Friday, January 22, 2010

4 Sources of Authority for Faith

Theologians commonly speak of four sources of authority for faith -- Scripture, Tradition, Experience, and Reason. Of course, a banner of Protestantism is "sola scriptura". However, we should recall though that scripture itself is a result of Tradition, for it was the consensus of the church accepting specific letters/books/authors as inspired and others as not inspired that gave us scripture as we know it.

And let us not forget the role of experience! Throughout scripture and church history experience and personal revelation have played a vital role in the lives of many brothers and sisters in Christ, in the lives and ministries of believers in both the Old and New Testaments and throughout church history. In many ways, an experience (testimony) is never out weighed by a theory. And our experiences, or lack thereof, significantly influence how we understand scripture and our world-view.

For Western cultures especially, Reason also plays a tremendous role in establishing our beliefs. It must make sense to us. It's got to fit! We strive to systematize our lives and our theology, ergo "Systematic Theology". We seek to make everything fit into a specific system of reason. If it doesn't make sense to us, it's hard for us to accept it is as real or true.

Various branches of the church and various individuals focus more or less of their attention and effort on each one of these four sources of theology. For the older denominations (RCC & EO) and for many Christians regardless of their denominational affiliation, Tradition is a primary source for their beliefs. XX is what I've always believed and what those whom I respect (bishopric, apostolic succession, etc.) accept as true; thus I believe XX is true and am not open to anything else.

Protestantism's banner waves "Sola Scriptura", raising a call to affirm Scripture as the "sole" source of faith; but it would be better if the call was "prima scripture", affirming scripture as the primary source of faith and yet recognizing the value and importance of the other sources. It would also do Protestants service to recognize that they value Reason as highly or almost as highly as Scripture for their beliefs are based on their personal and corporate "understanding" of scripture.

For "Liberals", Reason actually holds a higher place in their considerations than scripture or tradition, and there is no appeal to Experience (except possibly what they have not experienced). Though significant portions of scripture are contrary to their beliefs, if it doesn't make sense to them, they set scripture aside and maintain their beliefs, what they accept as true.

For the mystics of the middle ages and the Pentecostals and Charismatics of today, Experience plays a vital role in their faith. Their understanding of scripture, their tendency to downplay reason and tradition, all are related to their code (though not stated) of "experience first".

For myself, I value all four sources -- Scripture, Experience, Reason, and Tradition. I am diligent to study scripture and some tradition, using reason as best I can. But I also value the personal experiences that I've had with the Lord and seek the wisdom and understanding of the Holy Spirit.

I must confess, Tradition is the least of my considerations. From "Experience" I've found that Tradition, my traditions, have often hindered me from receiving new-to-me truth, truths that brought me into a stronger relationship with the Lord, freedom from sin, and more love for my fellow man; and I've noted many others who have a very difficult time even considering something as possibly true if it is outside of their Tradition. And of course, in Scripture, Jesus also challenges Tradition, actually saying that tradition nullifies the power of the word of God.

On the other hand, I've come to tremendously value Tradition from another perspective - the Traditions of the greater Body of Christ! By studying (Reason) the beliefs of other branches of the church, and by being exposed (Experience) to other believers from different branches of the Church, my faith in Christ has been tremendously enriched and expanded! I've gained knowledge (Reason) and grown in humility, and respect and love for others. Having worked for a para-church ministry, studying at an interdenominational seminary, and attending an interdenominational fellowship of believers has greatly aided me in this exposure to the greater Body of Christ.

Well, having said all this, it's my hope and prayer that we shall all grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. May we all seek to grown in our knowledge of scripture and tradition! And may we increasingly walk in respect and love for one another!