tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21098831096170132732012-01-11T19:13:00.664-08:00"Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." (Acts 17:11)Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.comBlogger881100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-54056204269906362882011-11-26T16:05:00.001-08:002011-11-26T16:06:03.087-08:00

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Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-73696899544658102992011-10-15T11:55:00.000-07:002011-10-15T12:00:40.694-07:00

Apostolic Authority After looking at the reasons and motivating factors behind Augustine and Jerome’s separate conclusions on the Old Testament canon, it is time to consider their reasons and motivations and decide which is something closer to what we should adopt. Both men used apostolic authority as one of their most important criteria and this should also be one of ours. After all, if we

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-52778450687670873462011-08-19T11:51:00.001-07:002011-08-19T11:51:52.878-07:00

Jerome Jerome came to a different conclusion on the content of the Old Testament. He limited his list to the canon the Jews accepted consisting in 22 or 24 books (the same as our 39). The reason for this is that Jerome approached the question of the Old Testament canon from a different vantage point than Augustine. He had “retired to the Holy Land in 386 to devote himself to his work on the

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-84445275293655556652011-07-30T10:47:00.000-07:002011-07-30T10:48:12.320-07:00

Augustine In his book On Christian Doctrine, Augustine gives the following list for the books of the Old Testament canon:Now the whole canon of Scripture on which we say this judgment is to be exercised, is contained in the following books:—Five books of Moses, that is, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy; one book of Joshua the son of Nun; one of Judges; one short book

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-12834250204364865622011-07-05T19:32:00.001-07:002011-07-05T19:33:36.896-07:00

IntroductionWe live in an era of a fractured church, torn between conflicting doctrines and authorities. One of these conflicts is over the content of Scripture itself. While there is general agreement on the content of the New Testament, the church has not reached a consensus with its Old Testament canon, although each denomination seems settled on the matter. Canonical lists differ

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-60311737714966606492011-04-03T12:46:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:15:46.495-07:00

During the summer of 2009, in an effort to learn more about the Emergent Church movement from an Evangelical perspective, I read DeYoung and Kluck's Why We're Not Emergent.  While I never quite finished the book (as I eventually tired of DeYoung's somewhat arrogant-sounding, condescending tone), it did lead me to a place of deep self-reflection and thought regarding Emergent vs. Reformed theology

Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956423994436996994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-17134426671538203482011-02-08T13:02:00.000-08:002011-02-08T13:03:58.822-08:00

Kevin DeYoung has put up a very helpful article over at The Gospel Coalition regarding the interpretation of tradition. It's an argument that has been made many times here at this blog, but a good refresher never hurts. Follow the link below.Tradition Still Requires Interpretation

David N.noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-62350512526499694342010-11-09T22:47:00.000-08:002010-11-09T22:49:06.351-08:00

In this month's issue of Modern Reformation magazine, Mike Horton argues for the classic Protestant understanding of Sola Scriptura, and reminds us that the Mainline Reformers have always had to argue against two extremes, Rome and the Anabaptists (or "Radical Reformers"). Since both of these positions are alive and well today (and since Roman Catholic and Orthodox apologists have a tendency to

David N.noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-68940438036385314112010-10-05T20:02:00.001-07:002010-10-05T20:02:50.220-07:00

@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: 115%; font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Celebrant: All our problems People: We send to the cross of Christ. Celebrant: All our difficulties People: We send to the cross of Christ. Celebrant: All the devil’s works People:

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-56393283738159380262010-09-10T22:19:00.000-07:002010-09-10T22:26:07.918-07:00

I've been the silent, mysterious presence on this blog for far too long. That is to change. What can dear readers expect in the coming weeks? I currently have: a computer desktop filled with a semester's worth of articles on spiritual formation, a Harley-riding, Orthodox priest professor teaching my course on Christian spirituality (and leading my spiritual formation group), a growing interest in

Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13956423994436996994noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-81129270873267964362010-08-26T22:55:00.000-07:002010-08-26T22:56:02.506-07:00

In this post we are going to take up the Defense of Christ's Active obedience. This is an important doctrine for understanding justification by faith alone and there have been some who even claim to be “Reformed” who reject this doctrine. Christ's Active obedience is Christ's perfect obedience with respect to the Law of God and this is imputed to us when we first have saving faith in Christ. This

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-69900492919144262132010-07-27T21:14:00.000-07:002010-07-28T15:07:15.157-07:00

It is objected by Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox that there is no verse that teaches sola scriptura. But I tend to disagree with this assessment because I believe that 1 Corinthians 4:6 teaches sola scriptura. But suppose I am all wrong about that and it in fact does not teach sola scriptura, does this entail that I should be a Roman Catholic or an Eastern Orthodox? In other words: What are

