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Reformed Theology (#805): Theological Gabfest: Rev. Long, Veitch, & Sola Scriptura

Quick recap

Donald and Aaron engaged in a detailed discussion about the evolution and misuse of religious terminology, particularly focusing on the term "evangelical" and its historical context within various Christian traditions. They explored theological developments through historical figures and movements, including Luther's reforms, the Anabaptist heresy, and the philosophical differences between nominalism and scholasticism. The conversation concluded with an examination of sola scriptura's historical foundations and its significance in shaping Protestant theology, while also considering the need for modern confessions to address contemporary issues.

Larger Summary

Challenges in Religious Group Categorization

Donald and Aaron discussed the challenges of categorizing religious groups, particularly the misuse of the term "evangelical" by certain Baptists in Rowan County. They agreed that the term has been distorted from its original Reformation meaning and no longer accurately represents United Protestantism. The conversation also touched on the complexities of relations with Roman Catholicism, noting the difficulty of allying with traditional Catholics due to the prevalence of liberal influences in modern Catholicism.

Catholic Theological Tensions and Challenges

Donald shared his experience studying at a Catholic university where he observed the tension between conservative and liberal theological perspectives. He described how Father Lazor, an Augustinian priest and New Testament scholar, would occasionally drift towards liberal theology before being pulled back to conservative Catholic views when challenged with traditional teachings from the Baltimore Catechism. Donald noted that while he received good grades from Father Lazor, he encountered a more hostile reaction from a nun with a PhD when asking questions, leading him to be more cautious in his inquiries.

Anabaptist Heresy and Modern Christianity

Donald and Aaron discussed the Anabaptist heresy and its impact on modern Christianity, emphasizing the importance of holding the entire Bible, including the Torah and Paul's epistles, as inerrant. They also talked about dispensationalism and its teachings, with Donald mentioning his familiarity with Lewis Sperry Chafer's work. Aaron shared his excitement about receiving Boston's commentary on the Westminster Shorter Catechism and the progress he is making in studying it alongside Prof Hodges' commentary on the Westminster Confession.

Theological Debate and Church Criticism

Donald and Aaron discussed a complaint from Chris Hernandez about Aaron's comments on a church post, where Aaron had criticized the presence of a man in a chasuble during a church function. They also discussed Aaron's ongoing work against Haverland and the G3 group, whom Aaron characterized as ignorant and uneducated in their beliefs. The conversation then shifted to a discussion about theological history, particularly focusing on John Wessel, Thomas Aquinas, and the philosophical differences between nominalism and scholasticism in
Lutheran and Reformed theology.

Luther's View on Hussites

Donald and Aaron discussed Martin Luther's views on Jan Huss and the Hussites, noting Luther's acknowledgment of Christian and evangelical elements in Huss's teachings, which caused controversy. They explored the political context of the time, including the Habsburgs' efforts to integrate Czechia into the Austrian Empire and the papacy's reliance on the Habsburgs. Aaron suggested that without the Habsburg political influence, the Catholic Church might have been more lenient towards the Hussites to maintain their support. Donald emphasized Luther's criticism of the papists for failing to evaluate themselves by the Word of God.

Luther's Sola Scriptura Development

Aaron and Donald discussed the historical development of sola scriptura, tracing its roots through church fathers and its significance in Luther's reforms. They agreed that Luther's emphasis on Scripture's authority was a response to errors by popes and councils. Donald recommended reading Thomas Cranmer's "Confutation of Unwritten Verities" for a detailed examination of sola scriptura's biblical and historical foundations.

Sola Scriptura: Authority and Tradition

Aaron and Donald discussed the historical and theological significance of Sola Scriptura, with Donald praising Chemnitz's work as a refutation of the Council of Trent. They explored the concept of church authority, with Aaron clarifying that Luther and the Reformers did not reject church councils but viewed Scripture as the only infallible authority. Donald shared his reading of Ignatius's epistles and the historical view of bishops as presbyters, noting agreement with both Jerome and Aquinas on this matter.