Topic

Authority

Where Christians locate the final authority for doctrine: Scripture alone, or Scripture together with tradition and a teaching office of the church.

The Roman Catholic Church holds that Scripture and tradition are interpreted by the Magisterium, the teaching office of the pope and bishops. The Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches speak of Holy Tradition, in which Scripture, the councils and the liturgy form one living whole. The churches of the Reformation hold to Sola Scriptura: Scripture is the only final rule, and tradition and councils are judged by it.