical inconsistency, the lack of authority it creates, its reliance on individual interpretation, and its disregard for Sacred Tradition.

The Protestant doctrine of sola scriptura, which holds that the Bible is the only source of authority in matters of faith and practice, has faced criticism from Catholic and Orthodox Christians. In response, some Protestant writers have sought to clarify what they believe to be the true meaning of sola scriptura.

Critics of sola scriptura have argued that the doctrine is self-contradictory and inherently divisive. For example, Patrick Madrid, an American Roman Catholic author and television presenter, has written that the idea that the Bible is the only source of Christian belief is incoherent, as the Bible itself does not teach sola scriptura. Similarly, authors Peter Hess and Paul Allen have argued that sola scriptura leads to division, as it makes interpretation of scripture subject to fallible interpretation, and without an infallible interpreter, certainty of Christian belief is not possible.

Catholic critics of sola scriptura have also pointed out that the legitimacy of the New Testament canon of scripture is not based on a scriptural list that authenticates them to be inspired and that their legitimacy would be impossible to distinguish with certainty without appealing to another infallible source, such as the magisterium of the Catholic Church.

In addition, some Catholic writers have pointed to examples in the New Testament where Jesus and the apostles accepted oral and extrabiblical tradition. For example, Dave Armstrong has argued that Jesus and the apostles acknowledged authoritative Jewish oral tradition, and that this shows that oral tradition has legitimacy and authority. According to the Catholic view, one can distinguish between Sacred Tradition, which is considered inerrant, and lesser ecclesiastical traditions or disciplines by consulting the Magisterium of the Church.

In conclusion, the Protestant doctrine of sola scriptura, which holds that the Bible is the only source of authority in matters of faith and practice, has faced criticism from Catholic and Orthodox Christians. Critics have argued that the doctrine is self-contradictory, inherently divisive, and relies too heavily on fallible interpretation. Catholic critics have pointed to the legitimacy of the New Testament canon of scripture and to examples in the New Testament where Jesus and the apostles accepted oral and extrabiblical tradition as evidence of the importance of Sacred Tradition in understanding the teachings of the Bible.

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