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-85854171876852615142010-07-23T23:34:00.001-07:002010-07-23T23:50:07.358-07:00

In his debate with James White on the Marian Doctrines Roman Catholic Apologist Gerry Matatics makes the following argument for the sinlessness of Mary:P1: Honoring your Mother entails that if S has the ability to keep S's mother sinless then S would bring it about that S's mother is sinlessP2: Jesus has the ability to keep his mother sinlessC: Jesus brought it about that his mother is sinlessThe

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-6684779453224951022010-07-21T11:38:00.000-07:002010-07-21T11:40:15.768-07:00

IntroductionHistoric Protestantism has always taught that the Bible teaches that justification is by faith alone. The Doctrine of justification by faith alone is clearly taught in Romans 3:28 28 “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” However, there has been in recent years some Protestants that reject the doctrine of justification by faith alone on the basis of

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-22240521081989685062010-07-15T13:08:00.000-07:002010-07-21T10:11:56.748-07:00

The following post aims to lay out the doctrine of Sola Scriptura. Please limit comments and questions to matters of definition and not whether or not Sola Scriptura is true (there are and will be other posts for that). I. Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)A. Scripture is the final authoritative norm of doctrine and practice"Within the reciprocal nexus of Scripture, Church and the rule of faith

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-34135520265769200942010-06-09T14:37:00.000-07:002010-09-27T11:23:45.210-07:00

I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.Does Matthew 18:18 teach that Jesus promised to back up the decrees of the disciples and perhaps those of their successors? Not according to Craig Keener in the Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar (William D. Mounce). "The matter is not quite so simple; the actions

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-16758242313171300002010-06-06T20:48:00.000-07:002010-06-09T15:56:46.461-07:00

Recently, I have been reading a book called Who's Tampering With The Trinity? An Assessment Of The Subordination Debate. Throughout the book, Millard Erickson seeks an answer to the question of whether Jesus is eternally subordinate to the Father and considers the relationship within the Trinity. He looks at these issues from Biblical, Historical, Philosophical, Theological and Practical

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-86986492117325066382010-04-19T00:00:00.000-07:002010-04-25T14:33:20.268-07:00

Dr. Ligon Duncan, one of the growing number of Protestant scholars who is actually familiar with the writings of the Early Church Fathers, did a wonderful interview for Sovereign Grace Ministries titled "Patristics for Busy Pastors." This is a great introduction for those unfamiliar with the Fathers, especially those who don't have time to take seminary courses or attempt to wade through the

David N.noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-16347411602939618522010-04-07T21:42:00.000-07:002010-04-07T21:47:15.258-07:00

In his book Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation, James Smith argues that people are not primarily cognitive or believing beings. Instead, Smith goes a more Augustinian route, claiming we are at our core desiring, loving and liturgical creatures. Our problem isn’t so much ignorance, skepticism or improper belief (though this might be part of the problem) as it is the

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-16102707682586938632010-03-18T21:24:00.001-07:002010-04-07T21:07:41.977-07:00

I would have never believed, in the early days of February 2010 that there could be churches observing us, “the way a man with a microscope might scrutinize the creatures that swarm and multiply in a drop of water.”They waited, eager to give consumers— just what we wanted.It has long been an interest of mine to experience different Christian denominations, church services and liturgies. I pay

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-57648356465427631612010-03-18T18:27:00.001-07:002010-03-18T18:27:52.466-07:00

Ho-ly God, we praise Thy Name;Lord of all, we bow be-fore Thee!All on earth Thy scep-ter claim,All in heav-en a-bove a-dore Thee;In-fin-ite Thy vast do-main,Ev-er-last-ing is Thy reign.Hark! the loud ce-les-tial hymnAn-gel choirs a-bove are rais-ing,Cher-u-bim and ser-a-phim,In un-ceas-ing chor-us prais-ing;Fill the heav-ens with sweet ac-cord:Ho-ly, ho-ly, ho-ly, Lord.Lo! the a-pos-tol-ic

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-58366268344947509512010-02-07T16:56:00.001-08:002010-02-07T17:15:54.399-08:00

"And now at last I come to 'the tradedy of the liturgy in Protestantism' of which the title of this chapter speaks. I submit that there is a tragedy of liturgy in Protestantism, especially, though by no means exclusively, within the Reformed/Presberterian tradition. The tragedy consists in there being so little within this tradition of the very thing that we have been discussing: worship. The

