Required reading
Systematic Theology Volume 1 by Charles Hodge (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 5 (Roman Catholic doctrine concerning the rule of faith) by reading up to the heading '5. Examination of the Romish Doctrine'.
My summary
Today Hodge starts an analysis of the Roman Catholic doctrine concerning the rule of faith.
Firstly he teaches us Roman Catholic Doctrine concerning Scripture. We learn that the Roman Catholic church differs from Protestants on:
(i) the canon of Scripture;
(ii) the completeness of Scripture;
(iii) the perspicuity of Scripture;
(iv) the authority of the Latin Vulgate.
Secondly Hodge explains the importance of tradition in the Roman Catholic church as they teach:
(i) That Christ and his Apostles taught many things which were not committed to writing, i. e., not recorded in the Sacred Scriptures;
(ii) That these instructions have been faithfully transmitted, and preserved in the Church;
(iii) That they constitute a part of the rule of faith for all believers.
Thirdly Hodge discusses the office of the Roman Catholic church as teacher, particularly its infallibility.
What grabbed me
The Roman Catholic teaching on the perspicuity of Scripture is rather shocking when you think about it: 'The third point of difference between Romanists and Protestants relates to the perspicuity of Scripture, and the right of private judgment. Protestants hold that the Bible, being addressed to the people, is sufficiently perspicuous to be understood by them, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit ; and that they are entitled and bound to search the Scripture, and to judge for themselves what is its true meaning. Romanists, on the other hand, teach that the Scriptures are so obscure that they need a visible, present, and infallible interpreter ; and that the people, being incompetent to understand them, are bound to believe whatever doctrines the Church, through its official organs, declares to be true and divine.'
It always grieves me to see people told not to read their Bibles.
Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 5 (Roman Catholic doctrine concerning the rule of faith) by reading up to the heading '7. Office of the church as a teacher').
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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