Does Sola Scriptura cause atheism?

The Holy Shroud of Turin @The Holy Shroud of Turin

May 2021 8 81 Report

Does Sola Scriptura cause atheism?

"The historical debate about the genealogy of modern atheism continues amongst historians and theologians, blaming various figures such as Duns Scotus, Francisco Saurez, the deists, René Descartes, and many others. I don’t doubt that some of these figures may have contributed in one way or another, but I remain persuaded, at least for the moment, that the main culprit is really Martin Luther.

Now, I say this as a convinced Protestant. I agree 100% with Luther’s sola scriptura. But I think it was probably the cause of atheism. To boil it down: Luther raised the possibility of a Christianity not founded on Papal (or at least clerical, in Councils) primacy, but based on the individual scholar/Christian reading the scriptures for themselves. Unfortunately, those who agreed with Luther on this starting point failed to present a unified front on several of the important issues in theology and ethics, with the result of the (in)famous fragmentation of Protestantism. This fragmentation became (at least perceived to be; see below) violent with the Wars of Religion, with the result that philosophers started to look for a grounding for politics and ethics outside of any kind of theology. This led to a distinctively modern kind of foundationalism, which, combined with a judgment that there was no good evidence for Christianity, led to atheism."--Joe Carter

http://www.firstthings.com/blogs/firstthoughts/200...

Society & Culture / Religion & Spirituality

jpopelish

I'm not buying your concept

of atheism having a genealogy.

But I agree with your points

that honest scholarship,

rational thought

and intellectual exploration

are all very big threats

to the continued survival

and reproduction

of religion memes.

Regards,

John Popelish

Christian Sinner

GREAT question!

It could. Because the Word of God is as a two-edged sword.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

It divides. It causes people to act on their choice. Jesus was masterful at this and will do it again. Those who cannot believe that salvation is by faith alone stand to the deficient side. They cannot fathom it! It just doesn't make sense.

So what do they do? They become legalistic, and raise their works to a level of Christ, and they substitute their works for righteousness. And it's not just you Roman CAtholics (with your Magisterium, which is a full assault on the word of God), who do it, it's all over Protestantism too. Such is the pattern of God's people going into the mire.

Thank GOD for his grace! Because it saves people who trust in Christ, instead of their works which are nothing to be compared.

And so the phrase is true. "Having a form of godliness and denying the power thereof." So true. So current in the church. Because the churches are full of those who cannot believe that righteousness comes by faith only. They must substitute their works; having not the Spirit of God in their doctrine in the right way. Honey indeed has attracted the flies.

Sola scriptura, Sola Fide. Luther was right about something, anyway.

edit: If anyone thumbs this answer down, GOOD! So is the evidence of the word of God showing itself, even with someone like me! Go ahead, thumb it down! If God's truth isn't good enough for you!!!!!

Anonymous

Nope. It helps Christians become informed of the general evil within the man-made doctrine of Catholicism without having the hateful and bigoted bias that comes along with atheism. Christians just want to see Catholics be saved after leaving the paganism in their church behind.

Joe N

Atheism is much older than Christianity.

Yes, it is very frightening to Christians but true.

Atheism is spread by people trhinking for themselves.

"Properly read, the bible is the most potent force for atheism ever conceived."

- Isaac Asimov

I don't suppose you considered the fact that atheism has been around at least since the 5th century BC kind of constitutes a big hole in your argument.