Post Tenebras Lux - The Carnival of the Reformation I

Welcolme to Post Tenebras Lux the Carnival of the Reformation, #1.
This is the first of what I hope will be many carnivals celebrating many of the key doctrines of the Reformed tradition. With this carnival we are celebrating the doctrine of Sola Scriptura - Scripture alone. This means that the Scripture alone is the final authority for all matters of life and doctrine. The Scriptures affirm this in many places:

Psalm 19:7-8: 
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.

II Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

All scripture references are from The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 . Zondervan: Grand Rapids

The posts in this carnival encompass biblical exegesis, theological reflection, interaction with culture and testimonies regarding the place of Scripture in our lives. I want to thank all of those who have entered this carnival and to let you know that I have been greatly encouraged and challenged reading your posts and I trust that all who read them will.

In what follows you will see several quotes from great Christian leaders interspersed among the posts themselves. What I have done is list the name and author of the post and indented a description of each post. As you will see, in several cases I have grouped posts together when I was able to find a common thread.

So, with all that as a background, let's move on to the carnival - happy reading!

A BOOK is the expression of the thoughts of the writer.

The book of 'nature' is an expression of the thoughts of God.

We have God's 'terrible' thoughts in the thunder and lightning; God's 'loving' thoughts in the sunshine and the balmy breeze; God's 'bounteous, prudent, careful' thoughts in the waving harvest and in the ripening meadow. We have God's 'brilliant' thoughts in the wondrous scenes which are beheld from mountain-top and valley; and we have God's 'most sweet and pleasant' thoughts of beauty in the little flowers that blossom at our feet.

Now, God's book of 'grace' is just like his book of nature; it is his thoughts written out.

This great book, the Bible, this most precious volume is the heart of God made legible; it is the gold of God's love, beaten out into gold leaf, so that therewith our thoughts might be plated, and we also might have golden, good, and holy thoughts concerning him.
Charles Spurgeon

Sola Scriptura in the Postmodern World from Matt at Wheat and Chaff

Sola Scriptura in a Po-Mo World from Dick Cleary at Viewpoint.

We'll begin our carnival ride with a visit to Matt at Wheat and Chaff with a post titled Sola Scriptura in the Postmodern World. This post is a response to my challenge to address the issue of whether or not Sola Scriptura has a place in the postmodern world. I won't tell you Matt's answer to that question, because I want you to read it for yourself, but IMHO he does a terrific job of analyzing how a postmodern world might view the doctrine of Sola Scriptura.

Dittos to Dick Cleary at Viewpoint who offers his post Sola Scriptura in a Po-Mo World. His post overlaps nicely with Matt's post but he comes at it from some different angles. His analysis of the compatibility of Sola Scriptura and postmodernism looks at some of the effects that a postmodern worldview has on the doctrine, with it's corresponding effects on Christian living.

The Transforming Power of Scripture - Scott McClare of the Crusty Curmudgeon.

Starting Point: Sola Scriptura - William Meisheid from Beyond the Rim.

We have two posts that tie together very well on the transforming power of Scripture. One is an exegesis of a pertinent passage of Scripture and the other is a testimony of the way Scripture has transformed a life.

Scott McClare from the Crusty Curmudgeon offers up the fruit of some study he did on Psalm 19:7-10 in his post The Transforming Power of Scripture. While offering up some pertinent thoughts on general revelation, he moves into the area of the special revelation we have in Scripture through some excellent exegesis of this Psalm. He peppers his post with some good illustrations and quotes and I believe you will find it very helpful. This is the second of a two part series he did on the subject, and although he didn't enter part one in this carnival, I thought it helpful to point out to you that his first post, called The Authority And Sufficiency of Scripture is also on his blog.

The doctrine of Sola Scriptura is not merely an abstract theological construct for theologians and philosophers to sit around debating. It changes lives. William Meisheid at Beyond the Rim has recently begun a series on his blog he calls "Theological Thursdays," and his first post in this was called Starting Point: Sola Scriptura. William has some good thoughts on the relationship of Scripture to tradition, and this is particularly helpful coming from his Anglican tradition. But the real powerful part of this post is the story of how his acceptance of the doctrine of Sola Scriptura glued him to Christ, and helped him deal with quite a colorful past. Read this one to encourage your hearts about the practical benefits of the Word of God.

