Week 2 Reflection
Case study 1.1
The Bible and Tradition

A major issue in Christian Theology is in the way which the Bible was interpreted. There was controversy over two interpretations of Arianism and Pelegianism. Condemned as heretical, their opponents argued that they did not interpret in an orthodox manner. But who decides what is orthodox? An appeal to tradition was of importance in challenging unorthodox interpretations of the Scripture.

Tradition refers to the way the gospels we handed down from teacher to teacher. Examples of this are known in the writings of Matthew, Mark, & Luke. It is known that Matthew used Mark as a source for his writings. Luke also used Mark and possible Matthew in his writings. This is known as the synoptic gospels.

Gnosticism is another issue of tradition. Gnosticism was a major threat to the Christian church because some of their teachings were very similar to the Christians. However, their belief in Salvation was significantly different. Gnostic writers wrote of a secret teaching which ensured the believer would be saved. They taught the idea that the secret knowledge was required to pass into Heaven. The Gnostic writers argued that this secret oral teaching had been passed down from the apostles in a veiled form in the Bible.

In response to Gnosticism, Christian theologians began to develop a traditional method of understanding Scripture, known as a single-source theory of tradition.

Irenaeus of Lyons is noted for his major writing of Against Heresies. He defended the Christian faith against the Gnostic misrepresentations and criticisms. He made it be known the truth should be possessed through the tradition of interpreting Scripture to remain faithful by succession from the apostle’s teachings. Irenaeus wrote the apostolic teaching in all its fullness has been made available through the church. He pointed out to the Gnostics if the “secret tradition” was derived from the apostles, how they could be sure it has been passed down correctly?

Tertullian produced a series of significant controversial and apologetic writings. He puts emphasis on the importance of historical continuity. Tertullian writes “no on knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son has revealed him”. So did he feel only the ones known to Jesus could preach and translate the New Testament? He felt one must verify their historical link with the apostles if they wanted to preach and or translate the Scripture.

Vincent of Lerins is credited for the Vincentian canon. He believed the culture for that time had given new ways of interpreting certain biblical passages. He argues for a triple criterion to be established: Ecumenicity, antiquity, and consent. Thus the Vincentian canon – being believed everywhere, being believed always, and being believed by all people.

My Reflection

Today the Bible continues to be a mystery and hard to interpret. Each week in church we hear the Word explained by the Pastor by his interpretation. I’m sure the meanings to a certain text would have different meaning now in our culture than it did in the Pastric Period. Like John 10:7-8, Irenaius was referring to the Gnostic theologians, but if we were reading it today the thieves and robbers would represent something else entirely. To me the thieves and robbers would represent those who dishonestly handle money or even those who take infant lives in abortion. Perhaps even those who chose alternative life styles with the same sex. Jesus is saying he is the keeper of the gate and only he can judge if they shall enter the Golden City. This is my belief based on what is handed down to me through my Christian life and what I believe is Scripture based.

Wanda Hoogendoorn