Not Sola Scriptura
The bible itself denounces "sola scriptura". Sola scriptura (bible alone) is not true. See the evidence from the bible itself. Both Scripture and the Traditions and Teachings of the Magisterium of the Church are needed. Sola Scriptura is not taught in the bible anywhere.
Protestants say that the bible is the pillar and foundation of Christian faith. Catholics know that the bible does not say that. Catholics know that we need both written Tradition (Scripture) and the Tradition of the Church.
The Apostle, Paul, was very clear when he told us to protect the Traditions of the Church 2Thess 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
The bible tells us to defend the Tradition of the Church. Titus 1:9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
St. Paul again tells us to guard our Tradition. 2 Tim 1:13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
1:14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
Not everything is written anywhere. John 21:25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
Paul instructs us to pass on his "Tradition", his teachings, to faithful men who will be able to teach others. Note that this is not a written tradition, but Apostolic Tradition. 2Tim 2:2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
Paul speaks of the word of God that they "heard" from him and the church. Note that he does not speak of bibles, or written tomes. He speaks of the Tradition of the Church. 1Thes 2:13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
This is the Tradition of the Church; not the traditions of men. 1 Cor 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you.
They continued in the apostle's doctrine, not a bible. In fact, there was no bible until Catholic bishops formed the canon by selecting the various extant books and letters that matched what they were teaching. This canon was codified in the Synod of Hippo in A.D. 395 Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
The bible itself teaches that the bible alone is not sufficient; there is also required an authoritative Church for proper instruction. 2Peter 3:16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
John prefers oral teaching to a written instruction. 2 John 1:12 Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
Oral Tradition is important. 3 John 1:13 I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink;
Protestants will frequently mis-quote this verse of the bible. When you kindly point out what it really says, they are flabbergasted. They say that scripture is the pillar and foundation of the faith; but it really says that the Church is. 1 Tim 3:15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
The interpretation of the Church is required, not innumerable private opinions. 2 Peter 1:20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,
Even the apostles demonstrate the authority of the Church; not solely any writings extant. When there is a question, they go to the Church for an authoritative decision. Acts 15:2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.
15:3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren.
15:4 And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them
Scripture must be properly taught. Nowhere in the bible does it state that the word of God is subject to individual and various interpretation. Acts 8:30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" 8:31 And he said, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.
Even the New Testament writers used Apostolic Tradition when they quoted Jesus, when it was not in the Gospels. Acts 20:35 "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "
At the Council of Jerusalem the earliest Christians demonstrated that Tradition is essential. They decided that circumcision is not necessary even though "Sola Scriptura" would have mandated circumcision. Acts 15:23 They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.
15:24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, "You must be circumcised and keep the law"-to whom we gave no such commandment-
15:25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
15:26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15:27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth.
15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:
15:29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.

Copyright © 2000,2001,2002,2003 Steve Graessle