Therefore, though the effulgence which is presented to every eye, both in the heavens and on the earth, leaves the ingratitude of man without excuse, since God, in order to bring the whole human race under the same condemnation, holds forth to all, without exception, a mirror of his Deity in his works, another and better help must be given to guide us properly to God as a Creator. Not in vain, therefore, has he added the light of his Word in order that he might make himself known unto salvation, and bestowed the privilege on those whom he was pleased to bring into nearer and more familiar relation to himself.
John Calvin

Having a Bash from Catez at Allthings2All

Sola Scriptura from MaltaGirl at Diverse Ramblings

We have been blessed in this carnival with a couple of ladies who share their experiences of how the bible has impacted their own lives.

The first is Catez at AllThings2All who has run into a few "bible-bashers" in her life, in fact she used to be one. Since becoming a Christian she has ceased "bashing the Bible" and is now having a "bash" reading the Bible. Her post Having a Bash, talks about what the bible is, why it is important to Christians and how the doctrine of Sola Scriptural applies to our lives.

The other testimony comes from the island of Malta. Remember the Island of Malta? The apostle Paul had a little trouble with a shipwreck and a run-in with a snake there. Apparently, God hasn't finished working in Malta and one example of this comes by way of a testimony callled Sola Scriptura from MaltaGirl at Diverse Ramblings. In this post she shares a testimony of how she has come to understand and communicate the doctrine of Sola Scriptura in a predominantly Roman Catholic community.

What is Sola Scriptura Anyway? and Is Inerrancy Important? by Warren at View from the Pew

James Leo Garrett and Sola Scriptura by Eduardo at The Grey Shadow

One of the issues that often comes up is on "what exactly does 'sola scriptura' mean. There have been those who have coined a couple of terms to describe a common misconception. Sola Scriptura is different from Solo Scriptura. Sola Scriptura affirms that Scripture alone is our highest authority. Solo Scriptura affirms that Scripture is our only authority. The reformed tradition affirms the former and denies the latter, yet many think that it affirms the latter.

We have two posts in the carnival, both with roots in the Southern Baptist convention, which deal with similar matters. Warren, at View from the Pew offers us his post What is Sola Scriptura Anyway? As the title implies, this deals with misconceptions about the doctrine of Sola Scriptura. Although Warren doesn't use the sola vs. solo terminology, his post basically covers the same issues and gives a good defense and undestanding of sola scriptura.

In a similar vein, Eduardo at The Grey Shadow offers his post called James Leo Garrett and Sola Scriptura. James Leo Garrett is a leading Southern Baptist Theologian who has done some good work in many areas, but Eduardo shows that he has added some unhelpful terminology into the discussion of Sola Scriptura. Eduardo shows that what Garrett calls suprema Scriptura is the same thing that the reformed tradition has always identified as sola scriptura, and what Garrett calls sola scriptura is more in line with the solo scriptura view that the reformers deny. Confused by my description? Read Eduardo and he'll clear things up for you - it's a good presentation.

Warren at View from the Pew, has given us a second submission which is titled Is Inerrancy Important? The answer is yes. Now go read it.

We all therefore have to face this ultimate and final question: Do we accept the Bible as the Word of God, as the sole authority in all matters of faith and practice, or do we not? Is the whole of my thinking governed by Scripture, or do I come with my reason and pick and choose out of Scripture and sit in judgment upon it, putting myself and modern knowledge forward as the ultimate standard and authority? The issue is crystal clear. Do I accept Scripture as a revelation from God, or do I trust to speculation, human knowledge, human learning, human understanding and human reasons Or, putting it still more simply, Do I pin my faith to, and subject all my thinking to, what I read in the Bible? Or do I defer to modern knowledge, to modern learning, to what people think today, to what we know at this present time which was not known in the past? It is inevitable that we occupy one or the other of those two positions.
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Why King James Version Onlyism denies Sola Scriptura from Rebecca at Rebecca Writes

Many years ago I was buying some suits and found out that my salesman was a Christian. We enjoyed some good fellowship and at one point I quoted a Scripture. He said "huh?" I quoted it again, remembering it being a very familiar passage. He asked what bible I was quoting from and I told him the NIV. He made some kind of comment about that not being the bible because it wasn't the King James Version. Then, a few years ago I met a pastor who was having some trouble in his congregation with some folks who had read Gail Riplinger's book New Age Bible Versions. Those experiences showed me that there is a very small, yet very loud minority, of folks who believe that the King James is the only true inspired version of the bible, at least for English speaking peoples.

Rebecca at Rebecca Writes weighs in on this whole debate with a terrific post called Why King James Version Onlyism denies Sola Scriptura. The KJV-only folks believe that their doctrine protects the doctrine of Sola Scriptura, but Rebecca argues convincingly that it does not. And, while I am praising this post, let me offer a word of praise about Rebecca's blog in general. She is doing some of the finest theological writing in the blogosphere - if you don't have time to read the big theology books, read her blog and you'll get a good mini-theological education.

