Scripture, tradition, and church authority

Tradition Comparison

Most Protestant traditions treat Scripture as the final norm for doctrine and test church traditions against it. Confessions, councils, and ministers may have real but subordinate authority; churches differ in polity and interpretation.

Historical context

All three traditions receive the biblical witness, but they differ over the authority of later tradition, councils, episcopal succession, and teaching offices.

Tradition note

Sola scriptura does not mean all Protestants reject creeds, teachers, or inherited practice.

Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16–17 — The letter describes Scripture as God-breathed and useful for teaching, correction, and training.
2 Thessalonians 2:15 — Paul urges the community to hold to the teachings handed on to it, whether spoken or written.
Acts 15:1–29 — The Jerusalem assembly debates Gentile inclusion, hears witnesses, and sends a communal decision by letter.

Primary sources

Article VI declares:

The Anglican Articles state that Holy Scripture contains everything necessary to salvation; this is an Anglican confessional witness.

Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation
— Church of England, Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Article VI)

Passage context and translation

An Anglican formularial claim about Scripture's sufficiency for salvation, not an assertion that Anglicans have no tradition or church authority.

After the excerpt

so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man

Original English; excerpt checked against the Church of England's official Articles of Religion text, retaining its historical spelling.

Sources and further reading

Anglican Communion: Thirty-Nine Articles, Article VI (Website)
Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 1 (Website)

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Scripture and Authority (Formation Module)
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Catholic understanding of episcopal continuity (Episkopos · Apostolic Succession)
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Ministry and succession in early sources (Scripture Study)
WHY SCRIPTURE? (Formation Claim)
WHY REFORMATION? (Formation Claim)
Canons and Pastoral Discipline (Council Theme)
Church and Unity (Council Theme)
Donatism (Doctrinal Controversy)
The saints, their memory, and intercession (Tradition Comparison)
Holy Orders and Church Ministry (Sacraments)
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