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-35062895624247078242010-01-07T19:55:00.000-08:002010-06-16T10:23:35.900-07:00

Introduction<?xml:namespace prefix = o />There has been a great deal of controversy around Matthew 16:13-20. This text has been abused by the Roman Catholic Church to prove the papacy. Whereas others want to argue that the rock of the church is only Jesus Christ. We should not bring any dogmatic or cultural assumptions to interpret this text rather we should let it speak for itself in its

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-65625701241275316252009-11-20T19:01:00.000-08:002010-09-23T20:22:03.059-07:00

Welcome to By Whose Authority. Is this your first time pursuing this blog? Are you unsure about where or what to start reading? This post aims to help you get up to speed on what has been happening here, from the beginning to the present, without having to read every single post. Keep checking this page every once and a while. It will be updated.BWA’s BeginningA joint project was suggested to

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-42577402867182139712009-09-23T07:14:00.000-07:002009-12-05T16:09:57.888-08:00

On The Well of Questions an interesting dialogue has ensued from what began with MG's take on one of my questions about icons, Scriptural authority and the seventh council. Many people responded as a result. The first comment I will list here is one of MG's examples (a classic) offered as Scriptural indication that one should venerate icons. The next will be fromDisposableSoul who had been

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-33455914151409558652009-09-21T07:23:00.000-07:002009-09-21T07:25:22.320-07:00

At the Eastern Orthodox blog, The Well of Questions, blogger MG has been arguing for some time (most recently, here) that Protestants do not in fact believe that the church has any authority. Rather, we merely believe that the church has been right in those doctrines which it has affirmed at all times and in all places (the “catholic” faith) and that it is better to read the Bible in the light

David N.noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-7166991851041507442009-09-16T14:16:00.000-07:002009-09-16T14:42:26.210-07:00

MG-I get the impression that we will continue to speak past each other and not see eye to eye. You limit my options too much in your first response. Only a or b? Two simple choices are not enough to adequately explain or define the terms. How about a third option: (c) only has the power to do this when its interpretation, is not at odds with Scripture or does not make something essential that is

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-58163422623083751572009-09-11T09:05:00.000-07:002009-09-16T14:43:33.694-07:00

The following is a response to MG who commented on a post titled "Cyril of Jerusalem (2)" in addition to some other ones. I have responded to him topically and would like to see other people voice their opinions. In particular, MG seems to think the idea of "private judgment" is key to Sola Scriptura. He may also view it in opposition to Church infallibility or to a lesser degree, even the Rule

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-9527845192643673412009-09-01T13:13:00.000-07:002009-09-16T14:59:10.896-07:00

The Perspicuity and Formal Sufficiency of Scripture“All things are clear and open that are in the divine Scriptures; the necessary things are all plain. But because ye are hearers for pleasure's sake, for that reason also you seek these things. For tell me, with what pomp of words did Paul speak? and yet he converted the world. Or with what the unlettered Peter? But I know not, you sub the things

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-48372175747570049852009-08-28T19:43:00.000-07:002009-09-16T14:58:03.863-07:00

The Material Sufficiency of ScriptureWhat else is there that knoweth the deep things of God, save only the Holy Ghost, who spoke the Divine Scriptures? But not even the Holy Ghost Himself has spoken the Scriptures concerning the generation of the Son from the Father. Why then dost thou busy thyself about things which are not written? There are many questions in the Divine Scriptures; what is

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-5780744980708433512009-08-24T20:45:00.000-07:002009-08-24T20:46:14.719-07:00

The reason why I am a Protestant and not an Eastern Orthodox or Roman Catholic is because of the Gospel. The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches rejects the Gospel of Justification by faith alone. I have given many reasons in this blog why all Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholics arguments are unsuccessful, but this blog post will be a positive reason for rejecting the Roman Catholic and

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-20878370599580304382009-08-20T00:39:00.000-07:002009-09-16T14:57:13.072-07:00

Roman Catholics and the Eastern Orthodox use the Canon argument against the Protestant position to show the necessity of an Infallible and Authoritative Church to epistemologically justify what books belong in the Canon (the books of the Bible).The Argument is as follows:P1: If one does not have infallible and authoritative church to determine the canon then one cannot know what books belong in

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-2260267282002632762009-08-18T10:08:00.000-07:002009-09-16T14:55:10.059-07:00

It is argued that the Roman Catholic (RC) and Eastern Orthodox Church (EO) ought to be preferred over the Protestant (P) position because these churches provide the individual believer with more certainty and clarity concerning claims of Faith and Practice. These institutions, it is argued, can infallibly and authoritatively elaborate and explain doctrine in a way that gives more epistemological