Spiritual Growth: Sola Scriptura from Doug at CoffeeSwirls

I think it is fair to say that every Christian longs for revival, or should long for revival. Throughout history God has blessed His people with extraordinary visitations of His power and presence. There are many biblical precedents for this, but one that stands out is the revival that came about in the days of Nehemiah when, in chapter 8, the book of the law was read and the people responded with great rejoicing and celebration in the Lord. Doug McHone at CoffeSwirls says that if we could just recover the doctrine of Sola Scriptura, similar things could happen in our day. See his post Spiritual Growth: Sola Scriptura for more on this.

"unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason -- I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other -- my conscience is captive to the Word of God . . . God help me! Here I stand."

"The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold on me." - Martin Luther

Five Solas for the Folks from Diane at Crossroads

For years, the reformed tradition and the charismatic tradition seemed mutually exclusively. But, in recent years, many in the charismatic movement have gravitated toward reformed theology. You can see this in Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology, in the PDI/Sovereign Grace ministries and network of churches, and in the blogosphere with unapologetic reformed and charismatic advocates like Adrian Warnock. Along these lines, the blogosphere has another articulate spokesperson for the reformed tradition within the charismatic movement in Diane Roberts of the Crossroads blog. In her post titled Five Solas for the Folks, Diane invites us into a fantasy of hers where she gets to speak to various groups and teach them about the Five Solas. She wants to see churches supplant their love for psychobabble, extra-biblical revelation and other things with devotion to Scripture and it's verse by verse exegesis.

Sola Scriptura and Speculation from John at Blurty.

When I was in seminary, Dr. Roger Nicole once told us in chapel that where God makes an end of speaking, we ought to make an end of inquiring. But that is just so frustrating, isn't it? The bible speaks to us sufficiently, but not exhaustively. The gap between the sufficient and the exhaustive is a gap we love to run into and we often fill the gap with our own extra-biblical speculations. John Dekker at Blurty says "not so fast" when it comes to speculation in his post titled Sola Scriptura and Speculation.

Sola Scriptura and Human Dignity - I John 2:27 from Brad at 21st Century Reformation

Sola Scriptura and Total Depravity from Darren at Nicene Theology

We have two posts in this carnival that I believe should be read in tandem. On the surface it may seem that they are opposed to one another, and who knows, the authors may agree. But, I think they are coming at things from different angles and that they compliment one another nicely.

The first post is from Brad at 21st Century Reformation titled Sola Scriptura and Human Dignity - I John 2:27. Brad argues that the principle of Sola Scriptura is that which gives humans dignity. Brad argues that, when John tells us, in that verse, that "you have no need for anyone to teach you," he was telling us to think for ourselves, and not to take "as gospel" what others say to us. I think Brad is on to something here. He is arguing for the soul's competency before God and arguing on behalf of the wonderful and illuminating power of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. Having said that, I highly recommend that you read Brad's post in light of the next post in the carnival, which is . . .

Sola Scriptura and Total Depravity by Darren at Nicene Theology. Darren argues against the practice of "private interpretation" of the Scriptures and he argues this on the basis of the doctrine of total depravity. I'm glad he brought this up, and if I may digress, he inadvertently makes a good point about how we ought to "do theology" in any matter. No doctrine stands on its own - we ought to examine every doctrine in light of every other doctrine that bears on it, in the same way that we examine Scripture with Scripture. So, Darren does us all a great favor in bringing up the fact that our depravity influences the way we read Scripture. Further, he argues for the necessity of reading the bible communally when he says - "The Reformers saw the importance of the common person reading and interpretting Scripture for himself, but delineated a proper context for this: the Church." When you read Darren's post, please read my comment also, as I think he is confused about the position of the Westminster Confession in this regard and I commented to that effect. Other than that, I highly commend this post and I think it is something that is sorely needed in a day when extreme individualism has infected the church at large. And, let me say again that I think this post compliments Brad's post, mentioned above. I would be curious to read what Brad and Darren think about each other's posts.

"That Scripture is the only infallible voice in the church, and is to be interpreted, in its own light, and with the gracious help of the Holy Ghost, who is promised to every Christian (1 John 2:20-27), by each individual for himself; with the assistance, though not by the authority, of his fellow Christians. Creeds and confessions, as to form, bind only those who voluntarily profess them, and as to matter, they bind only so far as they affirm truly what the Bible teaches, and because the Bible does so teach."
A. A. Hodge

Sola Scriptura and Theonomy from R. C. at Jack of Clubs.

