"Just" Reading the Bible?
As of the past half-year or so, I have found myself becoming increasingly interested in philosophy and Christian theology. I also have always enjoyed asking “pointed” questions. Nearly all of my friends have experienced my asking of some theological question; I simply enjoy explaining these concepts to the best of my ability (perhaps I ought to teach one day).
However, recently one of my friends replied to my mention of different philosophers and theologians, “I only read the Bible,” in the sense that, if anyone attempts to expound or reflect (not add or subtract) upon Christ’s teachings, it is inherently flawed. This belief seemed to arise from the assertion that “all men are sinful” expanded to mean, “Everything man does (for God or not) is not without some quantity of incorrectness.” I find this idea ridiculous. If one were to genuinely assert that they adhere to sola scriptura (the uninfluenced reading of scripture produces correct doctrine), would they read any Christian author, or even listen to their own preacher for that matter? Certainly not. More often than not, we are encouraged to take the advice of those who are more mature than us in our Christian walk. How is this any different from reading a work by a Christian author such as Spurgeon, Lewis, or Sproul? Perhaps Platt, Piper, or Driscoll? I assert that there is no inherent difference whatsoever. Here is a verse concerning the matter:
“And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” – 2 Peter 1:20
Moreover, upon historical examination, one will find that the verse on which the concept of sola scriptura is based to be taken out of context:
“All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16
The New Testament cannon wasn’t even assembled until the late 4th century, so it is impossible that this letter from St. Paul to Timothy could be referring to the New Testament itself.
Do not misunderstand me; I am not advocating reading theology/biblical commentary as a replacement for the Bible itself, nor do I believe that all theologians are infallible. However, to believe that nothing true can be said of Christianity unless it is directly stated in scripture is false. In fact, if you refuse to read sermons, books, and essays of those theologians and Saints who are obviously more spiritually mature than you and I, you are depriving yourself of a great resource.
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