Issues, Etc. Responding to Roman Catholic Teaching, Part 2: Tradition and Original Sin – Bryan Wolfmueller, 4/9/26 (0992)
Apr 9, 2026
Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor and theologian behind Rome Examined, explains Chemnitz’s eight classes of tradition and why Scripture ranks first. He contrasts Roman claims about doctrinal development and how Scripture can be subordinated. He discusses original sin, Trent’s vague definition, concupiscence, baptism’s effects, and the theological stakes of downplaying sin.
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Chemnitz Ranks Scripture Above Other Traditions
- Chemnitz sorts tradition into eight classes and ranks Scripture as the first class, making all other traditions subject to it.
- He allows many traditions but insists they be tested by apostolic writings, rejecting equating liturgical customs with Scripture's authority.
Rome Subordinates Scripture To Papal Authority
- Wolfmueller argues Rome uses Scripture to support the church's authority rather than submitting the church to Scripture, enabling doctrinal evolution under the papacy.
- This Scripture-subordination creates uncertainty about assurance of salvation because final interpretive authority rests with the Pope and magisterium.
Trent Leaves Original Sin Intentionally Undefined
- Trent defines original sin broadly as loss of original righteousness passed by propagation, but it purposely omits a clear definition of sin itself.
- That omission safeguards Roman doctrine of human freedom and merit by denying concupiscence (desire to sin) counts as sin.
