The well known Protestant and Reformed pastor R. C. Sproul had this to say about a Protestant understanding of sola-Scriptura: “For the classic Protestant, though the individual believer has the right to the private interpretation of Scripture, he is capable of misinterpreting the Bible. But while he has the ability to misinterpret Scripture, he does not have … Continue reading Sacred Tradition – An Overview
Month: September 2021
Apostolic Succession in the Early Church
In my last two posts (here and here) I reviewed the letters St. Paul wrote to Timothy. From the Catholic perspective these letters show the concept of apostolic succession. Timothy had worked at Paul’s side for many years, and Paul clearly gave him a mission -- to ensure correct doctrine is known, to teach, to … Continue reading Apostolic Succession in the Early Church
Apostolic Succession and Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy
In my last post I reviewed St. Paul’s first letter to Timothy, and how we see in that letter Paul is giving Timothy a mission -- to ensure correct doctrine is known, to teach, to instruct, to command certain behavior from his flock, to correct flawed doctrine and to make sure qualified leaders are appointed … Continue reading Apostolic Succession and Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy
Apostolic Succession and Paul’s First Letter to Timothy
In St. Paul’s first letter to Timothy, we find what I consider to be one of the most moving lines in all of Scripture. Paul writes to him, “O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you.” (1 Timothy 6:20) St. Paul often writes in his role as an apostle how he has been entrusted … Continue reading Apostolic Succession and Paul’s First Letter to Timothy
Apostolic Succession – the Old Testament Model
One of the first items of business we see take place in the New Testament Church is for the apostles to replace Judas among their ranks. In leading the apostles to select the replacement of Judas, St. Peter quotes Psalm 69 – “Let his habitation become desolate, and let there be no one to live … Continue reading Apostolic Succession – the Old Testament Model
Biblical Authority — What the Bible Teaches About Church Organization
There is a common view that the Catholic Church is steeped in an organizational, institutional hierarchy of great depth. That view can even be found among Catholics. But is it true? As one who has spent my career in the corporate world, I am amazed when I consider how “flat” the structure of the Church … Continue reading Biblical Authority — What the Bible Teaches About Church Organization
Between the Farm and the Cross 