Sola Scriptura Ping!
Apostasy to whom?
Luther?
Zwingli?
Cauvin?
The question answers itself.
Literate American Christians are running away from sola scriptura because searching the Scriptures (especially using computer technology) has never been easier.
Briefer answer:
Like a dog that returns to his vomit
is a fool who repeats his folly
(Proverbs 26:11)
It should be all about the Lord either way.
Speaking as a Presbyterian (more of a free-agent Protestant), I find the idea of sola scriptura a bit lacking.
First, it was the Catholic Church and only the Catholic Church that closed the scriptures in the first place. To uphold the idea of sola scriptura is at once a rebuke of and validation of the Catholic Church.
Second, the idea of sola scriptura essentially amounts to the belief that no revelation God could ever make short of the Second Coming is worthy of being recorded as anything more than history or theology. That seems a little suspect to me.
There are certain things that would lead me to stop short of becoming a Catholic, but there is a lot I admire in the Church and its approach. I also tend to refer to anyone not Catholic or Orthodox as a Protestant by default.
The issue the author has with Warren, et al, is not that they don't practice sola scriptura, but rather, they don't practice it the way the author believes it should be practiced. Indeed, the author seems to adhere to the relatively recent invention of solo scriptura (a term, while arguably grammatically incorrect, coined by Protestants themselves, to describe the quandary they find themselves in today, to whit: the practice of using only the Bible to form doctrine, and no outside sources such as history, or traditional practices, OR accepting traditions and church leadership as long as they don't "violate Scripture"). This can be shown by a simple rewording of the author's statement above
If sola scriptura were the formal principle in Warren’s theology tradition of celebrating Christmas, then he would provide vigorous, Biblical analysis using sound exegesis to ground his reformation practice of celebrating Christmas on the authority of Scripture. But his teachings and public statements are not characterized by sound Biblical exegesis.
As we can see here, the author's statement can be used to "justify" rejecting all sorts of "extra Biblical practices", thus, falls under the category of solo scriptura. Again, the author is basically complaining that Warren et. al. don't have the same extra Biblical practices as he does. A complaint that ultimately falls flat on its face if its applied equally, fairly, to reject all extra Biblical practices and or traditions. The only counter argument to that is "Christmas is an old tradition, but Warren's practices aren't old, therefore shouldn't be equivocated to "traditions" like Christmas". A ludicrous rebuttal for what should be obvious reasons.
This is why, ultimately, I've rejected Protestantism in general. There seems to be no consensus about what the fundamental dogma of Protestantism (sola scriptura) means. Some believe as this author (apparently) believes, that "Anything not soundly shown in a positive state in Scripture should be rejected" (which is really solo scriptura), while others believe that there's a place for tradition and church leadership, but they are both subject to, what is eventually, personal interpretation of Scripture. (which is historic sola scriptura)
Why mess with a version of Christianity that can't even agree on their central dogma? I've been told that there's just as much dispute among Catholics/Orthodox as there is among Protestants, but I've found no evidence that there are disputes on dogma, like there are in the tens (if not 100's or 1000's) of Protestant denominations.
To come to the fullness of the Christian faith will bring incredible joy to so many sincere believers.
The Sacramental life along with the love of Scripture is a wonderful thing.
One can never plumb the depths of the Catholic faith for there is much mystery. Also 2000 years of church history.
So many wonderful writings and tradtions.
The journey home can be rough but the joy to be found is worth it all.
In this portion of the text, the author is arguing for the concept of an "invisible church" that is present today, apparently with no visible structure or hierarchy. All very well and good if the Bible only consisted of the Book of Hebrews, but it of course, does not.
Matt 5:14-16, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
The "church" (the body of believers) are to be a visible manifestation of Christ's work in them, for the world.
Eph 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:"
We are exhorted to strive for UNITY, and not settle for division. (cf. Matt 12:25, 1 Cor 1:13) At no point are we told that it's "ok" to have division, and let that division stand, for the good of anyone. If there exists only an "invisible church", who exists IN this "invisible church" to settle matters of dogma? We certainly can't rely on the nebulous claim "The Holy Spirit guides me" to settle dogma, because it's too easy to claim that. Every Christian that has rejected church authority claims to "have the Holy Spirit". Indeed, not everyone who says "Lord Lord" finds favor with Christ.
sola Scriptura Dittos!
I think only those who are convinced that what the Catholic Church teaches is true should become Catholic. I honestly am dismayed that so many godly Protestants are being abandonded by their denominations. And yes I consider it abandonment when a faithful Christian is told that the Holy Spirit is doing a new thing and God now blesses homosexual behavior. Or that cow farts are a matter for Easter reflection. Or that Jesus is a vehicle to the divine. Or Baptism shall be in the name of the Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. It stinks and it is heartbreaking for so many non Catholics to see their denominations becoming liberal social clubs.
I pray that all Protestants can find a church home where the Reformed traditions they hold so dear are preached and practiced. Where the only one glorified is the Triune God.
Indeed!
Because we have discovered this supposedly "safe ground of revealed truth is actually the barren ground of private interpretation.
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So protestants are abandoning the extra-scriptura tradition of sola scriptura, while some protestants are arguing to maintain the reformation tradition of sola scriptura.
How ironic...
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In Christ alone my hope is found.
Not by organizations founded by man.
Those organizations should only exist to bring us to the feet of Christ.
If they attempt to do any more, then they have circled back and are no better than the Pharisees and others that Jesus condemned.