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Part of the problem here is that the view you attribute to those of us with our roots in the Reformation is that what is described here might be more accurately referred to as “solo” scriptura and not “sola” scriptura. There is a difference.

That is the first time I've ever heard of "Solo Scriptura." My working definition of "sola scriptura" is "the Bible as the only rule of faith and practice." Can you please highlight (a) if I'm wrong in my working definition and (b) what the differences are between "Sola Scriptura" and "Solo Scriptura?" (That is if you weren't simply employing a sense of humor that is far too sophisticated for my plebian mind ;) )

It is explained in Mathieson’s book “The Shape of Sola Scriptura,” which is a very well reasoned book explaining the doctrine (Mathieson is an Evangelical Protestant if I recall correctly)

Please do explain it though, because it’s been a while since I read the book.

Many Protestants (and Catholics/Orthodox as well) misunderstand Sola Scriptura. Too often the explanations given would more accurately be a representation of SOLO Scriptura instead. SOLO Scriptura states that the only place truth can be found is in the Scriptures, and my truth is the real truth, darn it! SOLO Scriptura takes the view that tradition means nothing. This is not what SOLA Scriptura means. Translated from the Latin, the phrase means "scripture alone," but here are a few things it does not mean:

It does not mean that the Bible is the sole location where truth can be found.

It does not mean that the Bible is equally understandable to everyone.

It does not mean that the instruction of the Church is not helpful.

What it does mean however, is that the Scriptures are our only ultimate authority for faith and practice. The Scriptures are our final authority and they are infallible. All other authorities (including Tradition), even though they may also be valid, are subordinate to the Scriptures and are fallible. If Tradition violates the teaching of Scripture, then I must follow Scripture.

The question of sufficiency lies at the heart of the concept of Sola Scriptura. The Protestant understanding is that the Scriptures are complete and that they are absolutely sufficient for all that we require for teaching in righteousness, faith and salvation. They may not contain ALL truth, but they contain the TRUTH which is necessary and sufficient for our salvation.

I believe God has given us the Church as a blessing. I've learned much from tradition, which very often, has illuminated and enriched my faith and prayer life. But all too often, I've found traditions that seem to run counter to and have distracted me from, or even made me doubt, the clear meaning of Scripture. In these situations, I must consider Scripture as my final authority.

I'm not a theologian, just a Believer trying to explain my beliefs...I hope it was "sufficient." :)