Sola Fama?
Quite often in Lutheranism, the “solas” are mentioned:
- Sola Gratia — by Grace alone
- Sola Fide — in Faith alone
- Sola Scriptura — according to Scripture alone
- Solo Christo — by Christ alone
- Soli Deo Gloria — for God’s Glory alone
Perhaps one of the clearest declarations of the Reformation (at least in terms of stating Rome’s errors) was the declaration that Scripture was the sole arbiter & norm for determining doctrine. Only Scripture was/is authoritative enough to bind consciences. Tradition, especially as it had developed in the Western Church (i.e., Rome), was not. Tradition was not co-equal with Scripture. In the nearly 500 years since the Reformation, however, the Lutheran Confessions that codified that which the Reformers confessed have come under increasing fire as perhaps representing a new form of authority-usurping tradition.
I disagree with this faulty perception/claim, even as I think it beneficial to engage in the intellectual exercise of pondering it. Fortunately, you won’t have to endure my attempts to explain the flaws & errors in the argument that decries the Confessions as a “new tradition.”
Why? Because the good Seminarian (formerly known as Vicar) Fouts has just posted a wonderful short essay discussing this very subject! In it, Sem. Fouts writes clearly & persuasively on the authoritative distinctions between Scripture, Confessions, and tradition. I’m still cogitating/processing it, but I’ve not come up with any points of disagreement yet, and I don’t really anticipate being able to do so.
Check it out — you’ll be glad you did.
-ghp
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