UnLutheran, Part Two

Is a layperson or a group of laypeople able to read the account of Daniel and the Lion's Den and not fall into serious theological error? Is it possible to evaluate the account of the Tower of Babel (or any other Bible story, for that matter) without the guidance of a trained theologian?

Bottom line: who can read the Bible safely?

You may recall that, in part one of this blog post, I mentioned a doctrinal reviewer's comment that reading and expressing opinions about Bible stories without a trained theologian present may lead readers into dangerous theological errors. Okay. That may happen. But is it possible that it wouldn't happen? In fact, doesn't the reviewer's opinion push very hard against the Biblical doctrine of the Scriptures? Let's take a look:

Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone):
• Their efficacy: Being wary about laypeople "messing" with the Scriptures shifts the emphasis of the Word of God from being HIS living Word, powered by the Holy Spirit, to being a Word dependent on human control. True, correct teaching is essential, but the Word is that which contains the power to bring truth, produce faith, and lead someone into correct understanding. Laying down the law that a trained theologian must be present militates against the Scriptures themselves and denies the access to the Scriptures won during the Reformation.

• Their sufficiency: The Bible contains everything needed to make us "wise unto salvation" (2 Timothy 3:15). While the pastoral office is divinely created and essential to God's plan for the church, it is not lord over the Word of God and it doesn't exclude the Scriptural doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. The Bible can do the job God intended it to do.

• Their perspicuity: The Bible is clear enough so that every reader and hearer can understand God's truths. As Edward Koehler said, this teaching is "over and against the view that the Scripture is obscure, waiting for a priest and Pope, theologian and council, to demonstrate its real meaning" (p. 14, A Summary of Christian Doctrine).

Trouble always results when fear and control take the wheel of Christ's Church. Biblical balance gets lost. The doctrine sought to be protected becomes corrupted and denied. When fanaticism takes command, the fanatic creates layers of human-created teaching that eventually obscures and destroys Biblical doctrine.

Making Bible stories off limits to regular laypeople causes the heart of Lutheranism to crumble. Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, and Sola Scriptura get left in the dust. Suddenly, the voices that cry out for pure Lutheranism become unLutheran.