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-87472309752881037982009-08-16T14:07:00.000-07:002009-08-16T14:08:20.942-07:00

In this post I will be addressing an argument against the Law/Gospel distinction from Eastern Orthodox blogger MG's post “Breaking down the Law-Gospel dialectic”. His argument tries to show that the Law and the Gospel are not distinct theological categories. I will distinguish the two in the following way: Gospel is believing in the promises of God especially as it relates to our salvation in

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-21410661008198663672009-08-11T14:07:00.000-07:002009-08-31T10:16:39.038-07:00

Roman Catholics claim that Protestant theology is deficient because one cannot have infallible certainty about doctrine from scripture because they do not have a infallible church to interpret the Bible infallibly. All they have, according to the Roman Catholic, is the fallible opinions of men. In this post I hope to show that given this line of reasoning that Roman Catholics are in the same

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com63tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-20505889329657933732009-08-07T08:47:00.000-07:002009-09-16T14:58:30.310-07:00

The Ultimate Authority of Scripture Have thou in thy mind this seal, which for the present has been lightly touched in my discourse, by way of summary, but shall be stated, should the Lord permit, to the best of my power with the proof from the Scriptures. For concerning the divine and holy mysteries of the Faith, not even a casual statement must be delivered without the Holy Scriptures; nor must

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-38003204868922930812009-07-24T02:03:00.000-07:002009-07-24T02:04:29.933-07:00

Original Guilt is the doctrine that all of humanity is legally imputed the sin of Adam in the garden, even infants. But is there any good reason to believe in this doctrine? Some have objected that it simply is not fair because an agent s has no control over sin x, but yet agent s is held morally responsible for sin x. But perhaps there are good biblical reasons for thinking it is true. Here is

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-63817502645674231372009-06-30T15:43:00.000-07:002009-08-31T13:13:46.963-07:00

IntroThroughout the ages believers have been continually plagued by an old stain from the past- tradition. History reveals that this enemy to our glorious faith has infiltrated our understanding of its relationship with Scripture and perversely deceived even the magisterial reformers. Clearly, the church is in dire need of a closet reading of the Word. That is, we must open our Bibles on our own

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-62560133412616368212009-06-22T10:46:00.001-07:002009-06-26T12:49:32.817-07:00

In this blog post I want to explore the topic of whether Roman Catholics are committed to the belief that they worship the same God as the Muslims worship. It seems that the Roman Catholic Catechism teaches this and if this is the case then one could devise a compelling argument against the Catholic position.The Qur’an clearly states:“[4:171] O people of the scripture, do not transgress the

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-9190767957443547562009-06-17T17:33:00.000-07:002009-06-26T12:51:03.447-07:00

In Against Praxeas, ch.11 Tertullian says it is the Scriptures that "indeed furnish us with our Rule of faith." Many early Church fathers viewed this "rule of faith" as the proper context for the interpretation of Scripture as opposed to what many heretics were putting forward.Rule of faith:Now, with regard to this rule of faith— that we may from this point acknowledge what it is which we defend—

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-14268364131233342652009-05-06T23:47:00.000-07:002009-05-06T23:48:54.200-07:00

Over the next year or so I will be exploring the concept of the "energies" of God. This is an ancient Christian doctrine that goes back to the Early Church Fathers. While it remains an integral part of the doctrine of God in the Eastern Orthodox churches, it never truly took hold in the Latin West and seems to have been almost entirely forgotten until the Reformers. Both John Calvin and the

David N.noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-56339559384435238022009-03-28T17:21:00.000-07:002009-09-16T14:52:59.049-07:00

RecapIn the previous post Melito’s canon list was suggested as good insight into the earliest canonical tradition of the Christian Church. His Old Testament list is the oldest among Christians and in content is curiously close to the Protestant and Hebrew canon. None of what Protestants call apocryphal books are present and only gradually become evident in lists later on. While this is the case,

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-41015740340430312252009-03-11T23:10:00.000-07:002009-11-19T11:26:38.217-08:00

I have been asked what John’s message would have meant to the readers of his time (some soon after who perhaps thought the bread and wine literally turned into the body and blood of Christ). It is true we should be mindful of the audience and historical context in which an ancient work is created. Still, this does not mean we ought to let this be our entire interpretive grid. The only thing this

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-11386530138806693072009-03-03T14:11:00.000-08:002009-11-19T11:23:47.624-08:00

