Comments on: Theological Interpretation & Sola Scriptura—Is it even Possible?

By: Sureshnie Dissanayake

Sureshnie Dissanayake — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 02:11:12 +0000

Isn’t this the stand that Catholic church always emphasised vs. the evangelical sects. That the word of God is manifested and revealed through the Holy Spirit through out the world even today in different ways, including church traditions.

Catholic church is rich in theology and experience, thus hoping that more and more groups converge to share understanding and agreement in love.

Jesus is the means and the foundation of the Universe! Everything comes to pass through Him and the relationship with Jesus will come through the outpouring love of the Holy Spirit.

By: Derek Resler

Derek Resler — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:01:49 +0000

Thanks Dr. Witherington for your post. I have followed your teachings and have found them most instructive. I have always valued your expertise in surrounding the Text with a strong historical anchor in which it was written. On top of all of that, your writings are very accessible to one who enjoys theologizing, but is not necessarily steeped in it.

Thanks again and God’s blessings on your work. Thanks Kent for inviting Dr. Witherington to join this amazing community of thoughtful and reflective followers of Jesus!

By: Rev. Athanasius-John Nkomo

Rev. Athanasius-John Nkomo — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:33:35 +0000

Dear Rev. Kent D. Eilers, Greetings in Christ Jesus!

I am an independent international evangelist: My background: Systematic Theology at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary: South Hamilton, Massachusetts: USA:
I am very much concerned about Jesus Christ as the the Ultimate Judge on Earth: Why the Christendom world is not spending mots their time teaching about Jesus Christ the world savor and the ultimate Judge on Earth?
Jesus Christ is inevitable! If individuals and humanity are to progress, Jesus Christ is inescapable! We ignore Him at our own wicked risk: [Acts 17: 30: Ezek 18: 30-32]:

Athanasius-John Nkomo

By: Steven D

Steven D — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 04:07:35 +0000

Thank you for the response, Dr. Witherington. We will see how this conversation plays out!

By: Ben Witherington

Ben Witherington — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:04:23 +0000

Hi Steven: Excellent question. I suppose you could ask them what they think the role of the Holy Spirit is in the life of the believer and why, if they do think so, it has changed so drastically since Paul described it in 1 Corinthians and Romans? If they point you to the end of 1 Cor. 13 as if the word perfect refers to the canon, you can certainly point out that the NT canon didn’t exist then, and the Corinthians could never have understood it to mean that. It refers to the end of the eschatological age when we see Christ face to face.

Ben W.

By: Bobby Grow

Bobby Grow — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:06:34 +0000

I think the term solo scriptura might be more adequate here. It seems that historically, sola scriptura, like in the hands of someone like Luther never mitigated the need for the "tradition" as part-and-parcel of the interpretive process. I liked the post though, we definitely need to emphasize the need for good theological exegesis; since everyone does, even those like you note in the body of the post (those who deny it, which I would say involves most Evangelicals, unfortunately).

By: Steven D

Steven D — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 03:30:45 +0000

Thanks for the post!
I have a somewhat more practical question. In the past year, I have found myself often encountering “word only” type churches and their members, which has repeatedly lead to my chastisement. As your post makes clear, it is apparent those churches and myself affirm two different understandings of sola scriptura.

My question is, when dialoguing with someone entrenched in that “tradition”, what possible common ground is there to begin a civil conversation or dialectic? As I have often found them (note: I realize sweeping generalizations are unfair — this is all subjective to my experiences) unwilling to genuinely examine the matter.

Thanks!