Bible as Only Authority

• Under the principle of “Bible as Only Authority”, it is believed that the Bible is the sole guide for moral principles and decisions. The conviction rests on the belief that God inspired the scriptures, thus making them infallible and wholly trustworthy.
• This viewpoint is commonly held in Protestant Christianity, particularly among Evangelical and Fundamentalist branches, who advocate for ‘Sola Scriptura’ - Scripture Alone.
• Those who endorse this viewpoint often believe in the inerrancy of the Bible: the belief that the Scriptures, in their original manuscripts, are free from any errors. They argue that this is plausible since a perfect God would not inspire the production of flawed scriptures.
• The Bible’s authority encompasses not only spiritual matters but also social, moral and ethical dimensions of life. It provides guidance on issues ranging from interpersonal relationships to governmental policies.
• Critics of this viewpoint argue that it creates an inflexible moral code that fails to consider the evolving societal and cultural context in which moral decisions must be made.
• Additionally, opponents claim that the principle of ‘Bible as Only Authority’ can result in a literal or fundamentalist interpretation of the Bible. This can lead to the dismissal of scientific evidence and modern understanding of the world in favour of biblical accounts.
• Those who uphold the authority of the Bible often counter these criticisms by asserting that God’s word is timeless, supersedes human understanding and provides an unchanging moral compass in a fluctuating world.
• Respect for the Bible’s authority often involves hermeneutics, the science and art of biblical interpretation. It is acknowledged that to understand its original intended meaning, the historical, cultural, and literary context of the text must be considered.
• Important to note is that ‘Bible as Only Authority’ does not imply rejection of all other sources of knowledge or wisdom but posits the Bible has the final and ultimate authority.

Next, we’ll look into “Conscience”, whether it be specifically Christian or secular. A conscience is considered to be involved in making moral judgements and is often seen to play a large role in decision-making and understanding right from wrong.