The last most crucial part of this discussion comes from Scripture. As important as Ignatius is, he is no substitute for an apostle or those writing directly on their behalf. The words of Ignatius are fallible though it is his task to encourage those in the Church to “all run together in accordance with the will of God.” It is not outrageous to suppose that as a fallible person he too was

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-32961583911156565352009-03-01T00:32:00.001-08:002009-11-19T11:13:06.192-08:00

Intro A good question has recently been posed to me by a highly respected Eastern Orthodox friend. He asked about the Eucharist, which those that were outside of the Church in Ignatius’ time were not to partake of since they did not believe it to be the body and blood of Christ. This seemed to mirror the situation of the Protestants who were outside of the Eastern Orthodox Church and did not

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-11986313685231574222009-02-19T09:22:00.000-08:002009-02-19T09:32:09.883-08:00

(This article was originally posted by Nate Taylor at Reason From Scripture).Often times Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox apologists object to the Protestant doctrine of Sola Scriptura on the grounds that it is not found in scripture. That is, they argue that this is a self-refuting proposition because the phrase “scripture alone” is itself not in scripture. In this blog post I plan to give a

David N.noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-7128856237012544622009-02-09T15:38:00.000-08:002009-02-09T15:39:08.854-08:00

In Eastern Orthodox theology there is a distinction between a person and a nature. A nature in this view would be a thing that has instantiated properties. A person is not a nature nor is it an instantiation of a nature. The reason this is so is to avoid Christological heresies such as Nestorianism. For if a person is an instantiation of a nature or is a nature itself then you have two persons in

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-6310398852537879552009-02-02T20:51:00.000-08:002009-04-09T17:41:05.343-07:00

So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.- II Thessalonians 2:15This verse has been used several times in the course of discussions on this blog as a kind of "proof text" showing that there were unwritten Apostolic traditions (i.e. traditions not recorded in the Bible). These authoritative traditions were

David N.noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-1073489738807564922009-01-25T17:08:00.000-08:002009-04-09T17:39:32.212-07:00

Argument “Against” the Eastern CanonThere is good indication that the Christian should accept as Scripture the books agreed by the majority to be canonical. These include the whole New Testament and all of the content of the Old Testament acknowledged by all of the churches. Beyond these, I eagerly acknowledge (as many Church father’s did) what Protestants call Apocryphal books of the Old

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-58306845717119423912009-01-22T15:58:00.001-08:002009-04-09T17:31:25.574-07:00

Unity in Christ I have been asked to spell out my argument against the Orthodox view of the canon in an upcoming post and will do so here. Before I begin, some clarity is in order for my thoughts and purpose for doing these posts: It is important to recognize that both East and West have the same New Testament books which attest to our one faith centered on the truth of the birth, death and

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-81058500385324277472009-01-16T13:44:00.000-08:002009-04-07T00:30:45.338-07:00

When questions arise over what books were considered canonical in the Christian Church Melito, bishop of Sardis is a good place to go. His OT list, as preserved by Eusebius, is the earliest within the Christian Church. Interestingly, the content of this list is curiously close to the Protestant and Hebrew canon. The presence of the apocryphal books found in the LXX are absent, and only in later

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-22359977256370458482009-01-07T23:56:00.000-08:002009-01-09T00:01:31.186-08:00

According to Dr. Fred Sanders, resident theologian of the Torrey Honors Institute at Biola University, St. Athanasius most likely wrote his famous Easter letter of 367 on January 7th. It is in this letter (almost as a passing thought) that Athanasius nearly defines the Canon as we (Protestants) have it today.Read Dr. Sanders' article here.Happy Canon Day!

David N.noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-2284195758431333542008-12-28T20:27:00.000-08:002009-01-02T12:15:02.377-08:00

I am currently looking through questions surrounding Melito's list. Some scholars such as Dr. McDonald and De Wette believe he includes the Wisdom of Solomon, while others such as Sundberg and Beckwith reject this idea. My opinion on the matter is still in process (expect an upcoming post) and will be greatly shaped by the information provided by Dr. Lee and Dr. Finley along with whatever else I

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-7112501302280302282008-10-28T20:19:00.000-07:002008-10-28T20:26:31.824-07:00

For anyone who still checks here regularly, I wanted to let you know that the three authors here at By Whose Authority? are all graduate students, and as such we're insanely busy with school work at the moment. I am currently working on several posts that I hope will be ready in the near future, but school must always take priority.So, our posting will likely continue to be sporadic for the next

David N.noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-32062468058508708772008-10-20T16:35:00.001-07:002009-04-07T00:29:23.128-07:00

