Theological Glossary
Six Christian traditions define Sola Scriptura below — each in its own words, paraphrased from its official documents. These are attributed positions, not assertions of fact.
The Catholic Church does not accept sola scriptura; it teaches that divine revelation is entrusted to both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, authentically interpreted by the Magisterium. It holds that the Church does not derive her certainty about revealed truths from Scripture alone.
Source: CCC 80–82 ↗
The Orthodox Church does not accept sola scriptura; it teaches that Scripture is the supreme written expression of Holy Tradition, but is rightly understood only within the Church's living Tradition. It holds that the Bible separated from the Church's faith becomes subject to private distortion.
Lutherans confess sola scriptura: Scripture alone is the rule and norm by which all doctrines and teachers are judged, because it alone is God's inspired Word. They hold that the Book of Concord is a true exposition of Scripture, but a 'normed norm' — always subject to the Bible, the 'norming norm.'
The Reformed tradition confesses sola scriptura: the whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for his glory and human salvation is contained in Scripture, the only infallible rule of faith and life. It holds that nothing is to be added to Scripture, whether by new revelations or human traditions.
Source: Westminster Confession 1.1–1.6 ↗
Baptists affirm sola scriptura in practice: the Bible is God's revelation of himself, totally true and trustworthy, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. They hold that every believer, illumined by the Spirit, can read and understand Scripture.
Source: BFM 2000, I; II.C ↗
Methodists hold Scripture as primary — 'prima scriptura' — the sufficient and final authority containing all things necessary to salvation. They teach that the Bible is interpreted with the help of tradition, reason, and experience, but that Scripture is the Church's primary and supreme rule of faith.
See how the traditions compare on related topics: