Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture

Sola Scriptura (with Ben Witherington)

Nov 5, 2024

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Ben Witherington, an esteemed New Testament scholar and prolific author, tackles the concept of 'sola Scriptura' and its relevance today. He dives into its historical roots during the Protestant Reformation and discusses contemporary struggles with biblical authority amid a culture of personal experience. Witherington addresses the challenges of biblical literacy and emphasizes the importance of accurate scriptural interpretation. He also critiques modern discipleship practices, advocating for love and understanding in a polarized world.

33:38

Episode guests

Ben Witherington

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Sola scriptura has historical roots preceding the Reformation, emphasizing Scripture's authority over tradition and papal decrees.

In contemporary culture, sola scriptura encounters challenges from subjective truth, necessitating a revitalization of biblical authority and literacy.

Deep dives

Historical Context of Sola Scriptura

Sola Scriptura, often thought to originate solely from the Reformation, actually has deeper historical roots that precede Martin Luther. Figures like John Wycliffe and other Catholic priests critiqued papal authority, asserting that Scripture should be the ultimate authority rather than the Pope's decrees. These early advocates did not dismiss the authority of tradition or reason entirely; rather, they emphasized that the final authority was Scripture itself. The misunderstanding of sola scriptura as a concept that arose exclusively during the Reformation poses significant implications for contemporary discussions on biblical authority.

Intro

5min

Understanding Sola Scriptura in Modern Faith

2min

Understanding Biblical Teachings

11min

Understanding Biblical Authority

9min

The Transforming Power of Love and Discipleship

6min

What do we mean by the phrase, sola Scriptura? What does it mean that the Bible is our authority for life today? How does that fit in a culture that emphasizes “my truth?” We’ll discuss these questions and more with our guest, Dr, Ben Witherington around his new book Sola Scriptura: Scripture’s Final Authority in the Modern World.

Bible scholar Ben Witherington is Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary and on the doctoral faculty at St. Andrews University in Scotland. Witherington has written over sixty books, including The Jesus Quest and The Paul Quest, both of which were selected as top biblical studies works by Christianity Today. He also writes for many church and scholarly publications, and is a frequent contributor to the Patheos website.

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Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California.

Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically.
Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video.

To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

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