What is the Ground and Pillar of our faith?"We have learned from none others the plan of our salvation, than from those through whom the Gospel has come down to us, which they did at one time proclaim in public, and, at least a later period, by the will of God, handed down to us in the Scriptures, to be the ground and pillar of our faith. For it is unlawful to assert that they preached before

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-24666609236242729322008-10-12T00:25:00.001-07:002009-04-07T00:28:04.358-07:00

Recommended reading list:1) all primary sources dealt with2) Holy Scripture: The Ground and Pillar of Our Faith Vol.I David T. King3) Holy Scripture: The Ground and Pillar of Our Faith Vol.III David T. King and William Webster4) The Shape of Sola Scriptura Keith A. Mathison5) Tradition, Scripture, and Interpretation: A Sourcebook of the Ancient Church D.H. Williams6) Byzantine Theology:

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-88344849253223078362008-09-12T21:46:00.000-07:002009-04-07T00:26:25.781-07:00

I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. - 1 John 2:26-27For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your

David N.noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-27909483013785232942008-09-05T21:54:00.000-07:002009-04-07T00:25:08.680-07:00

“There are many lists of canonical Old Testament books from various church fathers and councils. The lists from the Eastern churches tend to support a restricted canon very much like that of the Hebrew tradition. In several cases (Origen, Athanasius, Cyril of Jerusalem, and Epiphanius) Baruch and the Letter to Jeremiah are included as parts of Jeremiah-Lamentations, with no other apocrypha

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-53146537660635812772008-08-25T13:26:00.000-07:002009-04-07T00:24:15.098-07:00

This quote and possibly others to follow are meant as springboards for discussion. Enjoy~"Having therefore the truth itself as our rule and the testimony concerning God set clearly before us, we ought not, by running after numerous and diverse answers to questions, to cast away the firm and true knowledge of God...If, however, we cannot discover explanations of all those things in Scripture which

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-91540313035488326432008-08-17T00:41:00.000-07:002009-04-07T00:23:16.337-07:00

The Purpose of this post is to respond to a second post by Michael Garten at the Eastern Orthodox blog Well of Questions. This second post by Michael gives additional arguments for church infallibility. These are five smaller arguments that Michael has given and I will respond to each of them. Michael Writes: “1) The principle of testimony says that we should believe someone’s testimony about

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-48184939774951463382008-08-16T02:54:00.000-07:002009-04-07T00:21:24.656-07:00

For the past several months I have been attempting to articulate a point to my Orthodox and Catholic interlocutors, but with little success. Thanks to James White, I think I finally know what I've been trying to say.One argument against Protestants I've heard used a lot recently is that without an infallible list of books that belong in the canon (an infallible table of contents, if you will),

David N.noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-32111913367760599852008-08-12T14:13:00.001-07:002009-04-07T00:13:46.716-07:00

The clever Eastern Orthodox MG, at the blog Well of Questions, has presented a interesting argument for church infallibility (which can be found here). The goal of this post is to respond to the defeaters to the Protestant position and to show that the Protestant is still rationally entitled to hold to Sola Scriptura.Michael writes:"Most Protestants don’t want to say awful things about the

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-65511472488912377262008-08-12T12:45:00.001-07:002009-04-07T00:12:32.780-07:00

This post is a continuation of my first post on this blog, which can be found here.Perry Robinson has attacked my use of Alvin Plantinga's epistemology to warrant the Biblical canon as properly basic.Perry Writes:"As an aside, the appeal to proper basicality isn’t going to help you. First, why can’t someone just as easily hold that the Great Pumpkin is properly basic? Why can’t David simply

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-50705696732788255642008-08-04T04:13:00.000-07:002009-04-07T00:09:26.994-07:00

It is often pointed out that there are 20 - 25 thousand distinct Protestant denominations. I have heard this figure used as an argument against sola scriptura. The doctrine doesn't work, they say. It only leads to division and chaos.However, it should be pointed out that many of these denominations do not even hold to the doctrine! Liberal groups who claim that Paul just didn't understand

David N.noreply@blogger.com101tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-58642147912654042832008-08-02T16:42:00.000-07:002009-04-01T17:15:46.811-07:00

"Of course your example is informative since it carries in it conceptual content, but apophatic terms don’t. It is like the term immaterial, which simply means not material or unconfused. Hardly conceptually informative. In any case, you left untouched the examples I gave, namely there are truths that we can’t ever know.""If God is beyond being, then strictly speaking “existence”, which is a verb

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-85301183408762320922008-08-02T16:22:00.000-07:002009-04-01T17:14:58.088-07:00

