Catholic Challenge # 6

 I feel like I'm starting to make progress. Today my blog will be looking at the sixth point of nine given by "Ed" against Sola Scriptura. It is totally possible to have a good conversation with people that you disagree with, but "Ed" is not one of them. However, if he believes that his arguments are compelling, then I believe it is worthwhile to respond to his challenges. As always, text from "Ed" is in red, while the Scriptures are in blue.

6. Only a few could even read. The printing press wasn’t invented until 1436. 

According to this source: https://www.britannica.com/technology/printing-press the first time that we find the printing press in history is 1439. However, it also appears that Gutenberg began designing the printing press in 1436, not invented. The printing press was built during the 1440s and didn't start being used for commercial use until 1454. The first book printed by him was the Bible around 1455, but no earlier than 1454. See this source: http://scarc.library.oregonstate.edu/omeka/exhibits/show/mcdonald/incunabula/gutenberg/

Regardless, one can see where "Ed" is going with this point. If God endorses Sola Scriptura, then why are so many people illiterate? If we are to have the written Word of God as our only infallible rule of faith, then what do we make of all the people who can't read? Wouldn't God make it mandatory that people be able to read first? Therefore, SS cannot be true.

First of all, in order to understand the Word of God for ourselves, it is important, but not necessary, that one know how to read. The interesting thing about language is though is that so many times in history we find language to be quite fluid. Yet, once there is a great piece of literature introduced into a language (such as the Bible), the language freezes, or slows down. In fact, we have seen many times where the Bible became the standard of a language. The King James version for instance became the standard form of early modern English for the English language. It is the Word of God in fact that often times propells people to strive to be able to read.

Secondly, SS does not demand in any way shape or form that in order to have salvation, one must be able to read. There is no basis for this thought whatsoever. The Word of God can be preached to anyone, whether they are illiterate or blind or anything else. A true believer will have Christ in his heart, regardless of his capabilities.

So far, these points that "Ed" has been making are incredibly week. It would surprise me if these arguments have persuaded anyone to swim the Tiber to Rome, especially if they were educated in these issues at all. If I was a defender of Rome, I would be embarrassed by the shallow thinking of these points. There is no doubt that people have their arguments against SS that are interesting, but these last six points have not been compelling.

Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected, This became the chief corner stone; This came about from the Lord, And it is marvelous in our eyes’?

Matthew 21:42