Why? Because it’s the Achilles heel of Protestantism.
Which Bible should we follow? The Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant Canon? “The Bible” can’t answer that question. The answer to that question requires an extra-biblical authority.
Similarly, it’s logically impossible for any passage in the Bible to refer to the entire Bible, because the books of the Bible weren’t collected until long after each of the books were written.
So Catholics find it ironic that Protestants criticize Catholic doctrines that aren’t explicitly stated in the Bible. even though Luther’s doctrine of “the Bible alone,” as the sole rule of faith, isn’t in the Bible.
You may not understand this argument, but that won’t prevent me from making it, when Protestants accuse Catholics of holding extra-biblical doctrines.
“Why? Because it’s the Achilles heel of Protestantism.”
Well, do you have unanimous consent of the Fathers for this claim? I don’t think you do.
“Have thou ever in your mind this seal, which for the present has been lightly touched in my discourse, by way of summary, but shall be stated, should the Lord permit, to the best of my power with the proof from the Scriptures. For concerning the divine and holy mysteries of the Faith, not even a casual statement must be delivered without the Holy Scriptures; nor must we be drawn aside by mere plausibility and artifices of speech. Even to me, who tell you these things, give not absolute credence, unless thou receive the proof of the things which I announce from the Divine Scriptures. For this salvation which we believe depends not on ingenious reasoning , but on demonstration of the Holy Scriptures.” (Cyril of Jerusalem, Cat. Lecture 4, Ch. 17)
“Which Bible should we follow? The Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant Canon? “
I’m perfectly fine with Jerome’s, as is the majority of Christendom.
“So Catholics find it ironic that Protestants criticize Catholic doctrines that aren’t explicitly stated in the Bible. even though Luther’s doctrine of “the Bible alone,” as the sole rule of faith, isn’t in the Bible.”
Yes it is. How many times did Jesus cite Rabbanical tradition when refuting them? He only quoted the scripture. And Paul says that all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is useful for reproof, doctrine, instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect and thoroughly furnished for ALL good works.
The Catholic retort is just to hope that nobody bothers to read the scripture for themselves, since there is no way to reconcile most of your teaching with the scripture. It’s not a matter of it being “explicit” in the Word. It’s a matter of absolutely contradicting the direct words of Christ, as in when the Papists claim that Mary is necessary for salvation.