This Post is planning to look at a modified Anselmian model of Divine Essence. I will argue that this modified version is more reasonable than not and that it is wholly incompatible with the Eastern view of the Divine essence.Here are some ontological arguments and then afterwards I will briefly show how these are incompatible with the Eastern view of the Divine Essence:The Three best ontological

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-80126899976207421642008-07-31T19:33:00.000-07:002008-07-31T19:37:49.647-07:00

I like this quote because it really fits in well with my previous post which I have been accused of not reading good eastern orthodox theologians. I think we will all agree that this theologian is pretty good as an accurate representation of eastern theology, especially on the essence of God. I think this fellow and I have the same view on the eastern view of the essence of God But I do think

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-55408058702358767672008-07-30T22:28:00.000-07:002009-04-01T17:13:13.625-07:00

Anyone know of some good books in support of the Eastern Orthodox canon? I can find ones put out by Catholics, but am having trouble locating ones specifically from the EO.

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-18443789511985901802008-07-30T15:34:00.001-07:002009-04-01T17:12:13.919-07:00

<?xml:namespace prefix = o />The Eastern Orthodox view of the Divine Essence is outrageously absurd. Eastern Christians hold that there are three things that God is comprised of: the Essence, the Energies, and the Hypostasis. The Essence of God is entirely unknowable in Eastern Orthodoxy. The energies are the uncreated light or actions of God. The Hypostasis is the persons who are distinct but

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-41737232157768768962008-07-30T14:27:00.000-07:002009-04-01T17:10:42.819-07:00

In Western strains of Christianity there is the Trinitarian doctrine of the dual procession of the Spirit from the Father and the Son. Eastern Christianity rejects this notion. They happen to believe that the procession only occurs from the Father. The West rejects this. The agreement over the East and the West is that the Father begets the Son and the Spirit proceeds from the Father. The East

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-67714274040171191392008-07-29T15:32:00.000-07:002009-04-01T17:09:50.062-07:00

So, what came first, the Church or Scripture? Often, this kind of question is leveled at the Protestant in the hope that he or she will have to grudgingly admit- “the Church.” While some might dread such an answer, they shouldn’t. There was definitely an oral tradition circulating among believers prior to the New Testament, but the question that should be asked is “does this mean that the Church

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-40474268080460419042008-07-24T00:17:00.000-07:002009-04-01T17:07:57.499-07:00

According to Orthodox Christians, the Church's infallibility resides not in any single person or group, but primarily in the great ecumenical councils (of which there were seven). These councils made final and infallible decisions regarding (what would come to be) the orthodox position on the doctrines of the Incarnation, Trinity, and others.For the purposes of this post I will assume my own

David N.noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-12383084105496524642008-07-15T20:24:00.001-07:002009-04-01T17:05:51.289-07:00

Now that my view of infallible authority has been explained, there is still the matter of how God has preserved His truth throughout human history. I come to recognize this by the work of the Holy Spirit (Nate’s post on Ockham’s Razor is helpful) as well as by reason.Written Ought to Inform Unwritten Tradition I place infallible authority in the apostles since they were with Christ during His

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-38937649641302419542008-07-06T22:03:00.001-07:002009-04-01T17:03:12.048-07:00

Some time ago, I was having a discussion with an Eastern Orthodox friend of mine concerning the canon. The discussion was enjoyable and hopefully beneficial for both of us. I benefited immensely by being pushed to question some of my basic beliefs about where I was drawing authority from. The following in particular caught my attention:“Apostolic authority is a good criteria. I agree that its

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-39402931542823011242008-06-28T20:48:00.001-07:002009-04-01T17:00:58.793-07:00

When we read the Bible we have spontaneous belief formation that what we are reading is God's word. This is what Christian Philosopher Alvin Plantinga calls a "basic belief". Such beliefs have warrant if they produced by cognitive faculties functioning properly in a truth conducive environment with a design plan aimed at the production of true beliefs. Now this particular epistemological view

Greg Bahnsen Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13545397078211884885noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-5263269011292989142008-05-09T21:23:00.000-07:002009-04-01T16:59:59.753-07:00

The NT and Apocryphal WorksAnother argument put forward for the canonical status of the Apocryphal books is their citation by the New Testament writers. This, however, is not sufficient to establish the canonical status of these books. If this line of reasoning is followed by Eastern Orthodox apologists, they open themselves up to the same critique leveled against the Protestant of not having all

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-34945606767735828642008-05-08T23:37:00.000-07:002009-04-01T16:58:49.835-07:00

