The Evangelical Christian View of Biblical Authority:
- Sola Scriptura:
Sola scriptura is a principle that emerged from the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing the Bible as the sole infallible source of authority for Christian faith and life. Evangelical Christians believe that the Scriptures are God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16) and that they are sufficient, clear, authoritative, and necessary for knowing God’s will. - The Infallibility and Inerrancy of Scripture:
Evangelical Christians affirm the infallibility of the Bible, meaning it is incapable of teaching deception or error in matters of faith and salvation. Many also hold to the doctrine of inerrancy, which states that the Scriptures, in their original manuscripts, are without error in all their teachings, including historical and scientific details. - The Canon of Scripture:
Evangelicals believe that the canon of Scripture, consisting of the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is complete and closed. They view the canon as divinely inspired and established, not requiring any additional writings to complete God’s revealed truth to humanity. - The Clarity of Scripture:
The doctrine of the clarity of Scripture (perspicuity) asserts that the Bible is clear in its essential teachings and that its message of salvation is accessible to all who read it seeking God’s guidance, with the Holy Spirit illuminating its truths.
The LDS Perspective on Scriptural Authority:
- Open Canon and Continuing Revelation:
Mormons believe in an open canon, which means that God continues to reveal His will to living prophets. This belief allows for additional sacred texts, such as the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, which are considered scripture alongside the Bible. - The Role of Prophets and Apostles:
The LDS Church maintains that God speaks to His children through living prophets and apostles, who have the authority to receive and declare new revelations for the guidance of the church and the world. - The Bible as Scripture:
While Mormons revere the Bible as scripture, they also believe that it has been transmitted through many generations and that errors may have been introduced. The eighth Article of Faith in Mormonism states, “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly…”
Engaging in Dialogue:
When discussing the authority of the Bible with Mormon friends, evangelical Christians can emphasize their conviction in the sufficiency, clarity, and finality of the biblical canon. They can explain that, for them, the Bible is the ultimate standard by which all teachings and doctrines are to be judged. Christians can share how the doctrines of infallibility and inerrancy undergird their trust in the Bible as the authoritative Word of God.
It is also beneficial for Christians to understand the LDS position on scripture and revelation, which can lead to more fruitful conversations. By acknowledging the respect Mormons have for the Bible while also explaining the reasons for their own exclusive commitment to it, Christians can foster respectful dialogue and mutual understanding.
Conclusion:
The evangelical Christian response to the question of the authority of the Bible emphasizes the principles of sola scriptura, the infallibility and inerrancy of Scripture, and the closed nature of the biblical canon. Evangelicals maintain that the Bible alone is the ultimate authority for faith and practice, offering a complete and sufficient revelation of God’s will. In contrast, Mormons embrace an open canon and the concept of continuing revelation through living prophets. Understanding these differing perspectives allows for meaningful dialogue between evangelical Christians and Mormons on the nature and authority of sacred texts.
