The Bible Says...

by Brandon Jubar

When I was in high school, there was one type of person who intimidated me more than any other. It wasn't the class bully. It wasn't a gang member. It wasn't the cops or some other "authority" figure. No, the type of people who intimidated me held bibles in their hands.

Bible Christians

As a teen, one fundamental difference between Catholics and most Protestant denominations was never explained to me -- and that was the concept of sola scriptura. This is the belief that Christianity should be based only on what is in the bible. Not the sacraments. Not sacred tradition. Not the teachings of priests, bishops, cardinals, and other clergy (the Magisterium). Nothing except the sacred scriptures.

On the surface, this seemed like a good argument. Why bring "man" into the equation? The Word is what we should rely upon. Everything involving the faith and practice of Christianity should be base upon sacred scripture.

Unfortunately, the doctrine of sola scriptura has brought "man" even more into the mix!

Who Made the Bible?

The first question you have to answer is this:
"Does the bible say that it is the sole source of Christian beliefs?"

The answer is no. And even if the bible did say that it is the only truth, isn't that a circular argument? That would be like me saying, "I am now king of this castle. And I am king because the king said so. And whatever the king says is law. So I am now king of this castle."

We also need to ask this:
"Where did the bible come from? Who decided what books make up the bible?"

The bible did not compile itself and call itself "Bible". It is a compilation of God-inspired writings, and a group of men decided which writings where to be included. Later, other men translated the Bible into different languages. And as we see today, there are often multiple versions translated into the same language.

Chicken and Egg Problem? Not Quite.

It was the Catholic Church who brought together the various inspired works that are known today as the Bible. In one sense, the Church is the parent and the bible is the child. We know which one came first.

We also know from non-religious historical accounts that a man named Jesus walked the earth and did miraculous things. We know too that his followers went forth and spread his teachings faster than any before or since. These disciples and their descendants had been charged with carrying on these teachings and traditions, and were granted authority to do so.

This authority allowed them to compile what we now call the Bible.

Personal Theology and Sola Scriptura

If we are to base our beliefs on scripture alone, then we don't have to listen to anyone else. There is no man, woman, or child who has the authority to tell us what to believe. We need only read the bible, pray, and let the Holy Spirit guide us.

But think about it. Do you believe God is the all-powerful creator of everything? If so, do you really think that His "truth" is open to interpretation? But wait... wouldn't the Holy Spirit guide everyone to the same understanding? After all, everything a person needs is in the bible, right?

If sola scriptura was God's plan for theology, why are there thousands of Protestant denominations, many of which strongly disagree with each other? Does this seem like the plan of a perfect God?

Standardized Theology

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)

This passage is known as the Commissioning of the Disciples. Notice that Jesus didn't say, "Go therefore and sell bibles to all people, telling them to read, pray, and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and understanding. Don't worry -- they'll figure it out."

No, he specifically tells them to baptize and teach. It was not Jesus' intent to leave people to their own interpretations. He built his church upon the rock, Peter, and charged the disciples with spreading and teaching the faith. Mixed messages were not the intent. Common, standardized understanding of scripture and tradition was the plan.

Still Not Sure?

If God's plan was to have faith and practice based upon scripture alone, then what did he expect everyone to do during the first 1400 years of Christianity? You see bibles weren't available. It wasn't until the mid-1400s that the printing press was invented.

Oops... almost forgot about that "literacy" thing. Even during the protestant reformation in the 1500s, most people couldn't read. Hmmmm. That means that guys like Martin Luther had to interpret the bible for others, which sort of goes against the "no teaching authority" thing. But let's face it, even though the literacy rate is much higher today, most people are not trained in critical thinking skills.

Sola scriptura -- by scripture alone -- forces every Christian to become an amateur theologian. Either that, or they have to listen to someone else's interpretation of the bible.

But wait... doesn't that defeat the main purpose of the doctrine of sola scriptura?

As I said before, mixed messages were not the intent. Common, standardized understanding of scripture and tradition was the plan. That is why we follow the teachings of the one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic church.

Life Applications:

How do you feel when someone quotes bible verses to you?
Have you ever had a "Bible Christian" challenge your beliefs?
Do you read the Bible? If so, how do you study it?

Copyright 2002-2007 by Brandon Jubar
All rights reserved.