There is no Christian church that does not use the Scriptures to support its beliefs. However, the function and authority of the Scriptures in theology are not the same in all churches. The role of Scripture can vary greatly from one church to another, depending on how other elements such as tradition, experience, culture, and reason are regarded. This study explores how these sources influence our interpretation of the Bible, what role they play in theological formation, and how the priority given to one or another determines the direction of our entire theology.
Tradition
Tradition is a powerful force that shapes our practices and beliefs. It provides structure and continuity, connecting us to our historical and religious roots. However, Jesus highlighted the dangers of tradition when it assumes a role that compromises the authority of Scripture. In the Gospels, He often confronted Jewish traditions that nullified “the Word of God” (Mark 7:13).
Although traditions may arise from valid experiences with God, they must be continually evaluated in light of the Scriptures. Human traditions must never be equated with the Word of God. Faithfulness to the Bible requires us to test all traditions, even the good ones, to ensure they are aligned with divine revelation.
Experience
Experience is a central element of human life. God created us to experience the world and to relate to Him in meaningful ways. The beauty of creation, the power of divine promises, and the joy of salvation are experiences that enrich our faith.
However, experience is a fallible source for theology. Throughout Scripture, we see that human feelings and perceptions often lead to error when disconnected from the Word of God. A classic example is the episode of Saul, who allowed his emotions and circumstances to lead him to disobey God’s command (1 Samuel 15).
It is essential that experience be subject to Scripture. When we trust our personal perceptions more than the clear instruction of the Word, we risk distorting divine truth. Experience is valuable, but it must be interpreted in the light of the Bible.
Culture
We are all immersed in a specific culture. It shapes our values, customs, and perceptions. However, culture is both a blessing and a challenge to the Christian faith.
The history of Israel in the Old Testament is a constant reminder of how surrounding cultures can corrupt the purity of faith. Despite their covenant with God, Israel repeatedly succumbed to pagan cultural practices, compromising their loyalty to the Lord (Judges 2:10–13).
On the other hand, the Bible transcends all human cultures. Though written in specific cultural contexts, it presents universal principles that challenge and transform the sinful aspects of any culture. When anchored in Scripture, the Christian faith can create a counterculture that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God.
Reason
God has endowed us with the capacity to think and reason. Reason is a divine gift that enables us to understand truth and make informed decisions. However, since the Enlightenment, reason has assumed a place of supremacy to the detriment of the authority of divine revelation.
Rationalism, which emerged during the Enlightenment, claims that reason is the supreme norm of truth. This perspective led many to reject biblical miracles and distrust the supernatural accounts of Scripture. Creation, the virgin birth, and the resurrection of Jesus began to be treated as myths.
However, human reason is limited and corrupted by sin. True wisdom begins with the “fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 1:7). When we submit our reason to the authority of God’s Word, we can understand divine truth correctly and fully.
The Bible
Among all the sources that influence theology, the Bible holds a unique place. It is the inspired Word of God, trustworthy and authoritative in all matters of faith and practice. For Christians, Scripture takes precedence over tradition, experience, culture, and reason.
The apostle Paul emphasized that “all Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible is the ultimate standard by which all other sources are judged. Not even spiritual experiences or religious traditions should contradict the clear message of Scripture.
Furthermore, the ministry of the Holy Spirit is inseparable from the Bible. The Holy Spirit inspired the biblical authors and continues to enlighten readers, helping them understand and apply the truths of the Word. Any alleged revelation that contradicts the Bible cannot be from the Spirit of God.
The Role of Each Theological Source
Christian theology is shaped by the interaction between Scripture and other sources. However, the order of priority given to these sources results in different theological emphases and conclusions. For example:
- Churches that prioritize tradition tend to maintain religious practices that are not always aligned with the Word of God.
- Movements that place experience above Scripture may fall into subjectivism, where personal feelings replace biblical truth.
- Those who conform to culture often compromise biblical principles for the sake of social relevance.
- A faith based exclusively on reason may deny the supernatural and the divine authority of the Scriptures.
Only when the Bible holds the central place can all these sources be used in a balanced way and in harmony with divine truth.
The decisive question for theology is: which source has final authority? For Christians committed to biblical faith, the answer must be clear: the Bible. It is the supreme standard, the cornerstone of faith, and the reliable guide for Christian life. While tradition, experience, culture, and reason play important roles, they all must be submitted to the authority of the Scriptures.
The Bible not only informs our beliefs; it transforms lives. When we allow the Word of God, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to shape our thoughts and actions, our theology becomes more than just a system of beliefs—it becomes a living expression of faith in a God who reveals Himself through His Scriptures. Thus, the Bible remains the authoritative and indispensable source for Christian theology and spiritual life.
