#810 - DEBATE: Does Inerrant Scripture Need an Infallible Tradition? (Gordon vs. Christie)
Oct 19, 2023
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Catholic apologist Tim Gordon and Protestant apologist Steve Christie debate the need for an infallible tradition to know scripture is inerrant. They discuss concepts of sola scriptura, argue for the inerrancy of scripture, debate the role of tradition, and explore the relationship between scripture and canon. The speakers also address audience questions on the reliability of the Bible and discuss the differences between Protestants and pre-ecumenical council Christians.
Knowing the inerrancy of scripture does not require infallible tradition.
Tradition and the magisterium provide valuable guidance for understanding scripture.
Substantial certitude about scripture's inerrancy can be attained through historical evidence and teachings of the early church.
An authoritative tradition is necessary to establish certainty in the inerrancy of scripture.
Deep dives
Tim's Cross-Examination of Steve
Tim will have 15 minutes to ask Steve any questions.
Steve's Cross-Examination of Tim
Steve will have 15 minutes to ask Tim any questions.
The Importance of Scripture as the Inspired Word of God
Scripture, comprised of the Old and New Testaments, is considered the inspired word of God. It is believed to be without error and is seen as the ultimate source of truth for Christians. The writings in the Bible, guided by the Holy Spirit, provide essential teachings and guidance for believers. While understanding the canon and the promulgation of scripture is important, knowing the inerrancy of scripture does not require infallible tradition. Early church fathers, like Clement of Rome and Justin Martyr, recognized scripture's inerrancy even before the official promulgation of the canon. The substantial certitude that comes from history, apostolic tradition, and the motives of credibility helps in understanding the truthfulness of scripture.
The Role of Tradition and the Magisterium in Understanding Scripture
Tradition, defined as the beliefs, practices, and teachings of the early church, plays a significant role in understanding scripture. The apostolic tradition, passed down from the apostles to subsequent generations, provides guidance on how scripture should be understood and interpreted. While the living magisterium, comprised of the Church's teaching authority, is not considered to be infallible in all matters, it serves as a valuable source to help believers comprehend the truths found in scripture. The church, founded by Jesus Himself, continuously refers to tradition and the magisterium to gain knowledge about scripture and ensure the correct understanding of doctrines.
The Need for Certitude and the Importance of Faith
While certitude about scripture's inerrancy is essential, absolute infallible knowledge is not required. Substantial certitude can be attained through historical evidence, the teachings of the early church, and the guidance provided by tradition and the magisterium. Faith plays a crucial role in accepting scripture as the inspired word of God, even when absolute infallible knowledge is beyond our reach. Christians can have confidence in the truthfulness of scripture through the combination of these factors, which ultimately lead to deeper understanding and a stronger relationship with God.
The Importance of an Infallible Tradition for Certainty in Scripture
Tim argues that an infallible tradition is necessary to be certain that Scripture is inerrant. He believes that the process of collating and validating the books of the Bible requires an authoritative tradition. Tim highlights examples from the Council of Florence and the Council of Trent, which had differing lists of canonical texts. He emphasizes the need for a divinely inspired table of contents in order to establish certainty in the inerrancy of Scripture.
The Role of I-Witness Accounts and Human Authors in Scripture
Steve argues that i-witness accounts and the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit are crucial in establishing certainty in Scripture. He points out that while there are human authors, the Holy Spirit is the ultimate author guiding their writings. Steve contends that prophecies fulfilled in Scripture, historical verifiability, and the affirmation of Scripture by early Church Fathers help establish the inerrancy of Scripture.
In this episode Trent moderates a live debate between Catholic apologist Tim Gordon and Protestant apologist Steve Christie on the following question: "Do we need an infallible tradition to know scripture is inerrant?"
The format will be:
15-minute opening statements
7-minute rebuttals
4-minute second rebuttals
15-minute cross examinations
20-minute audience Q+A
5-minute closing statements
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