Here is a good analysis over at the Alpha Omega blog, responding to the claim that Protestants cannot have certainty about the Scriptures without having an infallible Magisterium. I think it does a pretty good job of taking apart the alternative (namely, that we can have confidence in an infallible church without thinking in circles). I've encountered exactly this argument from Catholics before, and I usually find they haven't thought through their own positions.

I hope it's helpful.

Alpha and Omega Ministries, The Christian Apologetics Ministry of James R. White

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Bill in Dayton, OH
Member of Redeemer OPC

"Show me Your ways, O LORD;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day." (Psalm 25:4-5)

Good read. What I've noticed in Romanist arguments is that they try to construct some magical barrier between the text and whatever a person can learn from it, so that an infallible interpreter is needed. But all this does is push back the problem, for every single individual Romanist must still interpret the Catholic Catechism to understand it means.

In other words, they arbitrarily assert that the Bible is a useless hodgepodge of words -- unless you're an infallible interpreter, of course -- while the Catholic Catechism is crystal-clear language (in fact, consistent Romanists like those in the Middle Ages would forbid Bible-reading to the laymen). While I would admit that the Catechism can be easier to understand than the Bible, that doesn't mean the Catechism accurately represents biblical teaching, and more relevantly, that doesn't allow Romanists to declare a magical barrier between the Bible and its readers while failing to do so between the Catechism and its readers. In fact, nearly all Romanist arguments are arbitrary and self-refuting in this respect.

Therefore, all we need to do is tell Romanists that they do in fact know how to read, and point to any of the perspicuous passages teaching Reformed theology.

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Ben Maas. . . . .Facebook
In college, attending First Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), Ada, OH, and
Belle Center Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPCNA), Belle Center, OH
When at home, attending Covenant Presbyterian Church (OPC), Mansfield, OH

“Prayer is as natural an expression of faith as breathing is of life.”
-Jonathan Edwards-

I liked reading that article because it made me feel very smart indeed.

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Rangerus
Southern Baptist
Austin, TX
Teacher and Volunteer
1689 LBCF & BF&M 2000

You all really need to get better with the word mystery. It's the all-encompassing trump card that allows you to escape contradiction while sounding pious.

For example: The Catholic tells you of a need for infallible intepretation because of this barrier between what the text says, and our ability to understand it. You respond by pointing out that they just move it up a few levels, and individual Catholics still need someone to infallibly interpret the Church's infallible interpretations. The Catholic can then reply, "The Spirit's work in the Church is indeed a mystery..."

Problem solved! Now we can get down to chanting and gazing at our navels.

I like how Martin Luther responds to the allegation that the Bible is not entirely clear at points; he responds citing scripture that exclaims that the word is clear, it is easy to understand and to apply, etc.

Of course his reply seems to beg the question; he assumes it is clear and can be understood by citing scripture anyway.

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Steven Nemes
Phoenix, AZ

Good philosophy must exist, if for no other reason, because bad philosophy must be answered - C.S. Lewis

Thanks!!! More vintage White, always appreciated!!

-----Added 3/22/2009 at 06:46:45 EST-----

Actually another blogger..but thanks.

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Zack Flummerfelt
Evangel Presbyterian (PCA), layman
Wichita, KS


As of September 12, 2009 I am married to dear Jlynn!!