Scripture (and?) Tradition


II. If Scripture Is Tradition, Then is Tradition Scripture?
Christian practices seek to be biblical (Nicene Creed, sacraments, worship)
Christian traditions disagree over whether Tradition is no more than Scripture
Inerrancy means that the Bible norms all traditions (including itself)


III. Eastern Orthodoxy: Tradition Is Scripture
In tradition, the Spirit makes Scripture real in the Church (Dimutru Staniloae)
tradition amplifies and deepens Scripture into Holy Tradition / traditions
Holy Tradition cannot fail, by definition; no sin in the true Church
Summary: Orthodox appreciate the continuity of tradition
Problem: No theological account of when Tradition does fail


IV. Protestantism: Is Tradition Scripture?
Thirty-Nine Articles: Tradition and traditions must be judged by Scripture
tradition norms them under Scripture to become Holy Tradition
Scripture is the norma normans, Tradition the norma normata
Sola Scriptura: The Word stands over, relativizing and empowering traditions
Must Scripture cause Tradition, or merely norm it?
Radical Reformation and Calvinism: Yes; thus the Church is primitivist
(thus the priesthood of all believers)
Lutheranism, Anglicanism, Methodism: No; adiaphora can be retained
(thus priesthood of all believers, but ordained priests/ministers)
Either way, Tradition's authority is temporary
Summary: Protestants appreciate the sufficiency of Scripture
Problem: Is this position stable if Scripture itself is Tradition?


V. Roman Catholicism: Is Tradition More Than Scripture?
Unlike Orthodox, Catholics address "the problem of distorting tradition"
Three attitudes towards Tradition at the time of the Reformation:
1. Classical: All saving truth is explicitly or implicitly in Scripture
Scripture is formally insufficient, but materially sufficient
2. Two-source: "Partly in written books and partly in unwritten Tradition"
3. Charismatic: New illumination through popes and councils
Trent and Vatican II refuse to choose one option
Today Catholics emphasize tradition over Tradition, favor the classical view
The teaching office: Magisterium traditions Scripture, under its authority
The Spirit develops traditions (such as doctrines) from Scripture
Summary: Catholics appreciate the dynamic continuity of Tradition
Problem: Neither Magisterium nor two-source traditions can be critiqued