Re: [asa] An Evangelical Manifesto

The term "sola scriptura" is essentially theological shorthand, with
a particular historical and theological meaning going far beyond its
basic etymology. As David Opderbeck has said, it is directed to the
issue of theological authority. It also focuses mainly on
soteriology, not on epistomology in general. A good explanation is
given by Robert Godfrey, "What do we mean by Sola Scriptura?" here:
<http://www.the-highway.com/Sola_Scriptura_Godfrey.html>. Here are
some quotes:

"In spite of the difficulty of this undertaking, I am eager to join
that historic train of Protestant apologists to defend the doctrine
that the Scripture alone is our ultimate religious authority. ... Let
me begin with certain clarifications so as not to be misunderstood. I
am not arguing that all truth is to be found in the Bible, or that
the Bible is the only form in which the truth of God has come to His
people. ... The Protestant position, and my position, is that all
things necessary for salvation and concerning faith and life are
taught in the Bible clearly enough for the ordinary believer to find
it there and understand."

Thus I believe that "Sola Scriptura" as understood in its historical
context is perfectly compatible with the "two books" view of God's
revelation, and that we can hold to both positions without conflict.

Kirk

On May 8, 2008, at 7:51 PM, John Walley wrote:

> Like the term "inerrancy", I have no use for terms whose proponents
> contend it does not mean what it says. If sola Scripture doesn't
> mean Scripture alone, then I think it it is disingenuous to say it
> has any specific meaning at all. Keep in mind that historically
> sola Scruptura has not necessarily incorporated reason. Thanks to
> sola Scriptura Luther demonized Copernicus and dismissed him as a
> fool.
>
> Therefore again I say we need a modern term that captures this
> significant distinction.
>
> John
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu [mailto:asa-
> owner@lists.calvin.edu] On Behalf Of David Opderbeck
> Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 10:23 PM
> To: John Walley
> Cc: Dick Fischer; ASA; Mark Whorton
> Subject: Re: [asa] An Evangelical Manifesto
>
> Sola scriptura does not, even in its classical formulation, mean
> "solo scriptura." It means scripture alone is the final authority
> for faith and practice. It does not mean and never has meant that
> scripture is to be understood in a vacuum, apart from reason and
> tradition.
>

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Received on Fri May 9 14:16:08 2008