Hm. Then why do you "go beyond what is written" in order to embrace "sola Scriptura", since it's nowhere in Scripture? And where is phrase *sacred tradition* found in Scripture?
Or any of the following plethora of terms that Catholicism hangs on to?
Since they're not in Scripture by name either, then we can just as easily dismiss them as Catholics dismiss *sola Scriptura* because that term is not specifically found in Scripture.
trinity
catholic
pope
eucharist
sacraments
annulment
assumption
immaculate conception
mass
purgatory
magisterium
infallible
confirmation
crucifix
rosary
mortal sin
venial sin
perpetual virginity
apostolic succession
indulgences
hyperdulia
catechism
real presence
transubstantiation
liturgy
free will
What's good for the goose, is good for the gander.
If *sola Scriptura* is disallowed because the term is not found specifically in Scripture, then those terms above are as well.
The double standard which Catholics apply to support their belief system is blindingly obvious. It's called, *hypocrisy*
Hello again, metmom! (I have to say, chatting with you is an adventure; I can go from
pulling my hair out to
giving you a standing ovation! :) Ah, well...)
You wrote:
And where is phrase *sacred tradition* found in Scripture?
It isn't, per se (though it's referenced in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 and 3:6, 1 Corinthians 11:2, etc.), and I have no problem with that... or with the specific fact that the specific phrase "sola Scriptura" isn't found explicitly in the sacred text, either. That wasn't my point. I was, however, insisting that the DOCTRINE of "sola Scriptura" be taught explicitly in the Bible. It isn't. Not anywhere. That's a problem for those who believe "sola Scriptura", I think.
The same principle applies to your list of ideas in
comment #136.
But as long as you brought it up, let me ask: in your list of "terms to which Catholics cling", you mentioned the Trinity and free will; did you just inclide those for the sake of listing lots of ideas not found explicitly in Scripture, or do you reject the Trinity and free will,
personally?
Incidentally, your list is inaccurate on at least one point: "mortal sin" is definitely mentioned in Scripture (and contrasted with non-mortal sin); see 1 John 5:16-17:
"If any one sees his brother committing what is not a mortal sin, he will ask, and God will give him life for those whose sin is not mortal.
There is sin which is mortal; I do not say that one is to pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin which is not mortal. (RSV)