Sources of wisdom and authority Flashcards
Outline the authority and ways of interpreting the Bible
Literal - Approach taken by evangelical protestants, a fundamentalist view.
Scripture is the inerrant, infallible word of God. Therefore, any possible contradictions within the bible or science which conflicts with scripture is merely limited human understanding or tests put in the world by God to challenge faith.
St Paul wrote “scripture is God breathed”
Inspired - Scripture is inspired by God, but this view accepts contradictions and influences which shaped the text.
Catechism: “The bible was not intended to convey historical facts” “authors were authors of their time.”
Catholics accept contradictions within the bible and acknowledge cultural and contextual influences which were the background to scripture. Therefore, the bible requires interpretation, which can only be done via the magisterium.
Liberal: the bible has as much authority as a theist chooses to give it. It coveys the teachings and exemplar life of Jesus for which can positively influence Christians.
Neo-orthodox: Barth stated that “the Bible is not the word of God” but rather “contains the word of God.” Therefore, it can be used as a vehicle for theists to develop a closer relationship and understanding to whom they worship.
Outline the authority of the Church
Protestant -
Martin Luther rejected the hierarchy within Catholicism and what he deemed to be unethical practices ( such as indulgences )
Luther emphasised the notion of the “priesthood of all believers”, outlining the importance of an unmediated relationship between the theist and God. Through scripture alone, sola scriptura, a Christian can develop a closeness to God without the need of interpretation from the magisterium.
Catholicism -
Catholics teach that salvation cannot be found outside the Church, and therefore both the Bible and the Church are equal in authority and dependent on each other.
Catholics believe the Pope has papal infallibility, and therefore take his teachings and views very seriously. The Pope writes encyclicals on current matters, enabling a Catholic to decide how to approach current issues.
