Protestants believe in:
2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Of course the bible alone is not really sufficient for anything else. Whether be scientific facts, medicine, numerology, door stops etc.
Of course, the bible has always been intended to be in the hands of the common folk, not reserved for a couple of select individuals. This is evident verse 3:17 above, which speaks of the man of God in general terms, every one in a relationship with God.
The main strength of Sola Scriptura is the concept of individual interpretation, or individual reading.
I hope you don't mind me butting in and giving my own opinion for some of these replys:
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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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Not quite true, denominations are not based upon different interpretations of Scripture, but came from different places and different times and for different purposes. The reason why there are so many different denominations today is simply because of ease of travel and multiculturalism.
There are at least 5 denominations I think that have pretty much the same beliefs (where it counts).
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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.
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That's fine, as long as those traditions do not contradict obvious teachings of the apostles. I give one example. The Pope being called Most Holy Father is one of them. No matter which way we look at it, it appears to be blasphemy and does not fit with the model of leadership that Jesus gave to his disciples in the bible, nor the Christian trait of humility which seeks to not parade itself around in fancy clothes but do God's work in humility, the least among you is the greatest etc. We see this in the life of the apostle Paul, Peter, and others, in Scripture. Unfortunately, we do not see this very much within denominations holding to "Holy Tradition". Among a whole range of issues which are the normal sticking points between Protestant and Catholic. If it contradicts the bible, it is not God's tradition of holy tradition, but man's. I suggest that going with scripture, even private interpretation, is much safer than following these sorts of religions blindly and taking every word they say as truth and fact.
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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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The difference between these traditions you mentioned, is they are all found in the Scripture. Laying on of hands, charismatic gifts, baptism, communion etc. The problem arises when traditions claimed by Catholic and probably Orthodox too, do not clearly agree with Scripture and in a number of cases, contradict.
The common trait of any cult, sect or such not in line with truth, including JW's, mormons, Catholics etc, is they always downplay the important of private biblical interpretation and reading, and say things like "try this bible, it's a better one", or " you can't fully understand the scripture without this book, or this teaching " etc.