Debate: Catholic Common Sense Authority
Thomas E. Woods, Jr.
April 1, 1997
Evangelicalism today finds itself in a state of crisis, with various species of liberal and radical theologians striking at the very foundations of divine revelation, so it is especially encouraging to encounter a sober acknowledgment of the need to return to what Mr. Offner describes as its "tradition-centered moorings." Nevertheless, this unhappy state of affairs within evangelicalism is the inevitable outcome of rejecting ecclesiastical authority and of forcing sacred Scripture into a role it was never intended to perform. St. John Chrysostom joins modernday Catholic apologists in reasoning from 2 Thessalonians 2:15 ("Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word or by our letter") that "it is clear that they [the apostles] did not hand down everything by letter, but there was much also that was not written. … So let us regard the tradition of the Church as also worthy of belief." Space limitations prohibit appeals to Scripture and church history in support of the need for a supreme teaching office and of its residence in the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church, so I shall argue from simple common sense. As I have maintained elsewhere ("From Harvard to Rome," Sursum Corda, Fall 1996), the anarchy of denominations and sects that has emerged since the Reformation has left the common man utterly adrift in his search for true doctrine. For how can the average, well-meaning Christian possibly be expected to decide whether Luther, Calvin, or Aquinas—to say nothing of Zwingli or Wesley—is correct, his eternal salvation changing in the balance, when their arguments are all likely to seem persuasive to the theological novice? I have had this conversation with ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
