Sola Scriptura Versus Tradition

“We owe to Scripture the same reverence which we owe to God” – John Calvin

“The source of all our troubles is in not knowing the Scriptures” - Chrysostom

One of the most volatile issues that separates Evangelicals from Roman Catholics has to do with the issue of sola scriptura  (“Scripture alone”). Evangelicals believe that Scripture alone speaks with God’s voice and is authoritative in matters of faith and practice, whereas most Roman Catholics believe that both Scripture and tradition constitute the Word of God.

We are told that the reading of Scripture is NOT –

•    The only or the direct rule of a Christian’s faith. The direct rule is the teaching of the living Church, and divine tradition is with Scripture the joint source of revelation. A Catholic dogma, therefore, does not need any scriptural text for its warrant; dogmas are believed not because they are contained in the Scriptures, but because they are taught by the Church.

(Encyclopedic Dictionary of the Bible, electronic media, Harmony Media Inc.)

•    Have you ever wondered where Roman Catholicism derived such doctrines as Mary’s immaculate conception, the assumption of Mary, indulgences, and other unique doctrines?

•    We look in vain for such doctrines in the pages of the Bible.

•    Many Catholics believe the Word of God is not limited to the pages of the Bible.

•    It is from “tradition” that many distinctive Roman Catholic doctrines are primarily derived.