Examining the Authority of Scripture and the Role of Church Tradition

This essay delves into the authority of Scripture, examining the differing perspectives between Protestants and Catholics regarding the importance of Church tradition in understanding the Bible. It highlights the Protestant view of the Bible as the ultimate truth, contrasting it with the Catholic emphasis on Church traditions, such as the Apocrypha and the role of the Virgin Mary. The essay further discusses the individual's belief in the messages of Christ, faith in values, and the role of the Church in guiding individuals towards salvation. It emphasizes the importance of love, compassion, forgiveness, and moral actions as taught by the Church, reflecting a belief in the Holy Spirit and the redemptive power of Christ.

Running head: THE AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE
The Authority of Scripture
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1THE AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE
Question no 1
This question focuses on the importance of the Church tradition on the understanding of
the Bible. There is a difference of opinion between the views of the Protestants and the Catholics
(Olson, 2016). The Protestants are of the opinion that the Bible is the ultimate truth in
Christianity. The people belonging to the Protestant Christianity strongly believe that no one
needs to focus on the teachings of the Church since all the materials for theology is contained in
the Bible itself. They have said that anything beyond the authority of Bible should not be trusted
since it is all wrong (Olson, 2016).
The sacred tradition of God and the sacred Scripture of God has always revealed the
workings that the people have to go through. Some important doctrines have been included in the
Scriptures that could be associated with the bodily existence of Virgin Mary. Virgin Mary has
been seen as an immaculate persona and she has been related to the Church by the Catholic
followers (Olson, 2016). There are many other things that could be attributed to the Church
traditions like the Apocrypha, transubstantiation, penance, purgatory measures, praying to the
saints and many other things. This is why Catholics are strictly of the opinion that the Church
plays a major role in understanding the Christianity as well as the Bible. The Bible, being the
sacred text for the Christians, has always supported what the apostles have taught. They follow
the apostolic tradition and therefore follow what the apostolic Scriptures have said (Olson,
2016).
Question no. 2
In this question, the focus will be on the message and the values that has been set forth in
the Scriptures. As an individual, I have to believe in the messages of Christ and I must show faith

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in the values (McGrath, 2017). As per the Scripture, I must believe in the powers of God and
Jesus Christ and the things taught by the Church. The role of the Church is to show me the right
ways for getting the salvation. The main purpose of the Church is to light up the candle of
knowledge in the minds (McGrath, 2017).
I always like to attend the teachings of Church so I can be able to gain the perception of
doing the things right and in moral ways. The Church has taught me the ways to show love,
compassion and forgiveness to every human being (McGrath, 2017). I believe that the Holy
Spirit is in heart. I have to bring out the positive moral things so I can be able to perform good
deeds for the society. I have to behave in a way that my actions speak for me and my words
always reflect the truth of nature. I have the faith in Christ and I believe that Christ is the
redeemer of all the sins. I can be ablr to atone my guilts before the Holy Christ. This is why I
believe in the saying of the Holy Scripture.

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References
McGrath, A. E. (2017). Theology: the basics. John Wiley & Sons.
Olson, R. E. (2016). The Mosaic of Christian Belief. InterVarsity Press.