It is important to recognize that not all Christians adhere to the principle of Sola Scriptura, which asserts that the Bible is the sole infallible source of authority for Christian faith and practice. Many Christian denominations, including Methodists and other mainline Protestant groups, incorporate tradition, reason, and experience alongside Scripture in their theological frameworks. This means that teachings and practices in these contexts may be informed by a broader array of sources and not exclusively by the Bible.
Furthermore, in the context of social media, which spans many countries, it's essential to consider that not all these countries follow the Protestant Canon. Some Christian communities have official canons that are more fluid and include additional books not found in the Protestant Bible. For example, the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches recognize the Deuterocanonical books, which are not part of the Protestant Canon. This diversity in scriptural canons further emphasizes that insisting everything taught in a Christian context must be strictly 'biblical' does not account for the varying authoritative texts and traditions embraced by different Christian denominations worldwide.
Additionally, consider the biblical account of Peter's vision in Acts 10, where he is shown a sheet containing all kinds of animals and is told to eat, despite some being considered unclean by Jewish law. This vision, led by the Holy Spirit, taught Peter that God’s guidance can transcend traditional scriptural interpretations and cultural norms. Just as Peter was led to include Gentiles, who had different backgrounds and beliefs, into the early Christian community, we too must recognize that the lead of the Spirit often includes believers from diverse backgrounds.
In a global context with mixed backgrounds, the principle of Sola Scriptura may not adequately encompass the richness and diversity of Christian experience and belief. Being led by the same Spirit who guided Peter to embrace a broader understanding of God’s will is what truly matters. This approach encourages inclusivity and spiritual discernment, recognizing that faith is dynamic and often transcends strict scriptural boundaries to embrace a more holistic understanding of God's work in the world.
