Debating the Authority of Scripture

Debating the Authority of Scripture

How much authority does the Bible hold over the subjects it addresses? Believers sometimes hold differing answers to this question. Protestants promote the principle of sola Scriptura (Scripture as the supreme authority), while according to the Catholic position, tradition shares authority with the Bible.

In 1997, I participated in a debate on the topic of the Scripture’s authority with Jesuit priest Mitchell Pacwa at Southern Methodist University. I explained and defended the Protestant view and Father Pacwa represented the Catholic position.

While Father Pacwa and I strongly disagree about some critically important theological issues, we mutually like and respect each other and remain friends to this day.

You can listen to the dialogue here: https://www.philvaz.com/MitchPacwaKennethSamplesDebate.mp3.