Sola Scriptura: How Reformers’ Emphasis on Scripture is Mirrored Today

Of all the changes that came about during the Reformation, few compare in impact than the transformation of engagement with the Bible. The transformation can be thought of in three main ways.

John Calvin and the Bible

• First, the Bible became more accessible. Before the Reformation, the Bible was only found in Latin, which was primarily studied by priests. Consequently, most Catholics had to rely on their priest to be their middle man with God. However, after Martin Luther translated the Bible into German, scripture study became something common Christians could take part in. Individuals “could now read the Bible in their own language… with features intended to help a person read and interpret the Bible for themselves." (Museumofthebible.org)

• Second, the Bible became more understandable. The language of the Bible was carefully considered to increase comprehension of its teachings. Martin Luther invoked decorum as he translated, meaning that he shaped the translation to fit the occasions for reading, audience, and speaker. William Tyndale, who would later translate the Bible to English, also sought for increased understanding as he translated the Bible “so that if [readers will] read, [they] canst not but understand.” (Museumofthebible.org)
• Third, the Bible became seen as a direct connection with common man and God. John Calvin taught the doctrine of sola scriptura, or only scripture, emphasizing that scripture “has flowed to us from the very mouth of God.” (glentris.net) Calvin, along with other reformers, taught the central importance of scripture study and the need to draw nearer to God by reading His teachings.

The scriptural transformations of the reformation are mirrored in the LDS church today.

LDS Church member reading the scriptures online

• First, the church has pushed to make scriptures more accessible. With the creation of the Gospel Library app, the Church enabled its members to access scripture, talks, curriculums, wherever, whenever.
• Second, the LDS church has pushed to make the scriptures more understandable. Tools such as the Guide to the Scriptures, the Topical Guide, and the Bible Dictionary are widely available to members to increase their ability to understand what they are reading. 
• Third, church leaders frequently teach that the scriptures are a direct connection with God. As the apostle Richard Scott taught, “The scriptures… can become the key to open the channel to communication with our Father in Heaven.” (lds.org) Like the reformers, LDS leaders emphasize the importance of scripture study in drawing nearer to God by reading His scriptural teachings. 

The first image is from trinitypastor.wordpress.com. The second image is from lds.org.