Protestant vs. Orthodox: Scripture and Tradition (Gavin Ortlund + Stephen De Young)
Mar 19, 2024
auto_awesome
Exploring the differences between Protestant and Orthodox beliefs on scripture and tradition, the podcast delves into the roles of sola scriptura, holy tradition, and the Holy Spirit in guiding faith. It also discusses historical and theological differences, the authority of the Holy Spirit, and the significance of ecumenical councils in Orthodox tradition.
Solo Scriptura emphasizes sole authority of Scripture, while Holy Tradition recognizes ongoing guidance of the Holy Spirit in the Church.
The discussion explores conflicting interpretations and political dynamics affecting historical events like the Council of Nicaea II.
The dialogue considers the role of the Holy Spirit and infallibility of authorities outside of Scripture in discerning truth.
The exchange emphasizes authoritative reception of Ecumenical Council decisions within the Church and theological implications arising from councils.
Deep dives
The Nature of Solo Scriptura and Holy Tradition
Solo Scriptura emphasizes the infallibility of Scripture as the only authoritative source, while Holy Tradition in the Orthodox perspective acknowledges the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit guiding the Church. The discussion touches on the historical context of the Reformation and the significance of the Councils, highlighting the differences in approach to infallible authority.
Interpretations and Historical Context
The conversation delves into conflicting interpretations and political dynamics affecting historical events like the Council of Nicaea II. Exploring the transmission of apostolic traditions, they discuss how theological differences emerge and the role of the Church in discerning truth.
Authority and Holy Spirit's Work
The dialogue considers the role of the Holy Spirit and the infallibility of authorities outside of Scripture. While acknowledging individual and corporate discernment by the Holy Spirit, they navigate the challenges of interpretation and theological distinctiveness from historical contexts.
Church Reception and Orthodox Tradition
They discuss the authoritative reception of Ecumenical Council decisions within the Church, emphasizing the importance of how councils were received rather than historical reconstructions. The exchange also touches on theological implications arising from councils, such as Eucharistic adoration from the Council of Frankfurt.
Revisions and Historical Authority
Examining modernist and revisionist perspectives on historical events and teachings, they contrast the authority of textual reception in Orthodoxy with speculative historical reconstructions. The conversation underscores the nuanced understanding of historical councils and interpretations within the Church context.
Historical Claims and Consensus in Church History
The discussion delves into the legitimacy of historical claims regarding the Nicene councils and the veneration of icons in early Christianity. The participants debate the certainty of Nicaea 2's guidance by the Holy Spirit and the continuity of beliefs over centuries. The conversation highlights the challenge of reconciling historical evidence, theological perspectives, and doctrinal consensus within the Church.
Theological Foundations and Interpretations of Early Christian Practices
The discourse extends to theological underpinnings of doctrines like the Trinity and icon veneration. Different theological interpretations and historical accounts are scrutinized, focusing on practices before the fifth century. Exploring the recurrent theological justifications for icon veneration and the historical evidence surrounding early Christian practices, challenges arise in reconciling divergent viewpoints in interpreting historical and theological sources.
Check out Trinity Evangelical Divinity School: teds.edu/truthunites
In this dialogue between Gavin Ortlund and Father Stephen De Young, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant perspectives about Scripture and tradition are explored.
Truth Unites exists to promote gospel assurance through
theological depth.
Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.