There's a new R. C. in town, in fact, his initials are R. C. S. But this is R. C. Smith, not R. C. Sproul. He has the Jack of Clubs blog and enters this carnival with his post titled Sola Scriptura and Theonomy. He has some affinities with the other R. C.'s in that he speaks his mind plainly and he argues his case very biblically, confessionally and logically. In this post, he is attempting to apply the principle of Sola Scriptura to political theory, and he is applying through the grid of theonomy. If you are not familiar with the term "theonomy" it is a compound of the Greek words for "God" and "Law," and, as a movement has been chiefly concerned with the application of the Old Testament law to modern civil government. Theonomy has suffered at the hands of its advocates and critics. Some of it's advocates have been extremists who are, frankly, rather scary. On the other hand, many of its critics have failed to read the better theonomists and have criticized a caricature of the movement. This is why it is a good idea to read Jack of Clubs. He is a thoughtful theonomist who argues his case very well. In this carnival entry, he offers some good insights into the theonomic movement itself (insights which the critics need to read) and some worthy applications of the doctrine of sola scriptura to politics.

Sola Scriptura 101 from Mark Byron of Mark Byron.

A good illustration is worth it's weight in gold, although I don't know how you would weigh an illustration. I simply want to point out the value of a good illustration and we have received a good one from Mark Byron here. Mark has offered us his post Sola Scriptura 101, which compares the bible to a constitution and it's teachings to laws derived from the constitution. Along with providing a good illustration, Mark gives some good thoughts on the relation of Sola Scriptura to tradition.

Sola Scriptura Part I: Introduction by David Mobley at A Physicist's Perspective.

David Mobley at A Physicist's Perspective has launched a series on sola scriptura and has offered us the first post in that series, titled: Sola Scriptura Part I: Introduction. He has links to the rest of his posts in the series at the bottom of this post. One of the things I appreciate him doing in this post is giving a brief description of some of the characteristics or attributes of Scripture and I am looking forward to reading the rest of his posts.

Scripture and Worship from Jeremy at Parableman

I'm looking forward to the day when I read the writings of Jeremy Pierce from books purchased at a bookstore as well as his writings on his blog. Of course, with this ringing endorsement, I'm hoping I'll score a complimentary autographed copy of one his books as I am sure he has many in him. All kidding aside, Jeremy is one of our brightest lights in the blogosphere and I am glad that he has contributed to this carnival with his post titled Scripture and Worship. Unless you've been completely asleep for years, you will know that the church has been embroiled in worship wars for a long time. In my denomination, these "worship wars" center around a concept known as the "regulative principle." The "regulative principle" means what it says - worship is to be regulated by the Scriptures. But, from there it gets dicey in trying to determine exactly how Scripture regulates worship. In this post, Jeremy doesn't use that terminology but he hits on the same theme and he provides ample food for thought in this regard. For me, the key point he makes is that we are always in the presence of God, therefore when we come to worship, we don't enter the presence of God, because we are always in it. I'll not go any further, but Jeremy traces out the implications of what this means for our corporate worship and he hits on several other matters of importance.

"The biblical concept of Scripture, then is of a single, though complex, God-given message, set down in writing in God-given words; a message which God has spoken and still speaks. On the analogy of scriptural usage, therefore, it is evident that to describe Scripture as the Word of God written is entirely accurate. Accordingly, if when we speak of "the Bible" we mean not just a quantity of printed paper, but a written document declaring a message -- if, that is, we view the inspired volume as a literary product, a verbal expression of thought -- then . . . it will be correct to call the Bible the Word of God, and to affirm that what it says, God says.

If, on the other hand, we are thinking of the Bible simply as a printed book, it will not be wrong to say that the Bible contains the Word of God, in the same sense in which any other book contains the pronouncements of the author. To speak in these terms, however, is to invite misunderstanding, since Liberal theologians have been in the habit of using this formula to insinuate that part of what the Bible contains is no part of the Word of God. It is worth guarding our languauge in order to avoid seeming to endorse so unbiblical a view."
J. I. Packer

Book Review - Scripture Alone by Tim at Challies.com.

What would a carnival like this be without a book review. Tim at Challies.com has stepped in in this regard with a review of the book Scripture Alone, by James White. His post is titled simply Book Review - Scripture Alone. This book is an extended study on the whole doctrine of Sola Scriptura. Tim points out that one of the strengths of the book is that it is written for the layman (although there is some technical terminology in the book) and much of it is written in the form of dialogues with catholic and mormon apologists. Check out Tim's review, then the book itself.

