BUILDING YOUR THEOLOGY
STUDY GUIDE 4.2
Lesson 4: Authority in Theology
Section 2: Early Protestantism
(Video Parts 4-8)

OUTLINE FOR TAKING NOTES

II. Early Protestantism

A. Authority of Scripture

  1. Inspiration

  2. Meaning

  3. Clarity

B. Authority of the Church

  1. Past Authorities

  2. Contemporary Protestant Authorities


REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. Describe the posture the early Protestants took regarding the authority of Scripture in regards to inspiration, meaning and clarity of Scripture. Mention the view of Luther, Calvin, Erasmus, and the Westminster Confession of Faith.

2. Mention historical factors that contributed to the Protestant view of the clarity of Scripture.

3. What technological innovation enabled multitudes of Christians to read the Bible for themselves during the time of the Reformation?
   
4. What does "perspicuity" mean?

5. Explain the importance of 2 Peter 3:16 regarding the clarity of Scripture.

6. Explain how the early Protestants understood the authority of the church in the past and in their contemporary setting. Mention the view of Calvin, Luther, and the Westminster Confession of Faith.

7. What did Erasmus say about how easy it was to understand Scripture?

8. Explain the importance of Titus 2:15 regarding the view of ecclesiastical authority.


APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. In what ways has this study helped you understand the historical controversy between Catholics and Protestants?

2. Why is it important to maintain a balance between the divine origin of Scripture and the human origin or Scripture?