[Claud]

I am saying that the issues of the Reformation "sola scriptura and fola fide" (to abbreviate them) were advanced by both men AND media. And from an unashamedly Protestant perspective I am suggesting that this is providentially the case.

Believe me, I understand the position you've staked out. I actually happen to agree with the historical analysis (though obviously not the "providential" part). But I'm saying--equally unashamedly--that if that's the case, then the previous 1500 years of Christians were in a hopelessly difficult position not being able to read and not affording a Bible.

Moreover, if the doctrine of Sola Scriptura requires a literate populace and a printing press to be viable, then could it have been a doctrine held by the first century Church?

[drstevej]

***But I'm saying--equally unashamedly--that if that's the case, then the previous 1500 years of Christians were in a hopelessly difficult position not being able to read and not affording a Bible.***

Difficult, but not hopeless. Many Christians could read. tne NT was obviously widely circulated and copied (given the means available). The position of the emerging RCC that the Church interprets scripture and the paucity of translations beyond the Vulgate significantly inhibited it's distribution. The Index later intensified the disincentive to propagate the Bile into languages people knew.

***Moreover, if the doctrine of Sola Scriptura requires a literate populace and a printing press to be viable, then could it have been a doctrine held by the first century Church?***

First, I reject the premise and think you misunderstand my point. Literacy and the press didn't make sola scriptura viable. Luther and Calvin (et al.) embraced sola scriptura and placed Scripture over tradition. Literacy and the press had nothing to do with this.

Having embraced sola scriptura, they saw the importance of disseminating the Bible to the masses, hence they used the press and they promoted literacy.

It is quite sad that reading the Bible was not encouraged by the RCC and that efforts were not more aggressive to place the scriptures into languages other than greek, hebrew and latin.

Furthermore, the role of Erasmus' publication of the Greek new Testament on the eve of the Reformation should not be underestimated. It allowed a scrutiny of the Vulgate and raised questions of doctrines like pennance. At the time of the Reformation there were few Christian Hebrew scholars.

The emphasis on sola scriptura encouraged study of greek and hebrew in order to examine the text in the original language rather than accepting the vulgate uncritically.

Sola scriptura Protestants have been responsible for translating the Bible into thousands of languages, many of which were not even written languages prior to missionary translator efforts. Wycliffe Bible Translators are exceptionally commendable in this area. Their passion is to get the Bible into a language a people can read. AS that has occurred a number of many ethnic reformations have occurred.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." -- Matthew 7:14

I take great comfort in knowing that God wrote the names of His elect in the Book of Life from before the foundation of the world.

All who've been given ears to hear Him will come to Him. The more, the better, IMO. But it's His call.