Prima scriptura facts for kids

Prima scriptura is a Latin phrase that means "scripture first." In Christianity, it's an idea about how people understand God's messages. It means that the Bible is the most important way God speaks to us.

People who believe in prima scriptura think that God can also speak to us in other ways. These might include old traditions, special spiritual gifts, our own conscience, or even just common sense. Experts' ideas can also be helpful. However, if any of these other ways seem to disagree with what the Bible says, then the Bible's message should always be followed first.

What is Prima Scriptura?

Prima scriptura suggests that the Bible is the main source of truth about God. It's like the main rulebook. Other ways of understanding God can be useful, but they should always agree with the Bible. If they don't, the Bible's teaching is considered more important.

This idea helps people decide what to believe and how to live their lives. It means they always check their understanding against the words in the Bible.

Prima Scriptura vs. Sola Scriptura

Sometimes, prima scriptura is confused with another idea called Sola scriptura. While they sound similar, they are different.

Sola Scriptura: Scripture Only

Sola scriptura is a belief mainly held by Protestants. It means "scripture alone." People who believe in sola scriptura think that the Bible is the only source of God's messages. They believe that God's full truth is found only in the Bible, and no other source is needed or can add to it.

Key Differences

The main difference is about other sources of truth:

• Sola scriptura says the Bible is the only source. It rejects other writings or traditions as divine revelation.
• Prima scriptura says the Bible is the most important source, but it allows that other sources can also be helpful. These other sources might include church traditions or new spiritual insights. However, these other sources must always agree with the Bible. If they don't, the Bible's message is always chosen.

For example, a church might have a long-standing tradition. With prima scriptura, this tradition would be valued, but if it ever went against a clear teaching in the Bible, the Bible's teaching would take priority. With sola scriptura, the tradition would not be seen as a source of divine truth at all.