Back to Protestant Movements Overview Scripture

Sola scriptura, canon, translation, and interpretation.

Protestants made Scripture the supreme norm for faith and practice, translated it into common languages, and argued about its canon and interpretation. This page maps the Protestant use of Scripture and the debates it created.

Protestant ClaimScripture, not church tradition or papal decree, is the supreme authority for Christian faith and practice.

Main ReceiptsBondage of the Will, Augsburg Confession, Geneva Catechism, Thirty-Nine Articles, Westminster Confession.

Live DisputeCatholics and Orthodox judge the canon differently and place tradition alongside Scripture; Protestants also disagree over who interprets it.

Component Map

Six pieces that have to be kept distinct.

Sola ScripturaA careful claim: Scripture is the final standard, not the only source of knowledge or the only thing ever read.

CanonProtestants receive the Hebrew Old Testament canon and often place the deuterocanon in a separate category from the rule of faith.

Vernacular TranslationLuther, Tyndale, and others translated Scripture so the people could test doctrine for themselves.

Clarity of ScriptureReformers held that the essential message of Scripture is clear enough for believers to understand through the Spirit and ordinary means.

InterpretationScripture interprets Scripture; creeds and confessions serve as summaries rather than rival authorities.

Word and SpiritScripture is read where the Spirit is at work in the church; the Reformed tradition emphasizes the Spirit's inward witness.

Receipt Trail

Start here before drawing conclusions.

Bondage of the WillLuther's defense of Scripture's clarity and of grace against Erasmus.

Thirty-Nine ArticlesThe Anglican statement that Scripture contains all things necessary to salvation.

Westminster ConfessionThe classic Reformed chapter on Scripture, canon, clarity, and interpretation.