Theology

Scripture and tradition

Who holds authority in the Church?

Scripture alone, or Scripture and tradition? This debate divided Catholics and Protestants in the sixteenth century and is still alive today. This course follows the question of authority from Israel to the Council of Trent, presenting each side's arguments fairly.

4 lessons≈ 12 min readFree
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Course outline

  1. Prophets, priests and a book

    In the Bible itself, authority never rests on the text alone. It also comes through people called by God.

    3 min read

  2. The early Church, Scripture and apostolic tradition

    For the first Christians, Scripture and the tradition received from the apostles were not rivals. They went together, guaranteed by the bishops.

    3 min read

  3. The pope, the Magisterium and tradition

    In the Middle Ages, the authority to interpret became concentrated in Rome. How did this come about, and what arguments justify this development?

    3 min read

  4. Sola Scriptura, what the Reformers meant

    Scripture alone did not mean Scripture without an interpreter. Understanding this principle helps to move past many caricatures, on both sides.

    3 min read

Adapted from Alexandre Hérault's master's thesis, “A Historical Study of the Concept of Canon” (Continental Theological Seminary, 2013).