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Sola Apostolica: A Proposal for an Ecumenical Principle of Authority
- Journal of Ecumenical Studies
- University of Pennsylvania Press
- Volume 59, Number 1, Winter 2024
- pp. 27-53
- 10.1353/ecu.2024.a922801
- Article
- Additional Information
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precis:
In order to achieve ecumenical unity, the church catholic must settle the question of authority. In this essay, I propose the concept of Sola Apostolica. I argue that the sole infallible norm and source of doctrine for the church catholic is the apostolic teaching—the joint teaching of the prophets and apostles in their integral unity. First, I sketch the history and theology of the Word of God. Next, I define and defend Sola Apostolica by situating it within the theology and domain of the Word. Then, I argue that Prima Scriptura follows as a logical consequence alongside a robust view of the evidential weight of tradition. By coordinating Prima Scriptura and the evidential weight of tradition with Sola Apostolica as their foundation, I hope to move the dialogue forward.