Sola Scriptura Lacks a Certain Curiosity

Sola Scriptura. As a Catholic, I have problems with this mindset and approach to understanding the Gospel message revealed to us by Jesus of Nazareth. Believe it or not, I have read the Bible and have even out quoted Protestants. I see Sola Scriptura lacks a certain curiosity. If we truly believed in Sola Scriptura, I see it limits the Revelation that God gave us.

If we only care about the 66, Protestant teaches, or even the 73, as the Catholics have, then we risk limiting the 33 years that Jesus spent on this planet. The Sermon of the Mount is great to know what Jesus said. But are you curious about the follow up conversations that must have occurred after Jesus was done? Jesus performed miracles sure. But are you curious about what those people did with their lives after they were healed? Jesus lived and breathe for 24 hours and 7 days a week.

Scripture itself says that it contains a fraction of what Jesus did and taught. Straight from the King James too

• And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand…  All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.(Matthew 10:13, Matthew 10:34-36)
• This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. (John 8:6-8)
• Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:23-26)
• And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:30-31)
• To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3)
• And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; (Acts 2:42-44)
• Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

Obviously, the four Gospels only focus on the peak moments of Christ that give us sufficient knowledge of whom and how to have Faith. But the point still stands that Sola Scriptura lacks a curiosity about the happenings of Jesus outside of Scripture. The Apostles must have had countless exchanges like Matthew 10 shows. What did Jesus write in the ground in John 8? John 14 promised the Apostles would gain further teachings or further understandings, what did they develop? We have books written by some Apostles, but what about the other apostles that didn’t write a book in the Bible? Are we curious about how Matthias felt joining the ranks of the 12 Apostles as an equal? What actually happened when, the disciples, “continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship; and breaking of bread, and in prayers.”? The Gospel is spread to other churches, but are we curious about what their services looked like at the time or how they aged over the centuries?

Imagine the Bible is a movie like Star Wars. Sola Scriptura, to me, is the same as only wanting to watch the films mad by George Lucas. Red Letter Christians are those who only want to watch New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, and The Last Jedi. Yet, the Star Wars universe has an expansion of content and lore both canon and not canon. Anti-icons is like not wanting Star Wars merchandise. Not caring about the stories of Saints is like not being interested in the extended universe of Star Wars. Not wanting to learn about the “behind the Scenes” is like not wanting to know the historical context of the Bible.

The fact of the matter is that we are born in a time of history outside of historical Jesus and the 12 apostles. Every Scripture, historical document, or even various artworks are a gift given to us from the past. Have books been burned? Probably. Have passages in scripture suffered from scribe errors? Maybe. To be Sola Scripture, in an extreme sense, is to blindly trust the text that we have today requires no further interpretation.

There are two scenes in Acts that truly refute Sola Scriptura in my mind. That is the Ethiopian Eunuch and the Council of Jerusalem.

And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. (Acts 8:27-31)

The Ethiopian Eunuch said to Philip, “How can I [understand the passage of Esaias], except some man should guide me?” The Eunuch needed interpretation. He wasn’t the only disciple. Jesus had to “break open the Scriptures” to two disciples after His Resurrection in Luke 24 on the road to Emmaus. Sola Scriptura, as I understand it, is that authority only comes from the “approved” Sacred Scriptures. I feel any conversation that starts with, “We know what the text says, but what does the text mean?” is an immediate deviation from Sola Scriptura.

Every decent Christian wants to be a “Bible Believing” Christian. However, I am highly skeptical about people who say that this is, “Standard Biblical teaching.” Because if we ever get into a disagreement about what the Scripture means, then what authority do we go to to break the impasse?

The Catholic Church has Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and Magisterium as its authorities. If there is a disagreement on Sacred Scripture, then we go to Sacred Tradition. If there is a disagreement on Sacred Tradition, then we go to the Magisterium. If there is a disagreement within the Magisterium, then we go to the Pope who is the “First among Equals” and carry the “Keys of Peter.” The Pope then can make a statement of approval or disapproval or ask that the matter be discussed in a future generation. At this point, if any disagreement continues the solid declaration, “ROME HAS SPOKEN.” Ends the discussion.

Those who distrust organized religion might find this system oppressive. I find it liberating, because often I don’t trust my own understanding. I know I lie to myself, and justify sin all the time. I appreciate an outside authority that I could obey. Plus, Scripture gives me some assurance that the authority Pope and Bishops that I obey are trustworthy,

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

That brings us to my second Bible passage: the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15. This passage is fascinating. I would love to be a fly on the wall in this room. What were the arguments? Who took what side? Were all of the Apostles there? How many of the people personally was taught by Jesus of Nazareth and for how long? Yet, there is a disagreement about how to live out the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Another blow to Sola Scriptura in my opinion. People personally taught by Jesus and personally attended Pentecost, where in disagreement about what Jesus taught.

 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had held their peace… (Acts 15:1-13a)

You have the Jewish Christians that want to keep the Mosaic Law, then you have the Gentile Christians who do not believe the Mosaic Law is necessary for salvation. There is an intense debate… among who? THE APOSTLES OF JESUS! The very people who lived and were taught by Jesus was confused about this issue. If Sola Scripture were true, then wouldn’t the people who study with Jesus have the greatest authority? The Acts 6, Acts 8, and Acts 15 all show the understanding of the teachings of Jesus in real time. Maybe since these accounts are in the Bible its immune. But I fail to see how the 66 books of the Bible is self-evident in how to live out the Christian Faith. Why would there be even a debate in Acts 15, if the teachings of Jesus was sufficient to respond to all pastoral scenarios?

Instead, you see the Council of Jerusalem play out similar to the process that the Catholic Church uses to this day. An issue emerged from the faithful followers of Christ. (Acts 15:2) The Authorities of the day gather together: the Apostles and Elders. (Acts 15:4) There was a debate about Scripture and Tradition. (Acts 15:5-6). Then Peter (AKA the Pope) made a declaration (Acts 15:7) which brought peace to a highly contentious issue. (Acts 15:13a)

If we believed Sola Scriptura, then wouldn’t Peter have a better understanding of Paul? Wouldn’t living with Jesus for three some years be a more immersive experience than Paul’s conversation experience? Yet, it was Paul that corrected Peter in Galatians 2:11. Paul even says in Galatians 2:14, “But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel.” Peter was the person immersed in Jesus’s teaching, but Paul was the one that corrected Peter. If someone believes they have the “Biblical Understanding” who is to tell them that they are wrong? Wouldn’t Peter have every right to say He understood the teachings of Jesus better than Paul did? Good thing Peter didn’t believe in Sola Scriptura. However, Paul submitted to Peter just before the correction.

And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain… But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. (Galatians 2:6-9)

We see that Paul had a sufficient understanding through the knowledge of Scripture he already possessed by his Pharisaical education, but we also see Paul was joining a hierarchy in which he felt compelled to visit “pillars” of the Faith. This passage could be use to as direct evidence of Sola Scripture. That if we understand the Scriptures then we can have the same understanding as the people who walked with Jesus. What a beautiful thought and I am thankful to my protestant brethren that they emphasize the Bible so much and spread the knowledge of it.

However, I am still concern about the lack of curiosity that Sola Scriptura induces. Sola Scriptura says that only the 66 books of the Bible accepted by the Protestants are divinely inspired. That means if a person has any authority at all it is because their beliefs and practices are deeply embedded in Sacred Scripture. Paul was indeed embedded in scripture before his conversion. But he lacked the influence of God’s Grace until Acts 9. And even within Acts he received instruction from the disciples of Jesus of Nazareth.

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

We see that Paul’s study of the Scriptures was not enough to know about to accept Jesus as the Son of God when he first encountered knowledge of Jesus. Paul needed intervention beyond the scriptures to understand Jesus was the Christ. A disciple laid his hands on him, and he lived with the disciples for a few days. Sola Scriptura, his knowledge of Scripture, was not enough to bring about his conversion. Paul needed God’s Grace and the Church community to fully convert.

I believe Sola Scriptura eliminates curiosity about Revelation from other sources. Imagined if the 12 Apostles were deemed the sole authorities because they had first hand experience with Jesus. Imagine if that authority died with them. What would the church become? There must be an authority that has lived beyond those who encountered Christ.

Imagine the Apostles said, “Only those who heard Jesus’s words may preach.” Of course, that would mean Sola Scriptura would be gone in a generation. Put the words of the apostle would be carried forward. The letters of the apostles would be preserved. Would a direct quote from an Apostle have any merit to a Sola Scriptura person? Probably not. There’s no curiosity in Justin Martyr or Polycarp who were either direct student of the Apostles or a generation away. Sola Scriptura only trusts the written word of 66 books that we have today. There is no curiosity on the traditions that have been passed down from the earliest practitioners of the Faith.

Imagine if the Apostles were not curious in the Revelation that Paul received. He was an outsider a persecutor. He did not meet Jesus or heard Him preach before the Ascension. The Apostles would have perfectly good reason to never accept Paul into their audience. Yet, they did:

And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (Acts 9:26-27)

Sola Scriptura fails because knowledge of scripture is not enough. Saul needed Barnabas to vouch for him. Saul’s knowledge of scripture was not sufficient to give him credibility with the disciples. Sola Scriptura is closed minded and lacks curiosity about outside sources. The Catholic Church has a missionary attitude and works to incorporate as many cultures into the Catholic Faith.

At the end of the day, we need authorities to correct us like Paul corrected Peter. I need to be told when I am wrong. Paul needed instruction so his preaching wouldn’t cause fights. The Eunuch couldn’t study Isaiah without the help of Philip. The disciples going to Emmaus needed someone to open up the scriptures to them. The Church has grown and encountered problems far beyond the imaginations of the Early Christians. Sola Scriptura is destined to failure because it lacks curiosity in new applications could never be envisioned by the original writers of the Bible.