Harley: This is one of the most appalling displays of ignorance I have seen in writing
I'd say the author's remark is self-evident. Did the Holy Spirit produce a biblical ID (whatever it might be) when it allegedly advised Rev. Calvin, who disagreed with Luther, who disagreed with the 1500 years of the Church?
If the Holy Spirit authenticates any scriptural interpretation, then it is by this very fact is an extra-scriptural authority.
There are some very clear messages in scripture and then there are some not so clear messages. Some have a better handle on what those messages are than others.
If the Holy Spirit authenticates any scriptural interpretation, then it is by this very fact is an extra-scriptural authority.
Calvin's argument (among other things) is that even the most basic Christian understands and accepts the word of God as truth. You don't need "extra-scriptural" authority to tell you so. Forgive my anecdotal experience but I remember when I became a Christian, the very first thing I confronted was the authenticity of the virgin birth (by the pastor's wife no less). I just simply pointed to the scriptures and said, "There it is." I didn't need to ask what did the early church fathers have to say about the matter. It is rather obvious. Was it heresy that I could interpret the virgin birth as being true simply by reading the scriptures? I don't need someone telling me the Bible is true. I know it's true because the Holy Spirit bears witness to it being true. That doesn't mean I understand everything. It simply means that I know it's true.
Where extra-authority helps is in passages that one lack the historical perspective on. In these cases one simply read what the person has to say and then search the scriptures to see if these things are so. The only difference between Catholics and Protestants is that Catholics form a committee to decide; Protestants feel that God will work His will to guide people to the truth.
Hi annalex,
I was just following along with the discussion, and wondered if you would clarify "it" from your post. These two letter words can be confusing in the spirit of Bill Clinton's testimony, would you please explain what "it" is. Thanks.