Sources of Wisdom and Authority

What does Karl Barth believe about the Bible?

• The Bible is inspired by God

• The Bible is God's way of reaching humanity

• The Bible contains nothing but human error

....................................................was the principle ........................................... held too in his argument against the corruption of the Catholic Church. They were willing to hold other writings and even the words of the Pope as equal to the Bible.

(a)  

The Church is the ultimate source in Christianity. Do you agree? Write you answer in the same way you would form a conclusion in your 15 mark answers.

Jesus' teachings in the Gospel of Matthew are all Christians need to know about being a Christian. Do you agree?

What is the magisterium?

• A different way of saying Catechism

• A group of bishops who meet to decide on the teachings of the Bible.

• The teaching authority of the Roman Catholic Church, especially as exercised by bishops or the Pope.

• A form of divine liturgy

The infallibility of the Church is the belief that the Holy Spirit preserves the Christian Church from errors that would contradict its essential doctrines, "she remains and will remain the Institution of Salvation, founded by Christ, until the end of the world." The doctrine of infallibility is premised on the authority Jesus granted to the apostles to "bind and loose" (Matthew 18:18; John 20:23) and in particular the promises to Peter (Matthew 16:16–20; Luke 22:32) in regard to papal infallibility. Does this imply that the church has more or less authority than the Bible?

Answer explanation

The doctrine of papal infallibility states that when the pope teaches ex cathedra his teachings are infallible and irreformable. In his role as leader of the whole Church, they make definitive decisions on matters of faith and morals which are binding on the whole Church. An infallible decree by a pope is often referred to as an ex cathedra statement. This type of infallibility falls under the authority of the sacred magisterium.

Which denomination does not perceive the Ecumenical Councils as infallible

• Roman Catholic

• Eastern Orthodox

“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4

How does this support that the Bible is the most important source of authority?

The authority of Jesus Christ is given to him by the Father. It was always given, never borrowed, never withdrawn. The Son is entrusted with authority equal to his Father. How might this view of Jesus be challenged? Try to consider different theological approaches to the Trinity.

How to Liberal Christians view Jesus?

• The bible reflects the cultural and historical context of its human authors and requires continual re-interpretation to ensure its relevance.

• Jesus himself seemed to be progressive in that in the sermon on the mount he modified some of the old testament laws.

• Jesus is simply a man like any other. He does not have a divine nature, the bible is simply a myth