There are many in the Eastern Orthodox church who would have us believe that the Jews had a more diverse collection of canonical books as represented in the Septuagint before limiting their canon at the synod of Jamnia in response to the Christian threat. This new canon list was supposedly picked up later by Martian Luther and the question is posed at the Protestant: "Why are you only using the

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-15934827648751439702008-04-12T20:25:00.000-07:002009-04-01T16:57:53.570-07:00

Beyond the positive evidence for the content of the current Hebrew and Protestant canon’s inspirational status, there is also indication that the Jews had two categories of books: those inspired and those merely considered historically valuable. While many of those in the Eastern Orthodox Church view these writings as Holy Scripture, the Jews didn’t and this is supported by other sources as

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-43585848313239832942008-03-31T12:56:00.000-07:002009-04-01T16:56:29.456-07:00

While those in the Eastern Orthodox Church claim the Jews once had a wider canon than they do now, such a statement far exceeds the actual evidence. Rather, when looking at the evidence, we find that the early Church, "with regard to the Old Testament", "appears to have remained in conscious and intentional accord with the Jewish community”(Ellis). Along with other reasons for thinking this is

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-37245556794824053422008-03-30T21:44:00.001-07:002011-04-05T21:29:44.239-07:00

The "centuries of silence" are a key stone to the debate over canon lists. If the centuries of silence can be reasonably established, then any books falling into that time can be safely dismissed as non-canonical. Fortunately for Protestants and Jews, a good case for the centuries of silence can be made.Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, has been key to our modern understanding of the

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-79448014834104720942008-02-29T17:45:00.003-08:002009-04-01T16:55:29.239-07:00

IntroIt is often leveled against Protestantism that it is divided, confused and desperately in need of returning home- to the Holy Orthodox Church? While Protestants may be used to hearing such claims from their Catholic brothers and sisters, it may come as a surprise to hear the same coming from what seems like the other side of Christendom. Indeed, the world is getting smaller and now

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-57118753329581442382008-02-29T17:44:00.000-08:002008-03-01T15:52:43.201-08:00

I will address this once I am able to give it proper attention. :) I want to be thorough and fair. ...sadly there is that thing called school witch may affect my ability to do this anytime soon.

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-83153222010913591132008-02-29T17:26:00.000-08:002010-06-24T01:16:52.734-07:00

Is there a good Biblical case for Church infallibility? Some Orthodox friends of mine have attempted to do this by using Acts 15. They like to point out v.28 "For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials:" They are quick to say the setup here strongly resembles the seven ecumenical councils and the infallible pronouncement came about

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-68238021088823555712008-02-17T19:54:00.000-08:002009-04-07T00:17:13.155-07:00

Which is worse? Not having certain books from the Old Testament (many of which point to the coming Messiah) in our canon or adding to the message under the New Covenant?Quick note: Believing in the accuracy of information is different from putting ones faith and trust in God. Here, I will be exploring the reasons we have for thinking Sola Scriptura vs Church infallibility is the way to go. Once

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-73003410145087073592008-02-11T13:55:00.000-08:002008-07-26T18:49:28.288-07:00

Well, here are my ramblings...they are not as complete or organized yet so bear with me and be ready for some upcoming posts.My ViewNote: Here I will just give a brief recap of why I think Sola Scriptura is the best option. I will do this given the assumptions of both systems about apostolic authority and God’s active involvement in human history to give us what we need to know for our faith and

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-29915744699947981932008-02-11T13:47:00.000-08:002008-07-15T20:45:00.772-07:00

My Critique:“A: Which would best preserve God’s truth?”1) If it was simply a question of which would best preserve truth, I could think of several better options for us than either of the two views. God could speak to all people individually and tell each what he wants on a continual basis. The next best thing is for an angel to come down from heaven with the full canon in the form of golden

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-84683628617595964952008-02-11T12:44:00.000-08:002008-07-15T20:35:49.754-07:00

I've been asked by a specific Orthodox friend (may or may not be a scholarly argument), "whose system would best preserve God's truth?" "Can a system where individuals are encouraged to interpret the Scriptures themselves stand up against a system where God is using a living breathing Church to guide His people into all truth?"I find many things wrong with the way the two system's are often

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2109883109617013273.post-68088327705706917312008-02-11T12:20:00.000-08:002009-04-07T00:18:42.228-07:00

Is Scripture the only infallible authority? Why trust Scripture alone and not oral tradition as equally authoritative?Before sorting through questions of canon, the Christian must decide who or what is to be considered his or her ultimate authority. Since Christians already agree the apostles are where God has grounded His authority, our next question ought to be how God has preserved His truth (

Catz206http://www.blogger.com/profile/02414685937358420034noreply@blogger.com0