Bible Quote by Bart D. Ehrman
““Moreover, his view was precisely the one that many English Protestants feared would result from a careful analysis of the New Testament text, namely that the wide-ranging variations in the tradition showed that Christian faith could not be based solely on scripture (the Protestant Reformation doctrine of sola scriptura), since the text was unstable and unreliable. Instead, according to this view, the Catholics must be right that faith required the apostolic tradition preserved in the (Catholic) church.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Jesus the Christ by Bart D. Ehrman, 1999
The passage explains that some scholars believed the New Testament’s textual instability undermines sola scriptura, arguing that Catholic tradition is necessary for reliable faith.
In simple terms: Textual instability challenges scripture‑only doctrine, supporting tradition.
Key Takeaway
Consider tradition alongside scripture for faith.
Themes
theology
scripture
tradition
scholarship
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
theological
historical
When to use this quote
- academic study
- church teaching
- interfaith dialogue
- seminary curriculum
Key Concepts
canonical criticism
historical reliability
faith foundations
Questions to Reflect On
- How does tradition influence personal faith?
- Can scripture and tradition coexist harmoniously?
A Different Perspective
May discount the role of personal belief and spiritual experience.
