Expert: Fr. Michael - 12/25/2006

Question
Why is the Bible inconsistent on major theological issues such as the nature and existence of an afterlife,  the efficacy of works of the Law with regard to
salvation, and the distinction between soul and spirit?

Answer
You're right, and Luther was wrong.  The "Bible alone" is not enough.  One has to understand what the Bible is.  It is not some kind of unified philosophical treatise that is supposed to answer all questions.  As is clear to anyone who reads it, the Protestants are dead wrong about that, and with their notion of "individual interpretation."

The Bible is, rather, an anthology of inspired writings, by different authors, and in different styles, steeped in the classical traditions of whose meaning and languages so many are ignorant today.  Even the Bible itself says that it is difficult to interpret.

That is why we have to assist us, as St. Paul says, in addition to scripture, Sacred Tradition.  The handing down of the Apostolic doctrines and understanding of the Faith, preserved through Christ's true Church.  That puts everything into perspective.