DNB
Christian
Yes, the Bible implies that it is the Word of God only that determines righteousness and orthodoxy. This goes without saying - if the Bible is divinely inspired in some sense or another, then it is the bastion of truth. So that, when one attempts to establish doctrine and dogma, they extract their positions from the Bible, and when in controversy, one is obligated to reference their proof-text with book, chapter and verse.Does the Bible ever say that our beliefs must be written in the Bible? Must we be able to cite chapter and verse that explicitly says what we believe in order to justify that belief?
If you think so, please cite chapter and verse stating this.
This is elementary reasoning, it is not incumbent for this mandate to be explicitly stated in the Bible itself, it just follows the practical process of establishing truth. First, examine and define your source as authoritative, and then reference your source in order to substantiate your position. This is not a theological issue, even scientists or atheists, in order to prove whatever point that they are trying to make, will cite an authorized source. Just like a footnote or bibliography when used to support a view.
I think that first, you created a straw-man argument claiming that this was some tenet in and of itself. And two, that this was some practice exclusive to Bible students.
Again, it's just the most prudent, objective and effective way to determine orthodoxy, especially considering the sublime and esoteric nature of the matter at hand - interpretation will invariably be so controversial. Verses must be cited in order to qualify one's stance on an issue.