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Protestants don't claim all sufficient means we don't need teachers to expound the word. That's just a totally bogus assertion.
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I think it stems from Luther saying that the bible was so clearly understood that even a small child could read it and get a clear understanding. I agree that we need things to be expounded upon in order to reach a fuller understanding or even an understanding at all.
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All sufficient means we're going to rely on the Bible and its proper exposition and interpretation.
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I agree. However, where are two denominations that agree totally on the proper exposition and interpretation? If two denominations were in agreement and their interpretations matched, then there would cease to be two denominations.
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It means we don't base our beliefs on traditions and rules that aren't even found in the Bible.
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If you read the entire article (if I remember correctly) it offers a few verses where it says to keep the traditions that were handed down by the Apostles. Traditions aren't to be confused with things like customs etc. Neither are Traditions, rules. Traditions are often teachings/interpretations that are in continuity with what was written. All the varying rules, traditions, teachings, customs are also found in protestantism. My point is that not all traditions are bad, because traditions are unavoidable but so long as they do not conflict with the continuity of the scriptures they are probably not harmful to the soul.
The question about tradition is, is there such thing as Holy Tradition?
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When we say all sufficient we mean the foundation of our teaching is only found in Bible, not in man made traditions, teachings and rules NOT found in scripture.
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I agree. But then if we look at the rapture doctrines for instance. We have three "biblical" choices. They are all in conflict. So, it is logical to say that 2 out of 3 are man-made traditions/teachings. It is even possible that all three are incorrect. We can do the same for laying on of hands, charismatic gifts, baptism, communion/Eucharist, what is appropriate for worship style and what isn't, what tv shows are appropriate and isn't etc. Are these not traditions, teachings, rules?
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So yes, the Bible is sufficient for us. All of our teaching and doctrine comes from it.
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I agree. It is nearly impossible to find a church or a denominations/Sect that doesn't consider it's teachings, biblical.
I also think the article pointed out that when the NT refers to scripture it was, in its proper context, referring to the Old Testament. However, I agree with you that the NT is, despite the context, still Holy Scripture. It just happens to be that many believe that Tradition informs scripture and vice-versa.
God bless and thank you for your reply.
