Scripture divinely inspired and without error in what it affirms for salvation
Eastern Catholic churches affirm that the Sacred Scriptures are the inspired Word of God and are free from error in what they teach concerning salvation and the truths necessary for faith and morals. Scripture is interpreted within the tradition of the Church and in light of the consensus of the Holy Fathers—the patristic witness is considered the authoritative guide to the Bible's meaning.
Eastern Christianity has always held Scripture and Tradition as inseparable sources of divine revelation. The Bible is not a standalone text but is the Church's book, born from the Church, read within the Church, and interpreted by the Church. The apophatic theological tradition also cautions against overly rationalistic or literalistic interpretations, preferring to read Scripture in light of the experience of God encountered in prayer, worship, and the sacramental life.
Key Distinctions
- Inerrancy scope:
- Scripture is without error in what it affirms for salvation; human authorship acknowledged (Dei Verbum, Vatican II)
- Hermeneutic approach:
- historical-critical method integrated with tradition; Magisterium guides interpretation
Scripture References
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, §§105–108
- Vatican II, Dei Verbum (1965), §§11–13
- Christ Our Pascha: Catechism of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (2011), §§57–75