Does Sola Scriptura work?
Sacred Tradition serves as the unbroken chain connecting contemporary believers to the apostles, preserving the deposit of faith that has guided the Church’s doctrine for two millennia. However, understanding and appreciating this Tradition can be challenging, especially in light of historical shifts that have questioned its authority.
The Emergence of Sola Scriptura
The Protestant Reformation introduced the doctrine of sola Scriptura, asserting that Scripture alone is the infallible authority for Christian faith and practice. This principle was a reaction to perceived abuses and doctrinal errors within the Church, aiming to return to what the Reformers saw as a purer, biblically centered Christianity. However, this shift led to a separation from the continuous interpretative Tradition that had accompanied Scripture throughout the Church’s history.
By elevating personal interpretation of Scripture over the collective wisdom of the Church Fathers and ecumenical councils, sola Scriptura opened the door to diverse and often conflicting understandings of core doctrines. The Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the regenerative grace conferred in baptism—beliefs held unanimously for over 1,500 years—became subjects of debate and reinterpretation. This fragmentation raised a critical question: Can individual interpretation supersede the unified voice of the early Church?
The Consequences of Rejecting Tradition
By sidelining Sacred Tradition, the Reformers inadvertently positioned themselves as the ultimate arbiters of biblical interpretation. This departure from the historical continuity of the Church led to a proliferation of denominations, each with its own doctrinal nuances. The once unified voice of the Church splintered into numerous interpretations, resulting in theological confusion and division.
Furthermore, this shift allowed for the introduction of practices and beliefs disconnected from the early Church’s teachings. For instance, the altar call, a practice where individuals are invited to publicly commit to Christ, became prominent in the 19th century during revivalist movements. While well-intentioned, this practice has no substantial basis in early Christian worship or Scripture. Similarly, the emphasis on spontaneous, emotionally charged conversion experiences emerged relatively recently and lacks roots in the apostolic Tradition.
The Need to Reconnect with the Church Fathers
To navigate the complexities and divisions within modern Christianity, a return to the teachings of the early Church Fathers is imperative. These early theologians, who were direct successors to the apostles, provide invaluable insights into the authentic interpretation of Scripture and the lived experience of the early Christian community.
Engaging with the writings of figures like St. Augustine, St. John Chrysostom, and St. Ignatius of Antioch reveals a Church deeply sacramental, hierarchical, and rooted in both Scripture and Tradition. Their collective witness points toward a faith that is catholic—universal in scope and unified in belief.
Conclusion
Understanding Sacred Tradition is challenging in an era marked by individualism and doctrinal diversity. However, by revisiting the foundations laid by the early Church and embracing the continuity of Tradition, believers can find a path back to the unity and doctrinal clarity that characterized early Christianity. This journey may lead to surprising realizations about the nature of the Church and the enduring relevance of its ancient teachings.
In the words of St. Vincent of Lérins, we must hold fast to that which has been believed “everywhere, always, and by all.” This Vincentian Canon serves as a guiding principle, urging us to seek the faith of the universal Church as preserved through Sacred Tradition.
By doing so, we honor the deposit of faith entrusted to the Church and participate in the ongoing story of salvation history—a story that continues to unfold within the embrace of Sacred Tradition.
