Prima Scriptura vs. Sola Scriptura

Hey @Sealkin, Thanks for starting this interesting and helpful topic.

It might be worth having a look at what the historic Reformed Creeds and confessions say (if you haven’t already) and how that helps (or should help!) form the concept of Sola Scriptura in Reformed traditions. One thing I find helpful to notice is that it is nearly always expressed pragmatically in questions like ‘Where should I go to find out how to glorify God?’ or ‘What should I believe about God?’ I’ve posted some examples a past topic here:

I have to say, I’m always grateful for topics like this because I think it brings to attention just how much Sola Scriptura has been hijacked over the last several decades. To the point where it is now deployed as a weapon in the ongoing culture war. But Sola Scriptura has never meant that Scripture is the only authority through which we can gain knowledge of God, world and the Christian life. Yet given how clarelessly it gets banded around in YEC circles, I’m not suprised people are looking for a new term.

In my eyes, if teaching on scripture leaves a believer with the impression that they are “clinging to the Bible as our main source for everything when not everything in it can answer all our problems”, then they have not been taught Sola Scriptura. They’ve been taught biblicism (for more on that see the second half of the linked post above).

Personally, I unashamedly affirm and teach Sola Scriptura. Which means I affirm and teach that science, philosophy, history, art, engineering, tradition, personal reflection, etc. can all reveal things about humanity, God, and the universe he has made. They are all tools we can use to unearth truth; truth planted in this world by God’s common grace. On that, I’m sure we all agree regardless of the terms we use. :slight_smile:

However, when those things appear to be in contradiction with Scripture then, assuming our interpretations are accurate, Scripture gets the last word. I’d also say that Scripture alone reveals what we must believe to be saved. Perhaps, those last two that might be the bones of contention for some. Which I’m happy to acknowledge.

Thanks again for bringing this up, Quinn.

Blessings, Liam

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