So far as I know, many Christians (mainly Protestants) view the Bible as the final authority on what is or is not "Christian" -- as opposed to, say, tradition, custom, church teachings, etc. But is there a biblical basis for such a notion? If so what is it?
Hi
Sunstone;
1) The Bible as "source" of opinion vs the bible as "justification" of opinion.
In actual practice, it seems to me that most Christians do not use the bible as a specific
source for their various specific beliefs, but rather they acquire initial and basic beliefs from family or social milieu and then use the bible to justify and support their opinions about their conflicting beliefs. (there are exceptions of course)
That is, Christians often state a personal opinion acquired
outside the bible (from a preacher or family member or friend) and then interpret the bible inside the context of that base opinion. They then use this context interpret the biblical text and use a quote to support whatever opinion they have adopted.
Thus, Christians with opposing opinions do the same with biblical text to support opposing opinions. One or both of the antagonists are wrong, but both attempt to use a biblical text to support their personal opinion.
2) Personal Characteristics influence religious opinion
However all of us have limitations which cause errors in our tentative religious opinions and models. We are limited in personal understanding; in limited historical knowledge; in limited intelligence; etc. Adoption of a specific religious opinion and such limitations influence how one interprets whatever version of the biblical text they use to justify their belief. This is not to say this is right or wrong, merely it is what I’ve observed. Specific "quirks" and errors of translations of New Testament text are often unhelpful.
3) Any and all texts or principles that are inspired of God are useful for religious progress
I think 2 Timothy 3:16 is correct : (πασα γραφη Θεοπνευστοσ) “
ALL god-inspired texts are good for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” and not merely one text.
Any principle which is inspired of God is useful for religious understanding and religious progress.
Obviously the earliest Judeo-Christians did not have a New Testament and the writer/editors of the earliest versions of the new testament used other writings in creating their text. There were many, many early Judeo-Christian textual witnesses of Jesus Christ in use in early Judeo-Christianity which were used by these believers as source for understanding and religious insight. For example the writer of New Testament Jude, quotes from Enoch. Lawrence found 128 references to Enochian themes in the New Testament Text. New Testament text, even the books of the early New Testaments were different in the early centuries of the Christian movement. Early Christians did not base their personal beliefs on a modern interpretation of the modern, western biblical text
Sunstone I hope your spiritual journey in this life is good.
Clear
τωφυειω