[Dr. Eckleburg]

the predisposition to sovereign individual judgment trumping authority, especially church authority, and certainly anything early-medieval and undemocratic is a uniquely modern idea. That -- I don't blame you for it -- is your lens.

Alex, the "lens of our understanding" is not that we believe the individual to be the final authority in his faith.

Protestants believe Scripture is the final authority because it is the means which God has ordained that the Holy Spirit will reach us and guide us in all understanding "for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

Protestantism is not anarchy. It is a family with Jesus Christ as the head of that family.

We may quibble about exactly what the Scriptures say. That is what we're supposed to be doing -- "rightly dividing the word of truth." But we do this knowing full well that God's truth is singular, perfect and able to be found within the Bible.

"But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." -- Hebrews 5:14

The more we learn in Scripture, the more our discernment as Christians grows "by reason of use" -- as God wills.

"Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments." -- Psalm 119:73

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Hi, ftd. Ping to 12,032.

[wmfights]

Protestantism is not anarchy. It is a family with Jesus Christ as the head of that family.

A RC once said to me that everyone should follow the Pope because "someone must be in charge" and my 12 year old son piped in "shouldn't that be Jesus". All I could say to my son was God Bless You!

[fortheDeclaration]

Amen to your post! See Acts 17:11 where the Bereans searched the scriptures to see if what Paul was preaching was correct.

They understood that the final appeal is always to the written word, not to tradition or the authority of men.

[Marysecretary]

Thanks, Dr. E. Love ya,Maryxxx

[annalex]

Protestants believe Scripture is the final authority because it is the means which God has ordained that the Holy Spirit will reach us and guide us in all understanding "for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

This is why I argue from scripture all the time, while you show me Spurgeon and Calvin.

[Forest Keeper]

Protestants believe Scripture is the final authority because it is the means which God has ordained that the Holy Spirit will reach us and guide us in all understanding "for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

Amen, Dr. E.! Great Post!