Sola Scriptura and Holy Tradition in Protestantism and Eastern Orthodoxy
Protestant vs. Orthodox: Scripture and Tradition (Gavin Ortlund + Stephen De Young)
A discussion between a Protestant pastor and an Orthodox priest on the nature and authority of Scripture and Tradition, with a focus on areas of agreement and disagreement.
The case is decided
It wasStephen De Young.
Stephen De Young defended 17 of 17 claims, while Gavin Ortlund defended 11 of 17. The balance of successfully defended claims across the debate favors Stephen De Young.
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Gavin Ortlund
Sola Scriptura means Scripture is the only infallible rule for the church after the apostles, and all other authorities are fallible and must be measured by Scripture.
- Claims raised17
- Defended11
- Refuted6
- Unanswered0
- Concessions0
- Fallacies (weighted)0.0
Stephen De Young
Holy Tradition is the life of the Holy Spirit in the church, which infallibly guides the church in the transmission, interpretation, and application of Scripture, which holds a paramount place within Tradition.
- Claims raised17
- Defended17
- Refuted0
- Unanswered0
- Concessions0
- Fallacies (weighted)0.0
Definitional alignment
When the same word means two different things, the entire exchange becomes contestable. Below: every term where the debaters did not agree on a definition.
- Sola Scripturanot alignedGavin Ortlund
Scripture is the only infallible rule for the church; all other authorities (church history, councils, tradition) are fallible and must be measured by Scripture. It does not mean everything must be explicit in Scripture or that the Bible is the only authority.
Stephen De YoungNot explicitly defined by B, but understood as the Protestant position that Scripture is the sole infallible authority, which B argues against by presenting Holy Tradition as an infallible guide.
high
- Holy Traditionnot alignedGavin Ortlund
A general sense of church history, councils, and offices, which are valuable but fallible and must be measured by Scripture. Views some aspects of Orthodox tradition (icon veneration, intercession of saints) as later errors or accretions.
Stephen De YoungThe life of the Holy Spirit in the church, which is infallible and guides the church collectively in interpreting and applying Scripture, and in recognizing inspired texts and correct doctrines (e.g., Trinity, Christology).
high
- Infallibilitynot alignedGavin Ortlund
Preserved from error. Applies uniquely to Scripture after the apostolic age. The church's pronouncements are fallible.
Stephen De YoungPerfect, holy, preserved from error. Applies to the actions of God (Holy Spirit) and thus to the collective guidance of the church in interpreting and applying Scripture, and in recognizing true doctrine.
high
- Revelationnot alignedGavin Ortlund
Primarily propositional statements spoken by God that are true, constituting the unique speech of God in human history, especially in Scripture.
Stephen De YoungThe actual manifestation of God in time and space, with Christ himself being the truth and revelation, rather than merely propositional statements.
medium
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