The Practical Benefit of the Word of God by David from the Jollyblogger.

And finally, my own contribution to this first Carnival of the Reformation is my post from a few days ago called The Practical Benefit of the Word of God. In this post I argue that the Scripture alone is the source of all our joy and happiness.

Thus concludes the first edition of Post Tenebras Lux - the Carnival of the Reformation. The next one will be posted on Monday, December 20, 2004. As this is just in time for Christmas I am requesting submissions on the theme of Solus Christus - Christ alone. Please send in your submissions on this theme, and again, I am looking for posts which conform to the standard reformed confessions on the person and work of Christ. Theological treatises, exegetical work and applications of this theme are requested. I would also love to publish some testimonies of what Christ has done in your lives. Please submit all posts by 6:00pm EST on Thursday, December 16, 2004.

Comments

[Funky Dung]

I think I had prescription meds on the brain when I wrote my post and sent the trackback (Celebrex, perhaps) and wrote "tenebrex" instead of "tenebras". ;) I fixed the post, but I can't fix the trackback.

[Donna Marie Lewis]

"So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter." 2 Thessalonians, 2:15
" For three centuries the true issue between the two parties was obscured, owing to the preposterous action of the Protestants in admiring Biblical inspiration. The Bible, it appeared, was common ground between the combatants, the Bible, therefore, was the arena of the struggle; from it the controversialist, like David at the brook, must pick up texts to sling at hus adversary. In fact, of course, the Protestant had no conceivable right to base any arguments on the inspiration of the Bible, for the inspiration of the Bible was a doctrine which had been believed, before the Reformation, on the mere authority of the Church; it rested on exactly the same basis as the doctrine of Transubstantiation. Protestantism repudiated Transubstantiation, and in doing so repudiated the authority of the Church; and then, without a shred of logic, calmly went on believing in the inspiration of the Bible, as if nothing had happenedl Did they suppose that Biblical inspiration was a self-evident fact, like the axioms of Euclid? Or did they derive it from some words of our Lord? If so, what words? What authority have we, apart from that of the Church, to say that the Epistles of Paul are inspired, and the Epistle of Bamabas is not? It is, perhaps, the most amazing and the most tragic spectacle in the history of thought, the picture of blood flowing, fires blazing, and kingdoms changing hands for a century and a half, all in defence of a vicious circle."- Msgr. Ronald Knox

[Tim]

Perhaps someone should have invited the author of the Sola Scriptura site to join the league and submit an article!

http://www.mbrem.com/

[Jeremy Pierce]

It was actually a particular application of the regulative principle that I was disagreeing with. I haven't yet read Keller's chapter in the Carson book, but I suspect that I wouldn't have any problem with his understanding of the regulative principle. It's interesting that Hughes denies the principle and Keller affirms it, and yet the two are closer in practice on many things than Keller is to the exlusive psalmnody types, who base their whole style of music on their interpretation of the regulative principle.

[pulled]

http://www.indigoimpressions.com/wwwboard/messages/6225.html peelridingtaken

[Mircea Tirziu]

I was interested which form is correct ("sola scriptura" or "solo scriptura") and I found your well documented page where you afirm that both forms are correct, but having different meanings.
Could you clarify me what do you understand from "hightest authoity"? What are the other authoriyies? The oeral Tradition is an authority?

Thank you

[Don Alexander]

In all the arguments for sola scriptura I have yet to read a quote from Paul, (I forget the book chapter and verse) where Paul says, hold fast to the traditions. Jesus did noit hand the apostles the New Testament. In fact, Jesus never saw the new testament. When jesus spolke of "the sctiptures" he was referring to the Old Testament, which was not exactly like the Old Testament we have in the Christian Bible. I saw reference to the statement that this book shall not be added to nor taken from. This if from the book of Revalations and applies only to that book. In fact the book of Revalatiions barely made it into the New Testament. The books of the Old and New Testaments were chosen as writings that could be read during the liturgial part of the mass.

[Don Alexander]

In all the arguments for sola scriptura I have yet to read a quote from Paul, (I forget the book chapter and verse) where Paul says, hold fast to the traditions. Jesus did noit hand the apostles the New Testament. In fact, Jesus never saw the new testament. When jesus spolke of "the sctiptures" he was referring to the Old Testament, which was not exactly like the Old Testament we have in the Christian Bible. I saw reference to the statement that this book shall not be added to nor taken from. This if from the book of Revalations and applies only to that book. In fact the book of Revalatiions barely made it into the New Testament. The books of the Old and New Testaments were chosen as writings that could be read during the liturgial part of the mass.