After his resurrection, Jesus gave the apostles the authority to lead the Church. They passed on this authority to new leaders (apostolic succession). The Pope became the obeyed leader, but in 16th century, protestants rebelled.
Two different views on the authority of the church
Protestant - solo scriptura: the bible alone has authority. Believers interpret it through prayer and their own conscience.
Catholic - the bible and tradition are equal in status. The magisterium interprets the Bible.
The protestant churches - Martin Luther (1483-1546)
Solo scriptura: Bible is the sole source of authority (all is true).
Bible gives the standard of measurement for truth of Church teachings.
Without the Bible, there would be no Church.
Luther believes salvation comes through faith, not through the institutions of the Church.
Christians have equal access to God through prayer.
The protestant church - the Baptist church
Evangelical Christians
Combine solo scriptura with the use of individual reason.
The new testament takes priority over the old.
Reject the church as an institution.
The catholic church
The gospel was passed on in written form by the apostles. The tradition was passed on orally by the apostles and eventually written down.
Tradition is in agreement with what is written in the bible, it is a living form of the truth that is added to by new insights.
The passing on and interpretation of the tradition and bible is overseen by the magisterium.
The magisterium received its authority from God to give an authentic interpretation.
Catholic church quote
Youcat 12 - 'We find the true faith in Sacred Scripture and the living Tradition of the Church'.
