Why Catholics and Orthodox Christians Reluctantly Embrace the Bible As their Sole Authority

The debate over the primacy of the Bible as the sole source of Christian doctrine has long been a contentious issue in Christian theology. Both Catholics and Orthodox Christians have reasons why they might not fully adhere to the concept of sola scriptura, or the belief that the Bible alone is the ultimate and infallible source of truth. This article delves into the reasoning behind these beliefs and examines the historical and practical implications.

The Role of Tradition in Religion

The assertion that 'The Bible was part of the tradition of the church, not the other way around' is a pivotal statement. For centuries, the traditions and practices of the Church have played a significant role in shaping Christian belief and behavior. This includes the inclusion of apocryphal writings, which are not considered part of the Deuterocanonical or Old Testament in the Protestant Bible. These writings include books such as The Book of Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, and Baruch, among others.

Both Catholics and Orthodox Christians rely on these traditions, which carry significant theological weight. Apocryphal writings contain elements that sometimes contradict the 66-book Protestant Bible, and therefore, they cannot fully state that the Bible is the ultimate and infallible source of doctrine. This highlights the importance of tradition and historical practices in shaping their beliefs.

Vested Pecuniary Interest and Historical Context

Historically, the Reformation brought about significant changes in the religious landscape. The Protestant Reformation, which criticized the excesses and corruption of the Catholic Church, led to the decentralization of religious authority. Specifically, the concept of sola scriptura was championed by many Protestant reformers. However, the Catholic Church, facing the loss of its monopoly on religious authority, has since lobbied for the continued acceptance of its traditions and teachings.

“In three words: vested pecuniary interest.” This phrase succinctly captures the economic and historical context that has driven the Church’s stance on these matters. The Reformation closed down the western Church's monopoly, and the cessation of financial contributions has had significant implications on the Vatican's priorities. The Church has been whining for five centuries over the loss of this financial support, reinforcing the need to maintain traditional practices and teachings.

Catholic Priesthood and the Bible

Catholic priests often do not rely solely on the Bible to teach their followers because it would expose certain traditions that do not align with Biblical teachings. For instance, Mark 7:7–9 indicates that traditions of the Church can sometimes be in conflict with the teachings of Christ. Additionally, priests may not want to 'tickle the itching ears of their parishioners,' using the Bible to guide followers rather than relying on human traditions that might be less controversial but also less aligned with the teachings of Jesus.

The following images illustrate these points: Photograph 1: Replacing God’s word with human traditions. Photograph 2: Tickling itchy ears. Their priests act as cotton buds.

In contrast, true Christians, as exemplified by Jesus, integrate the writings of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms to understand God’s word. They advocate for a holistic approach to scripture, rather than relying solely on human traditions. This is further illustrated by the statement that 'Jesus did not rely on his own wisdom; what he taught was God’s word, not his.'

Conclusion

The debate over the primacy of the Bible as the sole authority in Christianity is complex and nuanced. Both Catholics and Orthodox Christians have valid reasons for their approach, often rooted in tradition, historical context, and practical considerations. As individuals, it is up to each person to decide what authority they place in the Bible and other religious traditions.

If you are interested in exploring these issues further, you might consider studying the Bible with true Christians and determining which group aligns most closely with your beliefs. The table provided below can be a useful reference in identifying true Christianity from other, less orthodox or false religions.

Additional Resources

For those interested in learning more, additional resources such as books, articles, and online forums can provide valuable insight. Remember, when engaging in these discussions, it is important to approach them with an open mind and a spirit of inquiry rather than a desire to win an argument.